Backflow prevention testing is required to be performed annually by your local water department to protect the publics drinking supply.
- Test all sizes for same price
- No trip charge
- Report submission
- Annual reminders
Backflow devices are typically located behind your water meter. Sometimes they are inside a mechanical room or riser room. They can range in size from half inch all the way up twelve 12 inches. If they are double checks they will likely be in a meter box or concrete vault underground (pictured below). If they are reduced pressure zone devices (RPZ) they will be above ground in an insulated enclosure (pictured below).
Backflow prevention devices are installed on the customer side of the water meter to keep water from flowing backwards into the main water supply. This ensures contaminants are not introduced into the customers water system and flow downstream to every other customer. Backflow devices function using check valves contained within the assembly. They prevent back pressure and back siphonage. These check valves are required to be tested annually to ensure they are functioning properly.
What We Are Protecting Against:
Back Pressure: Downstream pressure that is greater than the upstream or supply pressure in a public water system or consumer's potable water system.
Back Siphonage: Can be created when there is stoppage in the water supply due to repairs or breaks in the County's water main; an increased demand at one location, such as firefighting; or even undersized piping.
The Kind of Devices You Are Most Likely to See: (All labeled above)
The two that are most often used in our service area are double check backflow prevention devices and reduced pressure zone backflow prevention devices.
Double check assemblies consist of two check valves in line with each other and are used in low hazard areas. Low hazard areas can be defined by any water line where no chemicals or other adulterants are being introduced into the water supply.
Reduced pressure zone assemblies must be used if any foreign substances are being introduced to the water supply. These valves are used because they contain two check valves as well as a relief valve that is placed in between the two check valves. The relief valve opens and allows water to exit if the check valve is not operating properly. This ensures that no contaminants can be introduced into the main water supply.