Backflow prevention is a highly-specialized occupation; finding the right backflow prevention specialist, then, is crucial in the prevention of the public risk backflow.

What is backflow?

Oddly, most homeowners and business owners are wonderfully ignorant about one of the potentially most dangerous health risks facing us all today.  Backflow is such a concern that Federal legislation regulating it was passed back in the 1970’s, and every city in the U.S. devised their own backflow prevention program based on that legislation.

Backflow is, in layman’s terms, the reversal of water flow within a city’s water system.  Instead of water flowing from the city’s supply to homes and businesses, when backflow occurs polluted water flows back towards the city’s clean water supply.  It does not take a Phd in engineering, nor a medical degree, to understand what a health threat this would be if it were to happen. Thus, backflow regulations are “on the books” for every city.

What causes backflow? A sudden drop in water pressure is usually the culprit.  Think four-alarm major fire in the city, and several fire hydrants being used to fight that fire. That would be enough to lower water pressure and face the risk of backflow.  A busted water main would also cause it.

What are backflow regulations?

Backflow regulations vary slightly from city to city, but basically you can expect these main points to be consistent from city to city:

• All backflow preventers must be inspected annually by a licensed and certified backflow tester
• All backflow testers must be educated on backflow and must pass stringent testing for certification
• That certification must be applied for in every city where the backflow inspector works
• Only certified and approved backflow parts may be used in a backflow installation or repair, parts like Ames, FEBCO, or Watts backflow preventers.
• Every property in a city will be considered individually regarding the need for backflow testing

Not every property owner in a city needs backflow testing.  Backflow testing by a certified backflow prevention specialist is usually reserved for commercial buildings, public buildings, and places where irrigation occurs.  Most individual homeowners do not fall under the backfow laws.  Having said that, it is always best to be safe rather than sorry, and call your city and inquire whether you are required to undergo backflow testing.  Your city water officials will be able to answer that question quickly and, if you should need backflow testing, they can supply a list of backflow prevention specialists for you to call.

No, not every plumber is trained in backflow inspection. This is a common fallacy.  Only plumbers with backflow training and certification can work on, or install, a backflow assembly.

About City Backflow Testing

City Backflow Testing is a trusted name in the Greater Fort Worth area.  City Backflow Testing is licensed and certified in over thirty cities and towns in Tarrant County. That kind of official trust is hard-earned, and it means you can put your faith in the folks at City Backflow Testing.  Give us a call for a rate, for an appointment, or to simply have a question answered.