From the City of Kennedale backflow information page about backflow prevention:

“In accordance with current ordinances, the Building Inspection and Water Operation Departments are required to regulate the installation and testing of backflow prevention devices.”

Let’s take a closer look at what this means.  For more questions, call us at (817) 996-2000. We are City Backflow Testing and we have your answers.

Backflow Ordinances . . .

In the United States, there are not only local ordinances, but also state and Federal laws governing backflow regulation, backflow prevention, backflow inspections.  This is a direct result of the Clean Water legislation of the 1970s.  To find out what your local backflow regulations are, consult a local back flow testing city expert.

Regulate installation and testing of backflow prevention devices . . .

Let’s add to that clause the repair of backflow devices, which is also required by state and Federal laws.

All of this regulation has to do with cross connections, which is a plumbing term associated with places where the main water pipe, that which carries potable water from the City water supply, meets other pipes which distribute that water to certain locations on your property i.e. bathroom, kitchen, irrigation, or water distribution locations. It is at those junctions of two pipes where backflow is most likely to occur.

What is backflow?

To understand backflow, you must understand how water is distributed throughout a city.  Water is provided by means of water pressure.  Water is forced through the pipes, from the City supply, to homes and businesses by the exertion of strong water pressure.  It all works remarkably well 99.9% of the time.  But there are times when that water pressure diminishes i.e. a broken water main, and at those times it is possible for water to reverse in flow direction. This is called backflow, and it means that polluted water can flow back into the City’s water supply.  Obviously this is a health hazard and must bee avoided, and it is avoided by means of the installation of backflow preventors.

A backflow preventer is usually a one-way valve which only allows water to flow in the direction it was intended, from City supply to homes and businesses.  They work remarkably well, but like any mechanical device they can, eventually, need repair and/or replacement.  Thus, an annual inspection of those backflow prevention devices is required by law.  Usually this requirement only applies to commercial buildings and those with an irrigation system, since the water demand is higher in those cases.  The inspection, replacement, or repair must be done by a licenses and backflow certified inspector, and those inspectors are listed by every city.  For a list of the Kennedale certified backflow installers, check the Kennedale website.  Warning: not all plumbers are certified for backflow inspections and installations.

About City Backflow Testing

City Backflow Testing is licensed and certified for Kennedale as well as most cities and towns in the Greater Fort Worth area.  With years of backflow experience, City Backflow Testing is a trusted name in the backflow business. Give us a call for rates and an appointment should the need arise.