Backflow Testing & Prevention in Greeley and Northern Colorado
Top Notch Plumbing, LLC now offers certified backflow testing to Greeley, Loveland, Fort Collins, Eaton, Windsor, and all of Northern Colorado
What is Backflow?
“A cross-connection is any connection to the drinking water system that could introduce pesticides, fertilizers, used water, fluids, gases, or anything else into the water distribution system. Typically, water flows out of the distribution system under pressure. When a cross-connection exists, a drop in water pressure can cause a reversal of flow [called backflow], allowing harmful substances to enter the public water system…
A backflow prevention assembly is necessary for all irrigation systems. A copy of a certified backflow tester’s report is required to obtain final approval for a sprinkler system permit.” – City of Greeley
Top Notch Plumbing are a group of certified sprinkler and domestic backflow testers.
Why Do We Need to Test for it?
Backflow happens in plumbing systems due to changes in pressure or potential contamination of the municipal water supply. And backflow testing in Greeley is important for this reason. After all, safe drinking water is a must.
Backflow is a dangerous plumbing condition where water flows in the opposite direction within a plumbing system than its intended path, causing the water to be contaminated by chemical spray bottles, chemicals, and other hazardous compounds.
Water should only be flowing in one direction in a pipe at a time. Depending on local regulations, backflow prevention programs are required in new construction or remodeling and at least once per year for both commercial and industrial customers.
This is, of course, after the installation of backflow preventers.
Our Top Notch Plumbing, LLC team has years of experience servicing the greater Greeley area with expert plumbing services, including backflow inspections, cross-connection control, and general plumbing maintenance.
Common Causes of Backflow
Plumbing systems function using a series of channels, valves, and pressures to orchestrate the flow of water. When pressure changes, so does the flow of the water. Problems arise when unexpected pressure changes occur, disrupting the intentional flow of the water supply.
Backflow may also be caused by a faulty valve or cross connector. Backflow is most common in areas like the kitchen or bathrooms of homes and other buildings, as these areas typically house the greatest number of water systems.
Even appliances like dishwashers and refrigerators are fitted with cross-connectors, meaning that they, too, are susceptible to water contamination and, therefore, benefit from regular backflow testing.
The most common causes of backflow include:
- Irrigation systems
- Plumbing overhauling
- Environmental and/or systemic pressure changes
- Damaged pipes and water lines, usually caused by freezing
- Emergency water usage, such as from a nearby fire hydrant
- Chemicals found in hot tubs, swimming pools, solar heating systems, and swamp coolers
- Commercial and industrial cooling systems, waste disposal systems, fire sprinkler systems, liquid storage tanks, and irrigation systems
How does backflow testing work?
Backflow testing is an important part of ensuring the safety and integrity of a water system. It works by preventing contamination of a drinking water system by examining the pressure that pushes the water out of nearby sources.
A professional tester will start by installing an approved backflow assembly on the site. The backflow devices consist of two check valves and a relief valve that work together to determine the level of hazard associated with potential contaminants.
For backflow testing to be performed, water lines must be shut off. So, before the process begins, it’s critical that occupants and owners are notified in advance.
If the shutoff affects any fire lines within the fire sprinkler systems, fire departments must also be made aware in the case of an emergency.
Once the necessary water lines are shut off, testing is performed using a device that allows plumbing teams to monitor the pressure at different points throughout a plumbing system. The system is also evaluated for water leaks, and valve and air port malfunction.
Lastly, you will want to do all the above with a certified backflow tester to get the best results. On top of that, you’ll get a certified backflow tester’s report, which is needed to get final approval for a sprinkler system permit.
How often should backflow testing be performed?
Failure to complete backflow inspections may result in your local municipality disconnecting your water service until the inspection is performed and your water is cleared. However, a failed inspection can lead to a slew of other issues.
It’s always better to identify a problem before it gets out of hand, so we recommend familiarizing yourself with local regulations for water testing, backflow prevention and plumbing inspections.
Faulty water systems can cause serious consequences that may endanger your property and tenants. Make sure your stream is crystal clear by contacting our team at Top Notch Plumbing.
We provide expert plumbing services, including regular backflow testing and inspections, to our Greeley community and the surrounding areas, including Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor, and Eaton.
How to Prevent Backflow?
A backflow prevention assembly (or backflow preventer) is essential for preserving the overall health and safety of a water system. It is important to install the necessary checking devices, such as backflow preventers or dual check valves, onto a home or business’s water supply line.
This equipment prevents water from traveling backward in a cross-connection with contaminates from hazardous materials.
Additionally, regular maintenance should also be completed to ensure that the device is functioning properly and providing reliable protection against backflow problems.
Keeping lines flushed regularly and using only approved pesticides near a home’s lawn can further help prevent issues with backflow.
Top Notch Plumbing are a group of certified sprinkler and domestic backflow testers.
Call now to set up your backflow test