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PPriority · FDA Food Code 5-203.14 · 24–72 hours (Priority)

How to fix: Backflow Prevention Device Missing or Non-Functional

A plumbing connection lacked a required backflow prevention device, creating the risk of contaminated water flowing back into the potable water supply.

What this violation means

FDA Food Code 5-203.14 requires backflow prevention devices wherever a cross-connection exists between the potable water supply and a potential source of contamination. Common locations include hose bibs (where a garden hose can be submerged in a mop bucket), pre-rinse spray units connected to the water supply, and any outlet where a hose might be attached and submerged. Without backflow prevention, a drop in water pressure can siphon contaminated water back into the potable supply, affecting the entire facility. This is a Priority violation because it threatens the safety of the water used for food preparation, handwashing, and equipment cleaning.

Step-by-step: how to fix this before re-inspection

1Install atmospheric vacuum breakers on all hose bibs where a hose can be attached — these are inexpensive and screw on in minutes
2Have a licensed plumber verify backflow prevention on all cross-connections if you are unsure which connections are at risk
3Do not use hoses in mop buckets or submerge hoses in any container unless a backflow preventer is installed upstream
4Document the installation with photos and a receipt from the plumber or hardware store
5Have the repair inspected before your re-inspection if required by your jurisdiction

What the inspector rechecks at re-inspection

WHAT THE INSPECTOR CHECKS

Inspectors do not just look at the surface. For this violation, expect them to verify:

☐Inspects all hose bibs and water outlets for atmospheric vacuum breakers or other backflow prevention devices
☐Checks pre-rinse spray assemblies for built-in backflow prevention
☐Looks for any location where a hose can be attached and submerged in water
☐Verifies backflow preventers are in good working condition and have not been removed or bypassed
☐May review plumbing permits if major plumbing work was recently performed

How to prevent this violation from recurring

Include backflow prevention in your annual plumbing inspection
Train maintenance staff on what a backflow preventer looks like and where they are required
Never remove a vacuum breaker from a hose bib — treat it as a fixed plumbing fixture

Related violations to check

Plumbing Issues — Cross-Connections or Leaks→Handwashing Sink Inaccessible or Missing→Improper Storage of Toxic Chemicals→
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This document is for informational purposes only. It is not legal advice and does not guarantee a passing re-inspection score. Always verify requirements with your local health department. Fix steps are based on FDA Food Code 5-203.14; individual jurisdictions may have additional requirements.

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