An atmospheric vacuum breaker is one of many backflow devices, or backflow preventers, which prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the potable water supply.

The atmospheric vacuum breaker is usually constructed of brass and it appears to be a 90-degree elbow construction with a hood on its top to allow air to enter the water system should a siphon occur in the water system.  Inside the hood is a poppet valve that remains up because of water pressure in the water system.  If that water pressure decreases, the poppet valve will drop and allow air to enter the system, thus ending the siphon and preventing contaminants from flowing the wrong direction.

These backflow devices are called atmospheric vacuum breakers because they work on atmospheric principles, meaning they must be installed above ground and preferably six inches above ground.  If they are installed underground they will be ineffective.

There are many types of back flow preventers. In addition to the atmospheric vacuum breakers there are air gaps, chemigration valves, double check valves, hydrostatic loops, pressure vacuum breakers and reduced pressure zone devices.  All basically perform the same function, to shut off the flow of contaminants when pressure decreases in your water supply, and all must be tested and inspected annually in accordance with state and federal laws.  If you think about it for a moment you’ll understand the importance of this testing.  Do we really want contaminated water flowing back into the city’s water supply?  Pesticides?  Other chemicals?  Dishwater?  Shower water?  Obviously the answer to that question is a resounding NO!

Who do you can for annual backflow preventer testing?  By law you must call a licensed and certified backflow device testing company, and they must not only be federally certified but also state certified and city certified.  Yes that is a lot of certification, but this is an important service provided, so the very best testers are required to take care of the water supply system.

City Backflow Testing is one such company.  Licensed and certified in many communities in the State of Texas, City Backflow Testing provides affordable and professional backflow testing.  In other words, you can rest assured that your water supply is free of contaminants when City Backflow Testing is on the job.

From Southlake to Richland Hills and all points in-between, when backflow testing is required, City Backflow Testing is the first call made by homeowners.

Who ya gonna call?

City Backflow Testing!