Contaminated water is a more significant problem than many people realize. Around 7.3 million Americans fall ill yearly from water-related diseases. Moreover, numerous instances of water-borne illness have been traced back to cross-connections between drinking systems and non-potable water sources. To protect public health, property owners in Meridian and throughout Idaho are required to install and maintain approved backflow devices anywhere where drops in water pressure are a potential concern.
After a backflow device is installed, a city waterworks representative comes to inspect it. Following, you must request the services of an Idaho Licensed Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT) to certify your device. Once your device passes inspection, the certification lasts for the following year. Though it is recommended that backflow assemblies are replaced or refurbished every five years, you still need to obtain annual certification and repair or replace malfunctioning units. Common signs of a failing backflow device include slow-flowing water or atypical smells in your kitchen or bathroom. Additionally, dirty water tinted yellow or brown may signify a problem with your backflow unit. Only Idaho Licensed BATs are approved to issue backflow device certifications and only after they conduct a thorough evaluation.
Types of Backflow Devices And Testing Requirements
Backflow prevention devices are essential to keep toxic substances from entering the city’s public water supply. Irrigation systems must be equipped with an annually inspected backflow prevention assembly. Common types of backflow devices include atmospheric vacuum breakers, reduced pressure principle backflow assemblies, and double-check backflow assemblies (DCVA). However, DCVAs are no longer approved for lawn sprinkler systems as of 2018. Holding onto a previously installed unit is viable until it cannot be repaired and, consequently, must be replaced. Regarding the testing timeline, units for underground lawn irrigation and sprinkler systems require testing within ten business days from the start of spring and no later than June 30. Other assemblies must be tested by September 30.
Like most mechanical devices, backflow assemblies require consistent maintenance. Should a backflow event occur, your prevention device’s valves should work automatically. A certified technician checks that valves operate correctly and that the air gap provides a vertical space between potable and contaminated water. In order to pass inspection, valves must prevent backflow, air ports must open appropriately, and the relief valves must open at the correct pressure value. In Idaho, extreme weather conditions pose a significant concern as cold temperatures can cause water to freeze, thus, expanding, cracking, and damaging pipes and other parts of your plumbing system.
Expert Backflow Device Certification in Meridian, Idaho
If you have recently installed a backflow device or are due for annual testing, hire a licensed backflow professional to conduct a proper field test. Idaho Backflow Professionals’ technicians are highly trained and can ensure prompt backflow device certification. If everything is in order, they file a passing report with the Public Water System.
Contact us today to help protect the public water supply and learn more about our backflow device certification services.
