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Have you ever gotten your backflow prevention device tested? If not, your water supply and drinking water may be at risk of contamination!
Malfunctioning backflow devices can contribute to significant problems in your plumbing system and even your health.
Testing backflow is essential in preventing corrosion of your plumbing and contamination of your drinking water.
Read on to learn more information about the preparations and processing that happens when professionals test backflow.
What Is Backflow And How To Prevent It?
Backflow occurs when there is a pressure difference in a cross-connection, which can lead to potable and non-potable water mixing.
The cross-connection is found at the piping of a potable water source, which hooks up with plumbing fixtures like faucets.
Back-siphonage or backpressure could cause this interaction.
They create an abnormal change in pressure between a potable and nonpotable system that causes the water system to favor the low pressure instead of its original destination.
Backflow prevention devices are there to keep the water flowing to the right pipes. The back flow valve stops water from traveling back and entering the wrong pipelines.
Preparing For A Backflow Test
Specific guidelines need to be complied with before your plumbing expert conducts a backflow test.
It is ideal to check your city’s regulations and codes for your backflow device.
Your testing provider should perform the following responsibilities before conducting the evaluation.
- Prepare your property for a water supply shut-off. Authorities should also be notified if the shut-off may affect fire fighting devices.
- Record the water system’s initial conditions and specifications, including connections, assemblies, installations, and area-related details.
These preparations are essential to ensure that backflow testing would be smooth and effective.
What Happens During A Backflow Testing
The primary goal of testing is to identify sources of problems and prevent backflows.
The process is two-pronged:
- Checking if water can reach undesirable places, and
- Testing your backflow prevention devices.
Your plumbing systems are evaluated by briefly turning on the water supply and checking if water flows in the right direction. Leaks are also monitored.
With the use of gauges, water pressure is measured and analyzed to know if they’re functioning well.
The second part of backflow testing is the evaluation of your backflow prevention device. Your device contains testing cocks for hooking up the necessary equipment.
All the valves of your backflow device, such as pressures, relief, and air, are assessed if they are working within the prescribed operational timing.
Prevent Water Contamination and Schedule A Backflow Test Now!
Have you ever typed the words “backflow testing near me” on your search engine? If not, it’s never too late to get it tested!
For residents of Prescott, AZ, you’re in luck because a certified backflow tester is ready to cater to your needs!
B&W Fire Security Systems are experts in the installation, repairs, maintenance, and inspections of backflow preventers.
Call us, and we’ll work together to schedule a backflow test!
Do you have any questions about backflow devices and testing? Ask us a question or share your thoughts by leaving a comment below!
