Backflow Preventer Testing

Many people have devices called backflow preventers in their homes and businesses. These tools allow water to flow in one direction, but prevent it from flowing in the opposite direction, preventing non-potable water from entering potable water lines. Local governments and water authorities mandate annual testing of these backflow prevention devices to make sure they work. However, getting licensed to do backflow testing is extensive and costly, so not many plumbers go through with it. That’s where Summers & Zim’s comes in.

Summers & Zim’s is a certified backflow tester, providing backflow testing in PA. We can provide all the details you need to know about backflow and backflow prevention.

Are you interested in learning more about backflow and when to test it? Read on!

What Is Backflow?

At its most basic, a “backflow” occurs when a water line reverses direction and sucks unclean water into the water supply system. Typically, clean, potable water passes along a route, flowing from the water supply system, through a water line and to the destination. If the potable water reverses direction and goes back into the water supply, the negative pressure sucks dirty, non-potable water into the clean water supply system. If the non-potable water gets contaminated with pollutants or pathogens, it can cause severe health and safety issues.

Both of these types of plumbing backflow are severe issues that backflow specialists must correct as quickly as possible.

What Causes Backflow?

Probably the biggest misconceptions about backflow is that it results from clogs in a plumbing system. That is most certainly not the case. Clogs stop wastewater from exiting the system as intended, while backflow pulls that wastewater in the opposite direction.

If these circumstances occur and backflow happens, the consequences can be severe.

What Problems Can Backflow Cause?

The dirty water that siphons back into the main water supply line can contain any number of contaminants, depending on the source. Because water lines connect to all buildings, both commercial and residential, potential contaminants vary widely. Some examples of potential pollutants include:

• Fertilizers and pesticides from agricultural sources
• Human waste from commercial and residential restrooms
• Chlorine from public and private pools and spas
• Soap from sinks, dishwashers or showers

As an example, one Texas town experienced colored, distasteful water caused by back-siphonage from an unprotected funeral home. Another community in New Mexico experienced backflow from an ethanol plant, resulting in several chemicals leaking into the public water supply that caused several residents to become ill.

While the exact number of illnesses caused by backflow is challenging to track, the EPA and CDC have completed studies in the past. Between 1981 to 1998, the CDC documented 57 disease outbreaks resulting from backflow, resulting in 9,734 illnesses. The EPA, however, noted that the number is likely higher due to under-reporting. Depending on the contaminant, those affected by backflow-related sickness have experienced everything from mild fever and gastrointestinal distress to lifelong disabilities and even death. Many homeowners wonder how to prevent backflow issues and related health hazards. Here is where backflow prevention systems come into play.

What Is a Backflow Preventer?

A backflow preventer is the best weapon in the arsenal of keeping water clean. A backflow preventer gets installed in residential and commercial water pipes. It has only one job: allowing water to flow in one direction, while preventing it from flowing in the opposite direction.

Backflow preventers can be very simple or extremely complex, but most operate using similar principles. Most units consist of a series of backflow preventer valves. Their specific arrangement varies based on the construction, but they all work to prevent backflow during times of unequal water pressure or pressure fluctuations. When installed and maintained correctly, any type of backflow preventer can help keep the water supply clean and safe.

Which of these is right for you depends on several factors. Regardless of the one you use, however, you need periodic inspection and maintenance to ensure they continue working their best.

Do You Have a Backflow Preventer?

Chances are, you have a backflow preventer installed on your property. Many counties require residents with irrigation systems or wells have backflow preventers installed at their water meters. Almost all municipal plumbing codes require the installation of backflow preventers in commercial and large residential buildings. Newer homes are especially likely to have backflow preventers installed, as they have become more ubiquitous in plumbing construction in recent years.

If you know you don’t have a water backflow preventer, however, we highly recommend having one installed. Not only do they help maintain your home’s water pressure, but they also help preserve the quality of your local water supply.

If you’re not sure whether you have a backflow preventer, or if you want one installed, have a certified plumber inspect your home’s water system. They’ll be able to tell you more about your system and install backflow preventers where they are needed.

Is Backflow Preventer Testing Necessary?

Both municipal and state plumbing codes vary, but most states require the presence and regular testing of backflow prevention devices. Buildings that fall under these codes need annual testing. Failure to comply may involve nasty enforcement actions like steep fines. These codes may be more lenient for residential applications, however.

Even if your local plumbing codes do not require you to do so, we strongly recommend you have your backflow prevention devices checked annually to help ensure that they are working properly.

If any of these issues apply to you and your water system, it’s time to call in a backflow testing professional.

Backflow Preventer Testing From Certified Plumbers

Because of the importance of backflow testing, only a certified plumber should perform backflow prevention device testing. This certification indicates the plumber has undergone the necessary training and possesses the knowledge and skills to appropriately assess and repair backflow assemblies.

The vast majority of municipalities and states require that only plumbers certified in backflow compliance and repair can take a look at backflow prevention devices and apply valid backflow prevention tests. These valid tests provide proof of backflow compliance for properties that must complete regular tests of backflow prevention devices. However, very few plumbers pursue certification due to the extensive and costly certification process.

These certified plumbers are particularly rare in Pennsylvania, which is where Summers & Zim’s can help! Summers & Zim’s is a state-certified backflow testing company that helps utility companies and commercial customers in the central PA area by providing backflow testing. Because we are a certified backflow tester, we can complete the required backflow tests you need to stay compliant with your utility company. Contact us to book an appointment as soon as possible.

Choose Summers & Zim’s to Test Your Backflow Prevention Devices

At Summers & Zim’s, our mission statement is to capture the hearts of the best customers for life. It may sound like a marketing slogan, but it’s a mission we live by every day. For four generations, we’ve operated intending to serve our customers to the best of our ability, creating lifetime customers who can trust us for quality service every time.

If you need a state-certified backflow assembly tester operating in Lancaster, Chester and Delaware counties in Pennsylvania, you can trust Summers & Zim’s. We’ll work with you every step of the way, providing assessments, consultations and action plans, so you can get the results you need to feel safe with your water supply.

Contact Summers & Zim’s today to learn more about our backflow testing services.