Understanding Backflow Preventers: Why Your Annual Inspection Matters
April 5th, 2024
“I just got a letter from my village/city saying my backflow preventer inspection is due?”
What is a backflow preventer?
A backflow preventer is designed to protect drinking water supplies from being contaminated.
The backflow devices can be irrigation systems, or fire sprinklers or any other hazard that may be connected to the potable water system.
How do they work?
A backflow preventer is a one-way valve that ensures water flows from the public water supply into the building, but not back the other way.
Backflow occurs when water flows backward through your plumbing pipes. Ideally, water should flow in one direction—into your home. However, various situations can cause water to reverse its flow, potentially contaminating the public water supply or your home. Some causes being: Reverse pressure, wrong pipe sizes, dips in water pressure or changes in the temperature.
Why am I required to have it tested every year?
Backflow can cause contamination of the water supply. Such as pesticides, waste, chlorine or soap.
Springs and washers are the main components to a device and can wear out over time.
The device must be tested by a professional every year to ensure the device is in working order. The results need to be submitted to your village/city to certify your device for the year.
Failure to submit a passing test could result in water being shut off.
What to do before scheduling?
If your device is indoors, there is nothing needed but to schedule the test.
If your device is an outdoor irrigation system: Ensure your device is set up and water turned on by your sprinkler company. A device that has not been hooked up for the season cannot be tested.
Why choose Arrow Plumbing?
Our test and certification cost includes filing to your village/city! No hassle with website portals and entering all your device data. Leave all that to us! We will also send you a reminder next year that your test is due.
Our technicians are experts and will be able to tell what your device needs to continue to operate properly and make repairs if necessary.
Call us to schedule at 847-549-9600
