Why Backflow Testing?

​

Municipal and State plumbing codes typically require the installation of backflow prevention devices in most commercial building, and some residential buildings whenever there is a chance that a “back flow” of water could be sucked into the clean water system.  The size and complexity of the installed backflow preventor will coincide with the specific back-flow risks that each situation presents.  Bottom line, backflow preventors are the key to protecting the clean water supply, most need to be tested annually.

​

What is Backflow?

​

In it’s simplest form a “backflow” occurs when clean (potable) water reverses direction causing a suction that pulls dirty water into the clean supply system.  Needless to say the “dirty” water can contain any number of harmful chemicals, fertilizers and even human waste…yuck! Anytime there is a cross-connection between clean (potable) water and “dirty” (non-potable) water the chance of a back-flow exists. Consequently backflow preventors are normally required at any cross-connections in residential, commercial or industrial water systems.

What is a Backflow Prevention Device

Ranging from simple to extremely complex, these units are a series of check valves that prevent water from flowing “backwards” into the clean water supply during times of unequal water pressure or other unique pressure conditions or fluctuations.  When installed and maintained correctly, a backflow preventor keeps the clean water supply safe.

​

Backflow Testing, also called Back Flow Testing

​

Most backflow systems must be inspected annually to verify their proper operation, back-flow testing is normally considered mandatory with nasty enforcement actions possible against owners who do not complete the system testing promptly.