When people first glance at the words “chemical dispenser”, they may think of strange toxic chemicals being contained to be uses for some strange experiment in a science lab. But, in reality, it’s just a more efficient method of mixing cleaning fluids with water. Peek in a janitor’s closet in a building or school and you will very likely see some method of mixing cleaning solutions with water.

First, why mix cleaning fluids with water? Why not just purchase cleaning fluids with water already mixed in? Cost is the real answer. It costs money to transport chemicals that weigh more with water. Transportation costs, storage costs, why pay for those if you can simply mix cleaning fluids with water on site. For a good example, just look to your laundry detergent and pods. People used to have jugs of detergent but now, its concentrated into a small pod. What changed? They simply removed the water from the jug. Simple as that.

Second, safety is another reason. Workers who clean facilities can either open a bottle or jug and pour cleaning chemicals into a bucket and risk splashing those chemicals on themselves or the environment they work in, or worse, into their eyes or breath it into their lungs, or they can simply push a button on a chemical dispenser and have it mix with water rendering it safer in a measured and efficient manner. This mix has been negotiated between vender and client to ensure the mix matches their needs. This is especially important in a food preparation or serving situation to ensure cleanliness and any pathogens are taken care of by the correct mix of sanitary chemicals and water.

Finally, chemical dispensers protect the source of drinking water with integral backflow prevention. Not only are chemical dispensers designed to produce an engineered mix of water and chemical, they are designed in a way that provides protection that stop any chemical from backing into the water source.

But before we discuss just how chemical dispensers stop backflow of chemicals into the water, let’s have a quick discussion on just how a chemical dispenser works. A chemical dispenser that is certified to ASSE 1055 is connected to a water source. The water flows into the equipment via that connection and most chemical dispensers have a valve that is operated by an employee to allow water to enter the equipment further and past the backflow assembly. The water moving past the opening of where the chemical is dispensed creates a pressure that pulls chemical from a holding bottle or bag and mixes with water. The mix then flows out of the equipment into a bucket. It is important to note that chemical is not pulled without water flow. No water, no chemical, easy as that.

Now, regarding the backflow prevention methods, the 2016 version of ASSE 1055 does not dictate what type of backflow prevention should be used but leaves that open for manufacturers to determine what is the best method to use for their product.  However, the most important part of this is all chemical dispensers that are ASSE 1055 are tested the same, regardless of method of backflow prevention.

How are ASSE 1055 certified chemical dispensers tested?  They are pressured to 150% of the rating given by the manufacturer and must hold for five minutes. Then the equipment is cycled 5000 times with water heated to 180 degrees. Any deformation is a fail. In addition, many are concerned with backpressure and back siphonage. Both are tested on chemical dispensers that are ASSE 1055 certified. The standard sets out the procedure and any testing of the equipment must meet those requirements. If a product has been certified and tested, it meets the rigorous requirements of ASSE 1055 and protects the very precious resource of drinking water.

Keep in mind, the backflow prevention is contained within the equipment. It is not added or separate but integral to the working of the dispensing equipment. The water flows past the backflow prevention assembly before it ever contacts chemicals.  There is an old tried and true method of guessing what might happen to try to determine if a backflow prevention assembly is correct for the situation. However, assumptions should be realistic in what might happen, not every multiple failure is possible in the real world. Simply put, there are alternatives to protecting the water source and those alternatives should be explored.  Education is the best way to help that exploration.

Dispensing Equipment Alliance (DEA) is a non-profit membership organization that represents the dispensing equipment industry. DEA is working to educate the public on dispensing equipment and how to properly install the equipment to ensure they operate in the way they were designed.

About the Author

Ron Lord is a Regional Manager for the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) since 2002 in several areas of the country.  While working the Rocky Mountain region, he was a member of the Colorado Backflow Prevention Education Committee for the state of Colorado. Currently working the Mid-Atlantic area down to Florida for IAPMO.  In addition, Director of Dispensing Equipment Alliance (DEA) which is a non-profit membership organization representing manufacturers and suppliers of dispensing equipment.  The DEA is a part of the IAPMO group since 2015.  DEA is working to educate all aspects of the industry on the standards that certifies chemical dispensing equipment.  Ron is a member of ASSE and ASPE.  And, he holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Houston – Clear Lake.