Choosing the right irrigation backflow preventer for your irrigation system requires some technical knowledge most home and business owners do not have.
We are here to help! We are City Backflow Testing and our number is (817) 996-2000. Give us a call with your questions.
What is an irrigation backflow preventer?
A backflow prevention device is required when injecting fertilizers, chemicals, or any additives into an irrigation system. The backflow prevention device prevents water contaminated with additives from flowing back into your drinking/potable water supply. Many areas require a backflow device to be installed on every system regardless of the use of fertilizers or chemicals.
That is the basic information you need to understand why irrigation backflow preventers are used and required. But now, armed with that information, what else do you need to know?
Who installs backflow devices?
The Clean Water Act of 1972 provides the framework in the United States for potable water used and consumed by citizens and businesses. From that act all local and state regulations are based, and most municipal regulations follow the same guidelines. Every city has a list of trained and licensed backflow tester, repairmen, and installation professionals in the backflow business. Only those professionals are allowed to install, inspect, and repair backflow devices. In addition, only certified back flow parts are allowed in the installation of backflow systems.
Most, if not all, cities in the United States require an annual inspection of backflow devices for commercial interests, and the same is true for irrigation systems of private homeowners. Those inspections are then reported to the governing body and records are kept a minimum of three years. If repairs or replacements are required, further documentation must be presented to the government agency. There is no wiggle room for these regulations, and stiff fines are imposed on anyone not following the letter of the law with regards to back flow inspections.
Yes, it is that important!
Imagine, for a moment, all of the fertilizers and other pollutants associated with lawn care and irrigation systems. Now imagine if those pollutants were to flow back towards a city’s potable water supply, and imagine the havoc that would wreak. We have seen in the news the horrors of a polluted water supply in Michigan, and that is exactly what an irrigation backflow preventer guards against. They, and other backflow devices, guard against citizens waking up in the morning to polluted water coming out of the home water tap.
If you own a business and/or an irrigation system, check with your local government and find out about your backflow responsibilities.
City Backflow Testing is the go-to backflow business for backflow service in the Greater Fort Worth area.
We use USC 10th Addition Testing Procedures:
- 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
By taking those steps, we ensure that your water system works properly and the dangers of backflow are non-existent. Give us a call and we will gladly answer your questions or set up an appointment to inspect your backflow system in the Greater Fort Worth area.
