Today we are going to take a look at backflow testing, what it is and why it's necessary to get it done.
At WaterSmart, we have over 25 years of experience in the plumbing and water services industry; and we'd love to share our expertise with you.
We'll also take a closer look at backflow, and discover what it is, why it is dangerous and how it can be prevented. So, let's get started.
Backflow Testing
What is Backflow?
Most municipalities in Canada have a complex water infrastructure system in place to provide you with safe drinking water. In a healthy plumbing system, clean water flows into your home or business and dirty water flows out.
That is the way that it is supposed to work, however, sometimes dirty water flows in the opposite direction and gets mixed in with your clean water. This is known as backflow.
Learn how Kitchener’s water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure systems work together to provide safe drinking water
Why Is Backflow Dangerous?
If you have backflow, then dangerous pollutants can enter your water system. For example, if your garden hose is connected to a container of poisonous weed killer and the water reverses direction, then the harmful chemicals could get sucked back into the water supply
What Is a Backflow Prevention Device?
Backflow prevention (BFP) devices are installed to prevent backflow from occurring. A BFP device is a mechanical piece of equipment that forms a physical barrier to backflow. There are several types of BFP devices including:
Reduced-pressure principle assembly
Pressure vacuum breaker assembly
Double-check valve assembly
The above devices can be tested to make sure that they are functioning properly.
BFP devices can prevent backflow from happening
Why Is It Necessary to Do Backflow Testing?
Because BFP devices are mechanical, they have parts such as internal seats, springs, and other moving components that can wear out or get damaged. Regular backflow testing ensures that these devices are operating properly.
Are Backflow Prevention Devices Mandatory?
The regulations will be different depending on where you live. The possibility of contamination due to backflow is greater for commercial, industrial, and large multi-residential buildings, therefore, installation of a backflow prevention device is required by law by many municipalities.
For example, the city of Kitchener has a backflow prevention bylaw that requires these types of facilities to install these types of prevention devices and to have backflow testing done each year.
How Can You Tell if You Have a Backflow prevention Device Installed?
If you are unsure whether or not you have one already installed, you can call a plumber, contractor or other professionals who will be able to identify it for you.
A plumber can tell you if you have a BFP device installed
Where Should Bfp Devices Be Installed?
Backflow prevention devices need to be installed in the following locations.
Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, or Large Multi-residential Buildings:
Backflow can be very dangerous, especially if it occurs in commercial, industrial, institutional, or large multi-residential buildings where the potential for larger quantities of contaminants is possible. Backflow Prevention Devices are usually located where the water enters the building.
Sprinkler And Lawn Irrigation Systems:
Backflow can also occur in sprinkler and lawn irrigation systems. If the heads of these systems become submerged during heavy rains, then contaminates such as animal waste, fertilizers, and pesticides can backflow into the drinking water. By law, these systems must have backflow prevention devices installed and they must be tested annually.
Boilers, Tanks, Cooling Jackets, and Fire Hydrants Attached To A Potable Water Supply:
If any of the above are attached to a potable water supply (water that can be safely consumed by humans) and a non-potable fluid is present and there is potential for that fluid to enter the clean water supply, a backflow prevention device must be installed.
Fire Hydrants attached to a potable water supply need a BFP device
When Does Backflow Testing Need to Be Done?
You are required to do backflow testing:
When you initially get a backflow prevention device installed
When you get your backflow prevention devices cleaned, repaired, or overhauled
When you relocate your backflow prevention device
Annually
If you live in Kitchener, then within 14 days of doing backflow testing, you need to fill out and submit a report to Kitchener Utilities. Click here to see a copy of the Backflow Prevention Device Inspection and Testing Report.
Do You Need a Permit to Install a Backflow Prevention Device?
Most municipalities will require you to get a permit before you install a BFP device. For example, in the City of Kitchener, you need a permit and at the time of posting, the permit fee costs $94.56 which includes HST. This price is subject to change so check with your local municipality for the current rate.
Image Source: Grainger
There are different types of Backflow Prevention devices available
Who Can Perform Backflow Testing?
You need to have a certified backflow technician registered with the corresponding cities to perform your backflow testing. WaterSmart is registered with Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph as an approved company to install, repair, and annually test backflow prevention devices and equipment.
If you require backflow testing, contact the plumbing and service experts at WaterSmart. Our fully insured and licensed master plumbers have been serving KW, Cambridge, Guelph, and the surrounding areas since 1994.
““DID AN AMAZING AND COST-EFFICIENT JOB. DID WHAT THEY SAID THEY WERE GOING TO DO AND AT A GREAT PRICE.” ”
