What is a backflow tester?  There are two possible answers to that question.  A backflow tester can be a person who inspects and/or tests backflow equipment, or a backflow tester can be the actual equipment used to monitor water flow and backflow prevention.  Either one is crucial to the water supply of any city, so let’s look a bit closer at this term.  If you have any questions about backflow, or a backflow tester, you can call us at (817) 996-2000.  We are City Backflow Testing, and backflow prevention is what we do.

Backflow prevention history

Two important piece of legislation were passed in the 1970s in the United States, the Clean Water Act of 1971, and the Safe Drinking Water Act of 1974, but really backflow prevention can be traced back to the 1930s when backflow devices were first developed and standards were written for plumbers in the United States.

It was understood then, and it is understood now, that occasionally water pressure drops in a city’s water supply system, and when that water pressure drops, it is entirely possible for the water flow to reverse . . . backflow . . . and for contaminated water to flow back into the potable water supply of a city.  In order to avoid this happening, backflow prevention devices are installed, and backflow testers are trained in how to install such devices and how to repair such devices during a backflow inspection.

Backflow prevention today

And so we fast-forward to 2018; today all cities in the United States have a cross-connection program aka backflow prevention program.  The major thrust of these backflow prevention programs is that only certified, licensed, and approved backflow inspectors (testers) may work on a cross-connection system.  It also states that inspections must be conducted yearly, and that it is the responsibility of the property owner to make sure that testing occurs.  If it does not, the property owner can, and will be, fined.

Usually this testing is required for all commercial buildings as well as residential buildings with irrigation systems.  How do you know if your building requires backflow testing?  You can check with your city water department to find out.  You can also check with the city water department for a list of approved and licensed backflow tester companies. They, in turn, will be required to only use approved backflow tester equipment.

And if the system is working properly, no city in the United States should ever have to worry about the dangers of backflow.

The actual backflow tester devices come in various types, from dual check valve assemblies to sewer backflow valves to double check valves to pressure vacuum breakers, but they all work on the same principle: once a dip in water pressure is detected, the reverse flow of water is stopped and the water system remains safe from contamination.

We are City Backflow Testing, certified and licensed in most cities in the Greater Fort Worth area. For questions or for an appointment, call (817) 996-2000.  We are standing by with the answers you need regarding backflow, cross-connections, and backflow prevention.  Backflow is too important to ignore. Give us a call.