Top Things You Should Know About Backflow Testing
Posted on: 15 August 2022
If you have never had backflow testing done, you might not realize that it's often an important part of taking care of the plumbing in your home or commercial building. If you aren't involved in the plumbing industry and don't know much or anything about backflow testing, these are some of the things that you may want to know.
It's Important
You might have never known about backflow testing and might not think it's very important. However, this type of testing is actually critical. It is done to make sure that your backflow preventer device is working like it's supposed to. If your backflow preventer device is not working properly, then you have to worry about sewage and wastewater backing up in your plumbing system. This can put you and your family at risk since it means that the water that you drink and clean with is not clean and sanitary. It can also have environmental impacts. In many places, you have to have backflow testing done regularly to remain in compliance with state or local laws.
It Should Be Professionally Done
You might not mind checking your backflow preventer, but you might not really understand why you would hire a plumber to do it. If you're handy at doing things around the house, you could be wondering if you can perform backflow testing yourself. Unfortunately, this probably is not a good idea. Your downstream shut-off valve will have to be turned off, and special equipment will have to be used to test the pressure levels in your plumbing. Instead of trying to do it yourself, you should hire a plumber to help you.
You May Have to Submit Proof of Your Results
If you were asked by your water company or local government to have backflow testing done, or if backflow testing is regularly required in your area, then you may need to submit the results of backflow testing to the appropriate officials. This will allow you to prove that you have had testing done and that your backflow preventer device is working like it's supposed to. If you aren't sure of whether or not it is required for you to submit the results of your backflow test, or if you aren't sure of where you are supposed to send these results, you can contact your local building code office. Someone there should be able to give you more information. You can also contact your water company if you have further questions, and they should be able to point you in the right direction.
For more information on backflow testing, contact a professional near you.
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