10B — Backflow/back-siphonage device missing or drainage improper
Backflow is when dirty water gets siphoned backward into the clean water supply — a submerged hose is the classic cause. A vacuum breaker (a small device on a faucet or spray) stops that. The rule also covers condensate and waste water being routed properly, not just dumped in a bucket. It's a General violation (2-5 points), but if the sewage system itself is in disrepair the inspector also cites 05A, which jumps to 28. Most of this is a plumber's job, not a DIY fix.
What the inspector looks for
Look for any hose or spray arm with its tip sitting down in a filled sink, mop bucket, or pot — the end must stay above the water line (an air gap). Check the mop sink and pre-rinse spray for a vacuum breaker, and look under reach-ins for condensate draining into an open bucket. A submerged hose or a bucket catching drips is the violation.
Points & grade impact
Cited at 2 points — 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 across condition I-IV; if the sewage system is in disrepair, 05A is also cited (→28). NYC adds every cited violation’s points into one inspection score: 0–13 = A, 14–27 = B, 28+ = C.
How to fix it
Look for any hose or spray arm with its end sitting in a filled sink or bucket — pull it out so there's an air gap above the rim. If the citation is a broken vacuum breaker on the mop sink or pre-rinse spray, call a licensed plumber; that's not a DIY fix. If a reach-in's condensate drains into an open bucket, route it to the floor drain or a proper drip pan.
How to prevent it
After any plumbing work, confirm no hose end is left submerged. Check refrigerator condensate drip trays weekly and make sure they drain to the floor drain, not overflow onto the floor.
- ✓Never leave a hose end or spray nozzle sitting in a filled sink, bucket, or pot — keep an air gap above the rim.
- ✓Make sure the mop sink and pre-rinse spray have a working vacuum breaker; call a licensed plumber to add or repair one.
- ✓Route reach-in and ice-machine condensate to a floor drain or a proper drip pan — not an open bucket that overflows.
- ✓After any plumbing work, walk the kitchen and confirm nothing got left submerged.
Reference: Health Code §81.20(a)
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