A backflow prevention assembly is a testable plumbing device that is designed to prevent the backflow of contaminated water, chemicals, or waste, into the potable water supply. In plain English, it’s a piece of plumbing that keeps your water safe!
Backflow prevention assemblies need to be tested every year (sometimes even more often) to ensure that they are functioning properly and effectively preventing backflow. Over time, parts of the assembly can wear out or become damaged, which can compromise its ability to prevent backflow. It is important to identify any potential problems before they cause serious issues or costly repairs.
As your town grows and more devices are installed every year, it is more and more important to ensure that each device is in compliance with state and local regulations. This keeps your community safe from contaminated water.
Yes! Several backflow incidents have occurred across the country. Check out this article if you want to read about some of them. Your community has partnered with RPZ Flow to help prevent these incidents from ever happening to your community.
In most cases, the property owner is responsible for scheduling and paying for device testing by a licensed CCCDI professional. If you need help finding a tester in your area, click here.
If a backflow prevention device fails the test, it will need to be repaired or replaced before it can be used again. The licensed professional who performs the test can typically make the necessary repairs or recommend a qualified technician to perform the work.
That is up to your public works and/or water department. In most cases, failure to test a backflow device will result in water service to your property being suspended until a passing test is filed.