I got a notice that I need to get a blackflow test. Do I have to do it?
Many people think a backflow test is just a money grab, a scheme for drinking water companies to make a little extra money. Water suppliers actually make no money on backflow tests though, and they do legitimately serve to make sure your drinking water is clean. So let’s take a look at what a blackflow preventer is, what a backflow test is, and how to get one.
What is a backflow preventer?
Any customer using water from a municipal drinking source to irrigate their property is required to have a certified backflow preventer installed to help prevent any contamination of the drinking water.
A backflow preventer is a device that contains check valves that allow water to move in one direction but not in the other. Most backflow preventers contain a discharge valve that allows water to be dumped from the backflow preventer into the ground below if debris or mechanical issues allow water to flow backwards into the drinking supply. The continuous dumping of the water prevents the water from going back into the drinking source.
What is the purpose of a backflow test?
Local drinking water suppliers enforce a yearly testing of backflow preventers to help ensure they are working properly and maintain safe drinking water conditions. As mentioned previously, the water supplier makes no money from the cost of the backflow test.
A standard backflow test consists of hooking a meter with hoses up to the backflow preventer and doing a series of tests. Each test checks for proper functioning of each of the check valves, discharge port, and shut off valves inside the backflow. If any part of the test fails then the backflow will need to be repaired.
Backflow Repair
Repairing the backflow typically consists of replacing a broken part or in some instances a simple cleaning of the internal parts to allow the backflow to work properly again. In rare cases the entire backflow preventer may need to be replaced.
After testing the backflow preventer, I will fill out the proper paperwork showing the test results with the local water supplier where they will record them.
A customer will know when it is time to have their backflow preventer tested when their local water supplier sends a notification in the mail to alert them of the required test by a certain date.