Learn More About Backflow Prevention
Backflow device knowledge isn’t something you’re born with. That’s why we are here to help! On this page we hope to share all that we’ve learned over the years about backflow preventers and how they work.
What Is a Backflow Preventer?
Backflow preventers are devices that are installed on your business or home’s water pipes that only allow water to flow in one direction and not the opposite. They are designed to make sure potable water, or drinking water doesn’t get contaminated from other sources because of a backflow event.
Backflow preventers ensure you and your neighbors have a clean drinking supply, as well as making sure the city’s main water supply stays clean and free of waste, chemicals, or other contaminants that might flow backwards through pipes during a drop in water pressure.
Several states require homes and commercial businesses to install backflow prevention devices. Many newer buildings and irrigation systems already come equipped with one or many.
Here you can see a cross section of a backflow preventer using valves and different water pressures to make sure a backflow event doesn’t occur.
What Is a Cross Connection?
A cross-connection is any potential connection between the public or consumer’s potable water system plus any non-potable source or substance that could present a hazard to the quality of the public or consumer’s potable water system. Backflow testing and repair manage these cross-connections to protect public safety by preventing backflow incidents within the public or water consumer’s potable water system.
Think You Might Need a Backflow Device?
The general idea is that you have a backflow preventer installed anywhere a wastewater line might be cross-connected with a water supply and any backflow could occur. Most newly built homes and businesses and irrigation systems should already haves backflow preventers installed before reaching main water lines. If you are unsure of whether your property is up to code for your local area, set up an appointment with us and we will send a certified backflow tester out to assist you. They will suggest where you’d need to install any backflow devices.
What goes on during a backflow test?
- Our tester will meet with your contact for the job and brief them.
- We go through any necessary background or security checks before starting any job if you require it.
- After finding the backflow device we make sure we have the right forms for any potential agreed upon tests.
- A Backflow Test begins with various tools/gauges to check for any pressure changes in the backflow device.
- If there’s nothing wrong with it, which in most cases there isn’t, the device passes.
- When it fails, our testers open the device to clean out any debris that may be obstructing one of the valves. We have found tennis balls, wood 2x4s, rocks the size of your hand, a donut, and many more things in our days.
- After opening a device the tamper switch needs to be reset once cleaned.
- We always make sure to brief the owner of the property on what was done and upcoming visits before leaving.
