Notify, Identify, Inspect and Observe

This is an example of why it’s very important to “IDENTIFY” and “INSPECT” every assembly.

I sent an unmarked copy of this photo to several colleagues of mine and I asked them what they saw. They all assumed the last backflow tester failed to restore service to this existing assembly on a residential fire sprinkler system.

The problem is they are only looking at the backflow shut off valves #1 & #2. They failed to see that the fire sprinklers “Inspectors test/drain valve is in the open position,” and the “sprinkler system pressure gauge shows 0 psi.”

I do not know why the backflow assembly shut off valves are in the closed position and the inspector test valve is in the open position on this occupied residential property. What I do know is, if I restore service to this fire sprinkler system I will cause the alarm to sound and may cause property damage.

All I can do is return the system to the way I found it after I completed the test, then notify the owner of the situation, as well as inform the water department using the comments section on my test report.

Remember your USC training: NOTIFY, IDENTIFY, INSPECT, and OBSERVE.