The Richland Hills Backflow Prevention Program is based upon the Clean Water Act of 1972, as are similar programs in cities across the United States.  The goal of all programs is to protect the integrity of the potable water supply so that clean water makes it, unimpeded, from the city’s water supply to your home, and that water can be counted on to be pure and safe.

To that goal, there are certain requirements Richland Hills insists upon in order to prevent backflow from happening.  You can call us at (817) 996-2000 for more information after you read this article.

The backflow prevention testing requirements aim at three basic factors:  annual inspection, certified inspectors, and certified backflow parts.  Let’s look at each of these factors.

Annual backflow inspection

Not everyone is required to have a backflow inspection.  Commercial buildings are required.  High-use non-commercial buildings must have an inspection.  Any place with irrigation is required. All other structures are judged on an individual basis by those in charge of water for the City of Richland Hills.

What does an annual inspection consist of? The procedure we at City Backflow Testing use is as follows:

Notify- Notify the customer we are here for testing

• Identify- Make sure serial number is correct and that we have the right assembly
• Inspect- Make sure there are 4 test ports and 2 Shut off handles
• Observe- Attach test equipment and follow proper testing  procedures  for this assembly
• Test Reports- Enter values for the  assemblies
• Turn in all test Reports to the local water Purveyor or City

Certified backflow inspectors

The City of Richland Hills has a list of backflow testers and inspectors who have passed rigorous training in order to be licensed and certified in the City of Richland Hills. Not all plumbers are certified; not all contractors are certified; it is up to the property owner to make sure that any backflow inspection, backflow repair, or backflow installation is done by a certified backflow inspector.

Certified backflow parts

This is serious business, and only the best backflow parts are accepted in any installation or repair of backflow preventers.  The companies generally used in these cases are FEBCO, Ames, and Watts, but there are others also certified and accepted.  It is up to your backflow tester/inspector/installer to follow  the letter of the law and use only certified parts.

When in doubt, this is what you should do

If you reside in Richland Hills, and you are new to the city, your best bet is to call the Public Works Department in Richland Hills. There you will find out what your requirements, if any, are.  You can also get a list of trusted backflow inspectors, like City Backflow Testing.  Once you hire a certified tester, they will basically make sure all requirements are fulfilled each and every year.  After that initial call, your part in the process is actually completed.  From then on it follows a natural progression year in, year out, and you can rest assured that everything that must be done is being done.

Call us with questions. We are City Backflow Testing, licensed and certified in the City of Richland Hills, Texas.