If you are on city water, your plumbing is connected to the water supply of all your neighbors in your town. Keeping that water clean and healthy is a top priority for everyone, which is why backflow devices are often required. Backflow prevention is key to ensuring that toxins from your home and property do not go back into the community water, helping protect against contamination. Using a backflow prevention device and having backflow testing are part of ensuring safe water for you and your neighbors.
Backflow devices, referred to as RPZ or Reduced Pressure Zone devices, ensure that if something causes a change of pressure in your plumbing, it does not result in backflow into the main water pipe or supply. A leak in your plumbing, use of hydrants for fires, boiler problems or other issues can cause a pressure difference that sucks water from your plumbing into the main line. RPZ devices protect against this from occurring, stopping contaminated water with bacteria, minerals and chemicals from your property from entering the water supply.
Annual Backflow Testing
If you are required to have a RPZ due to a boiler, irrigation system or hydrant on your property, the device needs to be regularly tested for quality. Many municipalities or states require backflow testing at least once a year to ensure the RPZ will work if a water pressure fluctuation occurs. This testing needs to be preformed by a licensed plumber and you may need to submit the results to avoid fines or penalties in your area.
Clean, healthy water is important to everyone. If you have a backflow device at your home or business, make sure you schedule annual backflow testing to protect your local water supply.
Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing, Inc.
106-M Oakgrove Road
Sterling, VA 20166
(703) 435-4441
