What is Backflow?
Backflow is the reverse flow of water caused by reduced or loss of water pressure from the water supplier.
Think of it like this – your city is supplying you with 60 psi (pounds per square inch) of water pressure. The pipes leading to and in your house have 60 psi of water pressure in them.
Say the city water main breaks or there is a fire down the street and the fire department starts pumping large volumes of water out of the city main. That 60 pounds of pressure is reduced to your house as the water starts to flow either out of the broken main or the fire hoses.
Suddenly you no longer have all that pressure going to your house. Now the water pressure in your house has to go somewhere……..BACKWARDS!!
Like a coke bottle when you shake it up and suddenly release your thumb from the top. The water now goes from your pipes back into the city main.
This includes all the water in your lawn sprinkler system, a hose you have in your swimming pool or your automobile radiator while you are filling it and even a toilet with a faulty valve. This water along with ALL the pollutants and contaminates will go right back into the city water and YOUR drinking water.
Why does the backflow device have to be tested yearly?
Any device that is mechanical may fail and must be regularly checked and tested. The manufacturer recommends that testable backflow devices be tested yearly. In addition, the State of Texas states that backflow devices must be tested at least annually and upon installation and any repairs.
Why have I never had to test my Backflow before?
When your Backflow was installed it was tested prior to plumbing inspection. Because of the volume of Backflow preventers being installed and the large number of existing Backflow preventers in various cities it is not easy for municipalities to keep you informed of when your Backflow is due to be tested. However, due to increased awareness of the importance of protecting our water many cities are taking better steps to inform people when their annual test is due. The State of Texas has also started auditing cities to make sure they are in compliance.
What is a Backflow preventer?
A Backflow preventer is a mechanism designed to prevent Backflow caused by reduced or loss of pressure from the water supplier. Backflow devices are designed to maintain water quality by keeping pollutants and contaminates from entering the drinking water supply. Water Districts are required by the EPA and the State of Texas to implement a Cross Connection Control Program. We help reduce your liability by making sure your device is working properly.
Some examples of pollutants and contaminates are irrigation water, pesticides, cleaning agents, water conditioners for boilers, X-ray developer, fire supply lines, soda machines, etc.
There are four basic types of devices Double Check DC Reduced Pressure Principle RPZ Pressure Vacuum Break PVB Spill Resistant Vacuum Break SPVB
Reduced Pressure Backflow Testing Demonstration
Different models of the four basic types from different manufacturers. Watts 007 Double Check – DC Watts 009 Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly – RPZ Febco 850 Double Check – DC Watts Stainless Steel Reduced Pressure Zone – RPZ Febco 860 Reduced Pressure Zone – RPZ Watts 008 Spill Resistent Vavuum Breaker – SVB Febco 765 Pressure Vacuum Breaker – PVB Watts 909 Reduced Pressure Zone – RPZ
Call or email us with any questions you have.
Call or email us to schedule testing, repairs, or replacement.