American Backflow Products Company
Home
Parts Catalog
Repair Procedures
Guage Services
Tracking
Order Form
Credit Application
Contact Us
Backflow Blitz

What is Backflow Blitz

A competition for backflow technicians to

  • Showcase your skills
  • Gain industry recognition
  • Win awards and cash prizes
  • HAVE FUN!!
Championship Grand Prizes
  • 1st Place: $2,000.00 cash prize & Trophy
  • 2nd Place: $1,000.00 cash prize & Plaque
  • 3rd Place: $500.00 cash prize & Plaque
Register Now

Official Rules

  1. This competition is a measure of an individual's skill at replacing basic rubber parts for three backflow prevention assemblies (1-RPA, 1-DCA, and 1-PVB) in consecutive order.
  2. Competitors must be able to disassemble, replace rubber parts, and reassemble each assembly quickly, totally, and accurately.
  3. The winner will be determined based on the fastest OFFICIAL TIME. A time period of no more than 15 minutes shall be allowed for each competitor to complete all three repairs consecutively.
  4. A "Competition Check List" is a list of steps that each contestant must complete during the competition. Each step must be completed but not necessarily in sequential order. This list will be available in adequate time for individuals to practice prior to the competition.
  5. A "Competition Tool List" is a list of hand tools that will be used for the competition. It will also list the specific repair parts that will be used during the competition. This list will be available in adequate time for individuals to practice prior to the competition.
  6. The assembly(s): Model, Size, and Manufacturer will vary each year, but will be announced in adequate time for individuals to practice prior to the competition. For 2011: ¾" Conbraco RP-4A, 1" Febco 765, ¾" Wilkins 350
  7. There are up to 3 playoff rounds for the series:
    1. Wildcard Rounds will be the first rounds of the series. These rounds are optional and are localized for the convenience of the contestants. (A minimum of 4 contestants) The winner of the Wildcard Round will advance to the Regional Round.
    2. Regional Rounds will be the second rounds of the series. These will be limited to one per state or region. The winner and runner up of the Regional will both advance to the Championship Round.
    3. Championship Round will be the third and final round of the series.
  8. ** All rounds must be approved by the competition committee based on proximity and number of contestants.

Competition Heat:

  1. This is a dry competition. No water will be used.
  2. During a heat each competitor will be furnished with: 1) assemblies 2) replacement parts 3) tools.
  3. Before each heat, the judges will insure that the assemblies are fully assembled and all nuts and lids are tightened.
  4. Before each heat, the judges will insure that all tools are disassembled and laid on the table in front of the assemblies.
  5. Before each heat, the judges will insure that the correct replacement parts are laid on the table in front of the assembly.
  6. Competitors cannot touch or handle any tools or parts before the heat begins.
  7. Competitors cannot touch or handle any assembly before the heat begins.
  8. Once the judge signals start, the competitor can begin work.
  9. Once a heat starts, the timer cannot be stopped or reset.
  10. Each step on the competition checklist must be completed, but not in any specific order.
  11. A competitor is complete once all tools are laid down on the table and both hands are raised.
  12. Two or more contestants can compete at the same time. The start will be simultaneous for all individuals in that heat, but there must be 1 judge for each contestant.

Judging:

  1. One judge will evaluate only one competitor at a time.
  2. The judge will time each contestant with a stopwatch. This time will be the RAW TIME.
  3. The judge will also evaluate each contestant using the "Competition Check List" of repair steps for each assembly. The judge must watch the competitor closely and check off steps as they are completed.
  4. Once the timer has started the judge cannot stop the competitor, get in the way of the competitor or talk to the competitor for any reason.
  5. Once the timer has started, the judge cannot answer any questions.
  6. The judges will assess penalty seconds for: 1) steps missed 2) steps not fully completed 3) parts installed incorrectly 4) unsafe work 5) broken parts
  7. Each step missed will have a value of 15 seconds.
  8. The OFFICIAL TIME will be the raw time plus any penalty seconds accrued.
  9. If a competitor goes over the time limit, the timer will be stopped and the judge will add penalty seconds for each step missed. The result will be the official time.
  10. A judge cannot be a contestant.
  11. The decision of the judge is final.

Judge Requirements

  1. Must hold a current backflow testing certificate.
  2. Must be certified to repair or be approved by the competition committee.
  3. Must know and abide by the rules of the competition.
  4. Must be able to document results and return that documentation to the competition committee.
  5. Must over see all timing issues for the competition.

Participants:

  1. Each participant must be a certified backflow assembly tester and hold a current certification that is recognized by the competition committee.
  2. There is no entry fee, but competitors must complete an application before the competition. The application will be found at www.backflowparts.com/backflowblitz
  3. Each participant must turn in a copy of their tester certificate along with their application.
  4. Each participant will be responsible for their own travel expenses.

Host Sites

  1. Host sites will be approved by the competition committee and American Backflow Products Company.
  2. Wildcard rounds can be held at schools, meetings, or any other pre-approved site.
  3. Regional and Championship rounds of Backflow Blitz will be held at schools, chapter meetings or national/regional conferences.
  4. It is the goal of Backflow Blitz to help increase attendance at backflow related events.
  5. Backflow Blitz will work with the host sites to draw in potential new members and or conference attendees through our promotion of the event.
  6. Host sites will be able to allow Backflow Blitz to use booth space for the event at no charge. The host site will get recognition as a host sponsor for the event.
  7. Host sites will be able to allow Backflow Blitz contestants to attend the event at no charge. The host site will get recognition as a host sponsor for the event.
  8. American Backflow Products Company will supply each host site with assemblies and set up material.

Click here for Competition Rules in printable form

Sponsored By
American Backflow Products Company
  • Ames
  • Flowmatic
  • Watts
  • American Backflow Prevention Association
  • Febco
  • Conbraco
  • Wilkins
  • IAPMO

Competition Setup

Competition Assemblies for 2011:

  • ¾" Conbraco RP-4A
  • 1" Febco 765
  • ¾" Wilkins 350

Backflow Blitz 2011 Competition Tool & Parts List

Tools allowed during the competition:

  • 10" cresent wrench
  • 3/8 drive socket wrench
  • 3/8 x 3" drive extension
  • 7/16" socket
  • 3/8" socket
  • #2 phillips screw driver
  • 3/16" tip flat screw driver

Parts to be replaced in each assembly:

¾" - RP-4A

  • 2 - check valve disc
  • 2 - check cover o-rings
  • 1 - RV diaphragm
  • 1 - RV disc
  • 1 - RV o-ring
  • 1 - RV internal stem o-ring

1" - 765

  • 1 - bonnet o-ring
  • 1 - float seal
  • 1 - check disc

¾" 350

  • 2 - check poppets
  • 1 - inlet vessel o-ring
  • 1 - outlet vessel o-ring

Click Here for Competition Tools & Parts List in printable form


Competition Assembly Check List

Conbraco/Apollo RP-4A Competition Check List

Downloads

Notes

  • Each step must be completed but not necessarily in sequential order.
  • Shut off valves must be closed during disassembly.
  • Each step missed will have a value of 15 seconds.
  • ____Turn off shut off valve #1
  • ____Turn off shut off valve #2

Check Valve #1

  • ____Remove lid
  • ____Disassemble/remove CV
  • ____Replace rubber disc on poppet (tighten completely)
  • ____Reassemble/replace CV
  • ____Replace lid o-ring
  • ____Replace lid (tighten completely)

Check Valve #2

  • ____Remove lid
  • ____Disassemble/remove CV
  • ____Replace rubber disc on poppet (tighten completely)
  • ____Reassemble/replace CV
  • ____Replace lid o-ring
  • ____Replace lid (tighten completely)

Relief Valve

  • ____Remove lid bolts
  • ____Remove stem assembly
  • ____Disassemble stem assembly
  • ____Replace internal stem o-ring
  • ____Reassemble stem assembly (look for guide in correct position)
  • ____Replace RV disc (tighten completely)
  • ____Replace RV o-ring
  • ____Replace stem assembly
  • ____Replace diaphragm (Line side out)
  • ____Replace lid bolts (tighten completely)
  • ____Turn on shut off valve #1
  • ____Turn on shut off valve #2

Febco 765 PVB Competition Check List

Downloads

Notes

  • Each step must be completed but not necessarily in sequential order.
  • Shut off valves must be closed during disassembly.
  • Each step missed will have a value of 15 seconds.
  • ____Turn off shut off valve #1
  • ____Turn off shut off valve #2

Disassembly

  • ____Remove canopy
  • ____Remove bonnet assembly

Float

  • ____Remove float
  • ____Replace float rubber seal

Check Valve

  • ____Remove retainer
  • ____Remove spring
  • ____Remove poppet
  • ____Replace rubber disc on poppet (tighten completely)
  • ____Replace poppet
  • ____Replace spring (wide side down)
  • ____Replace retainer (snap into place)

Reassembly

  • ____Replace float
  • ____Replace bonnet o-ring
  • ____Replace bonnet (tighten completely)
  • ____Replace lock nut (tighten completely)
  • ____Turn on shut off valve #1
  • ____Turn on shut off valve #2

Wilkins 350 DCA Competition Check List

Downloads

Notes

  • Each step must be completed but not necessarily in sequential order.
  • Shut off valves must be closed during disassembly.
  • Each step missed will have a value of 15 seconds.
  • ____Turn off shut off valve #1
  • ____Turn off shut off valve #2

Disassembly

  • ____Remove vessel bolts
  • ____Remove vessel
  • ____Remove modules from vessel

Check Valve #1

  • ____Disassemble module
  • ____Replace poppet
  • ____Reassemble module (complete)

Check Valve #2

  • ____Disassemble module
  • ____Replace poppet
  • ____Reassemble module (complete)

Reassembly

  • ____Slide both modules into vessel
  • ____Replace both vessel o-rings
  • ____Install vessel
  • ____Replace bolts (tighten completely)
  • ____Turn on shut off valve #1
  • ____Turn on shut off valve #2

For more information please contact Mark Inman at American Backflow Products Co.
By Phone: 1-800-575-9618
or
By Email imark@backflowparts.com.