WHY DO I NEED BACKFLOW TESTING?

What is backflow testing? Before we can answer this question, we must first define the term backflow.

Backflow is when water travels in the reverse direction of its intended flow. Caused by a loss of water pressure from the water supplier or by higher pressure upstream, possibly by a boiler, or an elevation in piping. Put more simply, backflow occurs when water flows away from a building rather than towards a building.

Most home and business owners are unaware that this is possible. But if the city suddenly needs a large volume of water to fight a fire, if there is a break in the water main, or if elevation or pressure is in your system, water could be diverted away from your home or business. If this happens, the water in the pipes will do the only thing it can. It will flow backwards from back siphonage, or backpressure. The water and all the pollutants in your water system from a boiler, Fire suppression or, irrigation system, will be sucked or pushed back into the public water supply.

A backflow assembly is designed to prevent this from happening. A backflow assembly is a mechanical devise with valves, that can wear, deteriorate, or become fowled by debris, so they need to be tested annually.

The State of Washington requires, that all Backflow Assemblies, (AKA: Backflow Devices, or Backflow Preventers) be tested by a Certified Backflow Tester, or "BAT," after installation, annually thereafter, and also after repairs.

Find out more at:

http://www.seattle.gov/utilities/services/water/water-quality/backflow-prevention/requirements-and-devices