Your water should always flow from the public system into your home. Backflow reverses that flow, potentially contaminating the city’s water supply. Here’s what backflow equipment testing is and why the city requires it.
What Is Backflow?
Backflow is the unwanted reversal of water flow in your plumbing system. Instead of clean water moving into your home or business, water flows back toward the main line, potentially carrying contaminants with it.
When that happens, harmful substances (e.g., sewage, fertilizers, microbes, chemicals, and medical waste) can mix with potable water in the public supply.
What Causes Backflow In Plumbing?
Two main conditions can cause water to reverse-flow:
- Backsiphonage: A sudden drop in supply pressure (due to a water main break or heavy water usage) creates a vacuum that sucks water backward.
- Backpressure: The pressure in your plumbing becomes higher than the public water supply, pushing water back toward the source.
What Is Backflow Equipment?
To protect the public water supply, local codes require a backflow prevention device to be installed in your plumbing system. But what is a backflow prevention device?
This backflow equipment ensures water flows in the right direction, regardless of changes in pressure. It does this using check valves at the cross-connection point between the public water system and your internal plumbing, which immediately shut off if backflow is detected.
Types Of Backflow Prevention Devices
Below are different types of backflow preventers:
- Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA): Suitable for non-health hazard risks, it contains two independently operating check valves.
- Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly (RPZA): The gold standard for high-hazard risks, it includes two check valves, plus a relief valve located in a pressure zone between them. If a problem occurs, the relief valve opens to vent the water.
- Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB): Often used for irrigation systems, it only protects against backsiphonage.
- Spill-Resistant Pressure Vacuum Breaker (SVB): Similar to a PVB, it’s designed to reduce water discharge during operation.
What Is Backflow Prevention Device Testing?
A backflow preventer is a mechanical device with moving parts like springs, discs, and valves. Like any mechanical equipment, it’s bound to fail due to normal wear, debris, or corrosion.
Backflow prevention device testing ensures your equipment is working correctly. Certified testers use a backflow preventer testing kit for this.
What Do The Backflow Tests Check For?
So, what is a backflow inspection? It checks for:
- Valve shutoff performance
- Proper closing of check valves
- Air inlet function
- Relief valve accuracy (for RPZs)
- The device’s ability to maintain required pressure levels
- Signs of damage, corrosion, or blockage
How Often Is Backflow Testing Required?
In California, backflow prevention devices must be tested once a year, or more frequently for high-risk systems.
This requirement applies to commercial properties, medical facilities, restaurants, multi-unit buildings, and homes with an irrigation or underground sprinkler system.
Only certified backflow assembly testers recognized by the State Water Resources Control Board can perform these tests.
Why Is Backflow Testing Required?
Backflow testing benefits the public, not just property owners. It prevents the spread of chemical poisoning or waterborne diseases by ensuring that your plumbing system doesn’t introduce contaminants to your community’s water supply.
Water authorities require these tests to keep the water supply safe. Failure to comply can lead to fines and legal trouble. In some cases, your water service could be shut off until your backflow device is properly tested and fixed.
Signs Your Backflow Equipment May Need Attention
Watch for these signs:
- Water leaks near the device
- Low water pressure
- Odd tastes or odors in your water
- Discolored water
- Dripping or discharging water from relief ports
- Hissing or clanging noises from the device
What Happens If You Don’t Test Your Backflow Prevention Device
Ignoring testing can lead to:
- Contaminated drinking water
- Health hazards
- Code violations
- Fines from your local water authority
- Water service interruption
- Costly repairs if the device fails completely
Worst case? You could be responsible for a contamination affecting neighboring homes and businesses.
Backflow Prevention Device Testing Cost
The backflow preventer testing cost varies by location, accessibility, and device type (for instance, RPZA is generally more complex to test than a DCVA).
However, most routine checks run anywhere from $75 to $200. Keep in mind that more complex commercial systems or devices requiring immediate repairs will likely cost more.
How to Schedule a Backflow Test
If you’re in Santa Maria or the surrounding areas, staying compliant is simple. Just call the local experts at Jack’s Plumbing. As your trusted backflow specialists, we handle every part of the process, from installation and repairs to annual testing and ongoing maintenance.
Whether it’s for your home or business, our certified technicians ensure your backflow prevention device is fully functional and up to code.
Ready to schedule your backflow test? Book directly through our website or give us a call.
FAQs
Can I do backflow testing myself?
No. Backflow testing requires specialized tools, like a certified backflow preventer testing kit, and the results must be recorded by a licensed tester. It’s best to call a trained technician to make sure everything is done correctly.
Do you have to be a plumber to do backflow testing?
Not always. In most places, backflow testers must be certified, and many of them are also licensed plumbers. The key requirements are certification and a business license.