Whether you’re an owner or manager of either residential or commercial properties, backflow testing regulations apply to you — yet it’s still a surprise to many until it’s too late. Read on for answers to the most common questions we get about backflow testing, what makes you personally at risk, and, most importantly, how we can help with backflow prevention maintenance services.
1. What’s backflow? Backflow is typically caused by a change in distribution system pressure which can reverse the intended direction of flow. This can create the potential for unsafe water to enter the public potable water system.
2. What are some examples of how this can happen? Non-treated water from an irrigation canal, water pooled around a sprinkler head with fertilizer on it, hoses that are either submerged while filling up pools or used to apply chemical fertilizers or pesticides are all common potential threats to our potable water system.
3. How do backflow assemblies help prevent backflow from occurring and keep our drinking water safe? The most common technique to prevent polluted or contaminated water from flowing backwards into the public water supply is through backflow assemblies that can be installed to prevent backflow from occurring. In the case of an unexpected or dramatic change in water pressure, this assembly will stop potentially contaminated water from entering the clean water supply.
4. Do I have a backflow assembly? Most properties built in the 1980s do. If your home is older, experts like High Desert Backflow can easily install an assembly so that you’re doing your part to protect the water supply in our community.
5. If I have a backflow assembly, why does it need to be tested? These backflow assemblies must be properly installed, maintained and tested to confirm that they are functioning properly and to ensure that potable water lines remain free of contaminants. For example, if you have a lawn sprinkler system that is supplied by your local water purveyor, you’re required to have an approved backflow assembly properly installed and annually tested. High Desert Backflow offers more than 20 years of expertise in installation, testing and maintenance so you can rest easy that your backflow assemblies are working properly at all times, which means your water supply is always running smoothly and safely.
6. Who regulates this? Your state’s plumbing codes regulate the local water purveyors backflow program and mandate that all backflow assemblies are tested at a minimum of once per year and any necessary repairs or assembly replacement is conducted.
7. Does this apply to me? Yes, the responsibility of testing and maintaining backflow assemblies falls on both residential and commercial property owners and managers.
8. How am I at risk if there is a backflow incident? If there’s a backflow or back siphonage at your property without a properly maintained backflow assembly, you could pollute or contaminate the local public drinking water, which is extremely unsafe for you and your community. In addition, you could be found liable for damages and have your service terminated for falling out of compliance with backflow regulations.
9. What’s my first line of defense in maintaining a healthy water supply? Your first line of defense in maintaining a healthy water supply is to have an approved backflow assembly installed and annually tested. This device prevents non-potable substances from entering the drinking water system. Ironically, this is also your last line of defense because if you have it in place, you shouldn’t need anything else.
10. Who can help me install one and then make sure it’s tested each year? Water professionals licensed in backflow assembly testing can help you. And at High Desert Backflow, it’s our specialty. We provide installation and testing to ensure compliance with state plumbing codes, repairs to worn or damaged internal valves within your backflow assembly, replacement if your system fails its annual test and can’t be repaired, and leak repairs that are downstream of the meter that you’re responsible for.
At High Desert Backflow, our expert backflow testing team is just a call away for your required annual testing and maintenance, so you never fall out of compliance.
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