Addison backflow prevention is regulated by the following city statutes:

Sec. 18-368.1. – Inspection and testing of backflow prevention assemblies.

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The International Plumbing Code is amended by changing section 312.10 to read as follows:

312.10 Inspection testing of backflow prevention assemblies. Inspection and testing shall comply with sections 312.10.1 and 312.10.2.

312.10.1 Inspections. Annual inspections shall be made of all backflow prevention assemblies and air gaps to determine whether they are operable. In the absence of local provisions, the owner is responsible to ensure that testing is performed.

312.10.2 Testing. Reduced pressure principle backflow preventer assemblies, double check-backflow valve assemblies, pressure vacuum breaker assemblies, reduced pressure detector fire protection backflow prevention assemblies, double check detector fire protection backflow prevention assemblies hose connection backflow preventers, and spill-proof vacuum breakers shall be tested at the time of installation, immediately after repairs or relocation and at least annually. The testing shall be performed in accordance with applicable local provisions. In the absence of local provisions, the owner is responsible to ensure that testing is done in accordance with one of the following standards;

 

Let’s take a look at that section of city law and understand what it means.  Jot this number down:  (817) 996-2000 . . . it’s the number for City Backflow Testing, a number which you will want after reading this article.

This is one of those things in City codes which most citizens are not aware of, but it is also one of the most important protections that Addison citizens have.  Backflow is a nasty situation, but it is one which can be avoided if all property owners take some very simple steps.

What is backflow?

Simply stated, it is water flowing in the opposite direction from which it is intended to flow.  When the water system is working property, water flows from the Addison City water supply to Addison businesses and residences, and then contaminated water goes into the sewer system afterwards.  This happens millions of times each day when the system is working properly.

But occasionally, once in a blue moon, water pressure reverses, usually because of a sudden drop in pressure on the City side of the system (think broken water main) and that reverse pressure will send contaminated water flowing in reverse, from the home or business back towards the city potable water supply.

Obviously this must be avoided, and thus we have back flow preventer devices like backflow valves and pressure vacuum breakers to prevent that from happening.

Backflow testing is required in Addison.

As the statute notes, testing is required annually, and it is the property owner’s responsibility to make sure that testing is done.

So what do you do?

Call a certified backflow testing company like City Backflow Testing. The pros at City Backflow Testing will come out, run tests on your backflow devices, and make sure they are working properly according to City and Federal standards.  If they do meet those standards, the testing company will fill out the appropriate forms and notify Addison city officials that you have passed inspection, and if you should not pass inspection, City Backflow Testing will do the necessary repairs to get you up to code.

Call us today!  City Backflow Testing is standing by to provide peace of mind and ensure that backflow never darkens your life.