What is a certified backflow tester?

We will answer that question in this article, and if you have any other questions about backflow, or backflow testing, you can call City Backflow Testing at (817) 996-2000.

What is backflow?

In layman’s terms, backflow is water reversing flow within a city’s water system. This is usually caused by a significant drop in water pressure within the pipes, and should it happen, contaminated water can flow from a business back into the city’s potable water supply, causing a considerable health concern.

Does it happen often, this phenomenon called backflow?  More often than you might think, but it is prevented from contaminating the water by means of backflow devices called backflow preventers. These devices are usually one-way valves which are placed at cross-connection spots in the water system.  Water is only allowed to flow in one direction, the correct direction, using backflow prevention devices.  However, devices will deteriorate over time, since they are, essentially, mechanical parts, so those devices must be inspected annually by a certified backflow tester.

How about having a plumber conduct the backflow testing?

It is true that backflow is essentially a plumbing problem.  However, backflow testing, and backflow prevention, requires specific training and certification.  The state in which you live conducts backflow certification training.  It is required by Federal law that they do so, and anyone working on a backflow system, be it for backflow installation, backflow repairs, or backflow inspection, is required to take that class, pass the certification test, and be licensed by the individual city where they work.

What does a backflow tester do?

To answer that question, we will share with you the steps we take during our backflow inspections:

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

This is pretty standard regarding backflow testing.  In addition, backflow installation also requires that the city be notified, and only certified and approved backflow parts can be used in backflow repairs.  These backflow parts are usually made by only a few Federally-recognized companies including Ames and FEBCO.

All of this is to ensure that the water you drink at home is pure.  This system of protection stems from the Clean Water Act of 1972, and it has been revised many times over the years.  No matter where you live, if you are on a city water system, you can rest assured that your clean water is protected by that Clean Water Act, and backflow is under control.

For more information call City Backflow Testing, located in the Fort Worth, Texas area.  Our phone number is (817) 996-2000.  We are licensed and certified in more than thirty cities in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, so you can assume we know what we are doing in backflow installation, backflow repairs, and backflow testing.