What is meant by “back flows,” or “backflow?”

Back flows refers to the reversal of water flow in the water supply.  On any given day in any given city, water flows from the main water supply into individual homes and businesses.  This as it should be.  The water flows by means of water pressure. There is more water pressure at the supply end of the water line than there is at the destination, meaning your water flows from the city to your faucet.

The opposite happens when back flows occur.  Because of a sudden reduction in water pressure at the supply end of the system, the water pressure is then greater at the destination end, meaning the water will reverse direction. This more often than not means polluted water will enter the city’s potable water supply.  Obviously this situation must be avoided in order for citizens to be assured they are drinking pure water.

Back flow is avoided through the use of backflow preventers, otherwise known as backflow device or backflow valves.  When there is a reduction in water pressure, or when back-siphonage occurs, the valves will automatically shut, preventing contaminated water from entering the potable water supply.  There are several different backflow systems available but they all work according to those basic principles.

The Clean Water Act requiresthat cities guarantee that the water supply is potable. Thus, states and cities have regulations in place which require citizens to have their backflow prevention device tested and maintained each year.  Companies that do backflow testing are certified and licensed yearly to ensure that they are providing quality service in the maintenance, repair and inspection of backflow devices.

City Backflow Testing is one such backflow preventer testing company.  In accordance with federal laws and the laws of Texas, City Backflow Testing is certified and licensed.  It is also licensed in most metropolitan areas in Texas and keeps those licenses updated yearly.  In other words, you can trust in City Backflow Testing.  They use only the best in back flow devices, those made by Ames and FEBCO backflow preventer, to name a few, devices made of the best materials and guaranteed not to fail when you need them the most.

So, how are you sitting with regards to back flows?  Are you adequately protected?  Are your backflow devices approved by your city? Have you had testing done recently?

City Backflow Testing should be your next phone call when you need your backflow devices certified.