The Asse 1022 Dual Check Valve is a compact, code-aware solution for potable water backflow protection. It helps prevent contaminants and corrosive substances, such as carbonic acid, from entering drinking water. Using an approved device helps preserve potable supplies while supporting compliance with local and national plumbing requirements.
Asse 1013
Backflow preventer manufacturers, including Watts, make devices that are built to meet ASSE performance requirements and recognized certifications. Depending on the model and application, approvals may include NSF/ANSI 61, UL, FM, or similar third-party listings. These credentials help confirm that materials will not leach harmful substances and that assemblies can withstand pressure and stress. Although some authorities require higher-protection assemblies, an Asse 1022 device may be a approved low-hazard option where the local authority permits it.
The Asse 1022 Dual Check Valve is valued for its small footprint, simple installation, and low maintenance costs. This guide explains how Asse 1022 devices compare with higher-protection standards such as Asse 1013. It also outlines selection, installation, maintenance, and compliance steps so the unit can meet plumbing-code expectations and industry guidance.
Backflow Basics And The Role Of Dual Check Valves
Backflow creates a important risk because water can reverse direction inside a plumbing system. This reverse movement can introduce contaminants into plumbing and compromise drinking-water safety. Water authorities and adopted plumbing codes require backflow protection to help prevent this kind of contamination.
Backflow usually happens because of one of two hydraulic conditions. Backsiphonage occurs when supply pressure falls, creating suction that can draw water in reverse. Backpressure occurs when pressure on the downstream side becomes greater than supply pressure and pushes water backward. Knowing the difference between backsiphonage and backpressure matters because each condition can call for a different type of protection.

In homes, common cross-connections include irrigation systems, garden hoses, boilers, and chemical injection points. Commercial settings add booster pumps, closed-loop HVAC systems, and process equipment. Without the right device, these connections may become pathways for pollutants or unwanted substances.
Dual check valves, including the Asse 1022 model, are designed for low-hazard protection. They help prevent contaminants that may affect taste or odor but are not considered a direct health risk. The Asse 1022 Backflow Preventer is a compact solution for many applications identified in plumbing codes.
Proper device selection and installation are guided by codes and standards. ASSE performance requirements, together with ANSI-accredited standards development, help support product acceptance. Installers must follow local plumbing code language, including references such as the 2018 UPC and AWWA M-14, when installing Asse 1022 devices.
Typical approved uses include residential irrigation, HVAC makeup lines, and some commercial low-hazard cross-connections. Where hazards are higher, more protective devices are required.
| Backflow Issue | Common Cause | Typical Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Backsiphonage | Main pressure loss from firefighting, broken lines, or supply interruption | Asse 1022 Backflow Preventer or air gap where required |
| Backflow caused by pressure imbalance | Pressure created by booster systems, elevated storage, or heated closed systems | Asse 1022 for low-hazard; RPZ for high-hazard |
| Drinking-water contamination risk | Chemical injection, treated boiler water, irrigation additives, or industrial fluids | Classify the hazard and use Asse 1022 or a higher-protection assembly |
What Is Backflow And How It Occurs
Backflow means water moves in reverse from a fixture, device, or private system toward the public supply. It may be caused by negative supply pressure, backsiphonage, or excess downstream pressure. Either condition can allow contaminants to enter potable lines and threaten drinking-water quality.
Why Dual Check Valves Are Used For Low-Hazard Protection
A dual check valve uses two separate check mechanisms inside a single valve body. That built-in redundancy helps protect low-hazard cross-connections from reverse flow. Asse 1022 devices meet performance criteria for nuisance-level risks and are common where codes allow double-check assemblies.
Understanding The Asse 1022 Dual Check Valve
An Asse 1022 Dual Check Valve is a compact backflow prevention device used for low-hazard potable-water applications. It uses two independent spring-loaded checks arranged in series. That arrangement helps stop reverse flow and gives the device a second sealing point. It maintains serviceability and reduces contamination risk during pressure shifts or brief backpressure events.
Functional Overview And Main Features
Spring-loaded checks provide positive closure under changing flow and pressure. Many units are built with serviceable internals, replaceable seats, or removable parts. This design reduces maintenance time and lifecycle costs.
Manufacturers produce Asse 1022 units in materials such as bronze, brass, corrosion-resistant alloys, and engineered plastics. Available sizes are designed to match common pipe diameters, pressure ratings, and potable-water system requirements.
Built-in test ports and compact bodies support quick installation and routine inspection. The Asse 1022 Backflow Preventer fits tight spaces where larger assemblies cannot. Properly sized models can meet flow demands for common low-hazard applications.
Certifications And Standards Behind ASSE 1022 Devices
ASSE standards define baseline performance tests, functional requirements, and operating thresholds. Those tests are used to verify dependable operation under defined conditions. Many listed products exceed minimum requirements, which may reduce failure risk and support longer maintenance intervals.
NSF/ANSI 61 certification confirms materials are safe for drinking water and helps prevent harmful contaminant leaching. UL/FM approvals validate durability and performance under pressure and stress testing. This gives specifying engineers additional assurance.
When combined with ANSI-accredited development, these approvals improve the Asse 1022 Dual Check Valve’s acceptance in plumbing codes and project specifications. For project teams seeking verified material safety and tested performance, ASSE 1022 features, NSF/ANSI 61, and UL/FM marks create a strong compliance package.
ASSE 1022 Compared With ASSE 1013, ASSE 1012, And ASSE 1024
This outline compares common backflow protection options to help match device features with risk and code needs. It explains practical differences among RPZ assemblies, double-check devices, and other dual-check products used in U.S. plumbing systems.
Device selection should start with a clear hazard-level assessment. ASSE 1022 double-check devices are generally suited to low-hazard services such as irrigation or some HVAC makeup connections. By contrast, Asse 1013 RPZ units are designed for high-hazard cross-connections where contaminants could create a health risk. Asse 1024 covers reduced-pressure principle devices for severe contamination scenarios. Use Asse 1012 standards when specifying certain dual-check products or service-line applications.
How ASSE 1022 Differs From ASSE 1013 And ASSE 1024
ASSE 1022 double-check devices rely on two check valves, and where applicable shutoff valves, to control backflow in low-hazard uses. ASSE 1013 RPZ devices include a relief valve that vents to atmosphere when internal pressure drops, providing a higher safety margin. Asse 1024 reduced-pressure principle devices use the same relief concept but apply to a broader set of severe contamination risks.
Testing requirements and procedure complexity vary by device type. RPZ units under Asse 1013 require more rigorous annual and post-event testing with relief valve verification. ASSE 1022 double-check devices require periodic testing of the check mechanisms, generally with simpler procedures than RPZ assemblies.
When ASSE 1012 And Other Dual-Check Standards Apply
Asse 1012 covers requirements for selected dual-check configurations used in low- or moderate-hazard applications. Choose this standard when local code or the water authority allows a dual-check format but requires a recognized standard beyond ASSE 1022.
Codes vary by jurisdiction. Many municipalities that follow the 2018 UPC require ASSE 1013 RPZ assemblies for high-hazard cross-connections. Utilities may allow ASSE 1022 for low-hazard applications or specify Asse 1012-certified dual-check devices for certain service-line uses. Always confirm requirements with the local water authority before installation.
| Comparison Point | ASSE 1022 | Asse 1013 Reduced Pressure Zone | Asse 1024 Reduced Pressure Principle | Asse 1012 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical use | Low-hazard services like irrigation and some HVAC | High-hazard cross-connections and health-risk protection | Severe contamination risks requiring reduced-pressure principle | Dual-check configurations for specific service applications |
| Protection level | Lower protection level | High hazard | High | Application-dependent low-to-moderate protection |
| Relief valve | No relief valve | Includes atmospheric relief valve | Includes reduced-pressure relief valve | Not typically included unless the product standard specifies it |
| Testing approach | Periodic testing of both checks | Annual and post-event testing with relief verification | Annual testing and relief checks | Testing as required by the water authority |
| Common applications | Low-hazard cross-connections where allowed | Chemical feed and boiler makeup with toxic chemicals | Severe contamination sources where health impact is possible | Service lines where dual-check is sufficient and allowed |
| Code preference | Often allowed for low-hazard applications | Commonly required for high-hazard conditions | Required for serious contamination threats | Applied when the authority requires this dual-check standard |
For an ASSE 1022 comparison with RPZ units, consider both safety margin and testing needs. RPZ versus double-check decisions depend on hazard assessment, local code, and water authority rules. When in doubt, choose the higher protection level specified by the authority having jurisdiction.
Installation, Maintenance, And Code Compliance
A correct Asse 1022 installation starts with careful planning. Place dual check valves in an easily accessible area and follow the manufacturer’s orientation guidelines. Maintain enough space for service, testing ports, and unions. That clearance allows certified testers or service technicians to reach fittings without unnecessary disassembly.
Follow good piping practices to avoid introducing new hazards. Avoid installing devices where downstream cross-connections could undermine the protection. Install shutoffs, unions, and drain provisions according to manufacturer instructions and local codes. Keep unions and test cocks accessible for inspections, service work, and backflow testing.
Maintenance schedules are set by local regulations and water authority directives. Many jurisdictions require annual inspection or testing by certified backflow professionals. Clear records of service, repairs, and test results help demonstrate compliance during audits, inspections, and permit reviews.
Certified testers provide documented evidence that satisfies most regulatory requirements. AWWA M-14 can be used as a reference for inspection, maintenance, and backflow-prevention practices. Following recognized guidance can help reduce downtime and identify wear before it becomes a leak or failure.
Choose devices with recognized listings to simplify approval. Products with ASSE approvals and NSF/ANSI 61 certifications are often easier for inspectors to accept. UL/FM compliance also matters for commercial and fire-protection connections where third-party recognition is important.
Before installation, learn the applicable plumbing code edition and water authority rules in your area. Certain jurisdictions may require an RPZ rather than a dual check valve. Confirm permitting requirements and verify that the selected Asse 1022 installation meets local standards before work begins.
Establish a consistent record-keeping routine. Store manufacturer cut sheets, test certificates, and repair invoices with a map of the device location. This simplifies future inspections and supports transparent compliance during regulatory reviews.
Product Selection Guidance And Where To Buy
Choosing the right device means matching size, pressure rating, and materials to the plumbing system. Confirm that the Asse 1022 Dual Check Valve matches the pipe diameter and peak-flow requirement. Also compare pressure ratings with maximum working pressure and expected surge conditions.
Material compatibility is essential for potable water systems. Choose brass, bronze, or NSF/ANSI 61-certified plastics to avoid corrosion or leaching. Check manufacturer data for chemical resistance, especially if local water chemistry is aggressive or unusual.
Certification checks simplify approval and inspection. Confirm that the product lists ASSE 1022 compliance and NSF/ANSI 61 certification. If local codes demand UL or FM approval, confirm those marks before purchase.
Supplier reputation matters when purchasing an ASSE 1022 device. Authorized dealers can provide genuine products, documentation, and warranty assistance. Installation Parts Supply is a reputable distributor that stocks certified units and can help with model selection.
Warranty coverage and pricing rules can affect the final purchase cost. Review manufacturer warranty limits and any MAP rules that hide prices online. Some stores require cart checkout to reveal final pricing while preserving full warranty through authorized sales channels.
How To Choose Materials
- Select an Asse 1022 Dual Check Valve model that matches pipe size, flow rate, and installation layout.
- Use NSF/ANSI 61-certified components for potable-water systems whenever required or available.
- Check the Asse 1022 Backflow Preventer pressure rating and surge tolerance before installation.
Trusted Suppliers
- Purchase from certified or authorized dealers so documentation is available for inspections.
- Choose vendors that offer sizing support and warranty handling.
- Installation Parts Supply often provides certified stock and model guidance.
| Buying Factor | Details to Confirm | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Pipe size and flow | Line diameter, expected flow, and model capacity data | Ensures the device can handle demand without unnecessary restriction |
| Material compatibility | Approved metals or certified plastics for potable water | Protects potable water quality and resists corrosion |
| Pressure Rating | Rated operating pressure plus expected surge tolerance | Supports safe operation during everyday use and pressure spikes |
| Compliance markings | ASSE listing, NSF/ANSI 61, and UL/FM marks where needed | Helps inspectors approve the installation more easily |
| Distributor or dealer | Dealer authorization, paperwork, and warranty support | Ensures genuine Asse 1022 Backflow Preventer and post-sale support |
| Warranty terms and pricing rules | Manufacturer warranty details, MAP pricing policies | Prevents surprises and supports long-term ownership |
Conclusion
ASSE 1022 double-check valves can be space-saving solutions for low-risk backflow prevention when approved by the local authority. The Asse 1022 Dual Check Valve uses two spring-loaded checks and materials that meet NSF/ANSI 61 and ASSE standards. This helps reduce contamination risks in irrigation and some HVAC makeup lines.
Choosing the right device depends on hazard level and code compliance. An Asse 1022 Backflow Preventer is appropriate for low-hazard scenarios where it is allowed. For high-hazard applications, authorities may require ASSE 1013, ASSE 1024, or another reduced-pressure assembly. Proper selection streamlines permitting and improves water-system safety.
To ensure backflow prevention compliance, follow manufacturer guidelines and local plumbing codes. Where applicable, this may include the 2018 UPC, local amendments, and water authority rules. Purchase certified products from trusted suppliers. Verify ASSE, NSF/ANSI 61, and UL or FM listings for approvals and reliability.
Reliable backflow protection depends on correct selection, accurate installation, and routine maintenance. When supported by certified devices and qualified testers, these steps help protect potable water. They also support regulatory acceptance. Following these practices helps an Asse 1022 Dual Check Valve or other approved backflow solution perform reliably over time.