Frequently Asked Questions

Your backflow preventer (device) was installed due to state government regulations pertaining to the protection of local public water systems. These regulations require the owner or water purchaser to ensure the backflow preventer is working properly by having it tested. 

The state backflow program is mandated by the state but is regulated by the city/water purveyor. The state can audit the city/water purveyor to ensure that owners are having the backflow devices tested. If they are not, the state can fine the city/water purveyor.

The answer depends on the city/water purveyor. In most cases the state requires that backflow preventers be tested annually. The city/water purveyor can exceed the state's minimum frequency by requiring testing more often. But, once annually is the most common.

Actually, it does as its name implies. A backflow preventer is a one-way water valve that keeps water from flowing back into the public water system. They are installed because there is a situation on your property that changes the water as defined by the public water system. The water company does not want that water re-entering its water system.

Somewhere on your property there is a water system "hazard". The most common residential hazards are yard irrigation systems, swimming pools with auto-fill valves, automatic watering valves for pets/livestock, homes with septic and yard irrigation close together and aerobic septic systems.

When a backflow preventer fails  testing it is due to one of two causes. The first and most common is because the internal parts are worn due to use or broken from freezing. These parts are made of rubber and plastic and will eventually wear out. Replacement parts are available and the backflow device can be rebuilt. The second cause is due to debris in the unit keeping it from operating properly. This is not as usual as wearing parts but it does happen. If so, a simple cleaning is needed.