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PFPriority Foundation · FDA Food Code 5-101.11 · 10-30 days (Priority Foundation)

How to fix: Inadequate Plumbing — No Hot Water or Improper Backflow

The establishment lacked adequate hot water at a required fixture, or plumbing was configured without required backflow prevention.

What this violation means

FDA Food Code 5-101.11 requires that a food establishment be provided with potable water from an approved source under adequate pressure and at the temperatures required for the establishment's operations. Hot water must be available at handwashing sinks (minimum 100°F in most jurisdictions), at the three-compartment sink (minimum 110°F for manual warewashing), and wherever cleaning and sanitizing occurs. Separately, 5-202.13 prohibits submerged inlets or direct connections between the potable water supply and potentially contaminated sources without approved backflow prevention — a plumbing configuration that can allow contaminated water to be siphoned back into the supply. These are Priority Foundation violations because they affect the integrity of the establishment's water supply and sanitation capability.

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

1Have a licensed plumber inspect and repair the hot water system before re-inspection
2Confirm water temperature at every handwashing sink reaches at least 100°F and the three-compartment sink reaches at least 110°F
3Install approved backflow prevention devices (vacuum breakers or air gaps) at any fixture identified by the inspector
4Obtain a plumber receipt or inspection record to show the inspector at re-inspection
5Do not attempt plumbing repairs without a licensed plumber — improper repairs can worsen the backflow risk

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:

☐Tests water temperature at handwashing sinks and the three-compartment sink with a thermometer
☐Inspects under sinks and behind equipment for any submerged inlets or missing vacuum breakers
☐Checks that the mop sink has a backflow preventer on the faucet
☐Verifies that carbonated beverage dispensers and similar equipment have approved air gaps or backflow prevention
☐Reviews whether a recent plumbing inspection has been completed if issues were cited previously

How to prevent this violation from recurring

Check water heater temperature settings quarterly and after any water heater service
Have a plumber inspect backflow prevention devices annually
Document all plumbing repairs and keep records accessible for the inspector

Related violations to check

Handwashing Sink Inaccessible or Improperly Equipped→Improper Sanitizer Concentration→
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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 5-101.11; individual jurisdictions may have additional requirements.

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