Electronically submitted test results are sent to water supplier and I will notify you the next year when device is due to be tested again.
Being a single member LLC I go out of my way to do everything I can to get your devices to pass. An inital failure of your backflow preventer by a bigger company might unfortunately just be marked as failed and you are instructed to replace the device. This of course can get very expensive. You'll need the backflow preventor, installation, and a re-test of new assembly. If the device fails the inital test, I will dissasseble, clean, and inspect the current assembly. Usually it's a simple fix. These devices rely on small rubber seals and need to be clean. Sometimes a simple cleaning is all it takes to get you compliant! I do this at no additional charge! I look forward to adding you to the list of happy Harding Backflow Testing customers in the near future!!
A backflow prevention device is made up of two spring loaded check valves, two shut off valves, and typically 4 test cocks. The device is designed to stop water from flowing in the opposite direction. The water that comes in the home or business can not return the public water supply.
Why do we need them? Are they important?
Imagine that the industrial business down the road from you, who is on the same municipal water supply, uses glycol (antifreeze) for their cooling process. Now picture a garden hose used to dilute the solution is stuffed down into the drum of antifreeze. A fire breaks out across town or maybe a water main breaks causing a reduction in line pressure which then causes a backsiphonage of this solution into the municipal water supply. You're thisty so you open your tap water to fill you glass and now you are drinking that same antifreeze! This is just one of many scenarios that could occur! So YES, they are extremely important! The potential is so high for cross connections that backflow devices are a necessity for the health and saftey of the public and must be maintained!
The test uses a pressure differential gauge. These gauges have a calibration date on them and are required to be up to date. The gauge shows the diffence in pressure from one side of a check valve to another. The spring pressure of the check valve reduces water pressure on the back side of the check valve. If water is leaking through the check valve due to a faulty seat, worn rubber disk, or weak spring the pressure across the two check valves will equalize and the pressure on the psid gauge will drop to zero resulting in a failed test. There are certain criteria that need to be met while testing different types of backflow preventers in order to pass. These numbers are recorded on the test form and submitted to water purveyor.