Why do I need my “Backflow Prevention Assembly” tested annually?

Backflow Prevention Assemblies and Devices break or wear out, just like parts of a car. By having your Backflow Prevention Assembly tested annually, you will help to ensure that the drinking water supplied to your home remains safe. We have Certified Backflow Assembly Testers on staff who have training, and are certified to test your Backflow Prevention Assembly. Certified Testers can inspect, test, repair or replace all Backflow Prevention Assemblies and Devices.

How long does it take to test?

The test takes about 15 minutes per backflow device. The water will be turned off for a brief amount of time during the test.

What is backflow?

Backflow means there is a potential for contamination in the water distribution system. Common causes for backflow are water main breaks and high rates of water withdrawal (like fire fighting), however these incidents can be avoided with the use of backflow prevention devices.

What is a backflow preventor?

The basic mechanism for preventing Backflow is a mechanical Backflow preventer, which provides a physical barrier to Backflow. The basic means of preventing Backflow is an air gap, which either eliminated a cross-connection or provides a barrier to Backflow. The principal types of mechanical Backflow preventers are the reduced-pressure principle assembly, the pressure vacuum breaker assembly, and the double check valve assembly. A secondary type of mechanical Backflow preventer is the residential dual check valve.

What is an air gap?

An air gap is a vertical, physical separation between the end of a water supply outlet and the flood-level rim of a receiving vessel. This separation must be at least twice the diameter of the water supply outlet and never less than one inch. An air gap is considered the maximum protection available against back pressure Backflow.

How will the water authorities know that my backflow device has been tested?

Upon completion of your testing, we will send the appropriate paperwork to the local water authorities. You will also receive a copy of the test results in the mail along with your invoice.

Do backflows really occur? If so, how?

Some of the seemingly harmless actions that could create cross connections in your home include: a garden hose in a bucket of soapy water to wash the car, spraying insecticide with a garden hose, attaching a hand sprayer to your kitchen faucet to wash your dog, although these may seem harmless you could be endangering the health and safety to yourself, your family and your neighbors.

The danger comes when the hose comes in contact with a harmful substance. If the pressure in the water main drops while the hose is submerged in the contaminated water, the water (with all its contaminants) could be sucked back into your pipes and then into the public drinking water supply.

If your question was not answered, please call AWJ Service at 913-262-3643 and one of our employees will thoroughly answer your questions.