Backflow prevention testing is vital to keeping a clean water supply and protecting your property during a fire. The licensed technicians from AAA Fire Protection conduct critical backflow preventer testing, repair, and maintenance so that you stay in compliance with safety regulations while keeping your system efficient and safe to use.
Backflow Prevention Testing
Backflow Prevention Testing
AAA Fire Protection technicians will examine your irrigation system, specifically the backflow prevention device. They will check internal seals and valves used by the device and make sure that it holds specific pressure levels designed to prevent contaminated water from reentering the water supply used for consumption.
Backflow Prevention Repair
Our fully trained technicians can also spot significant issues with your system and make the necessary backflow prevention repairs. This can include replacing rubber seals or checking valves and other components that regulate internal pressure. Keeping these small yet vital pieces in working order is part of our expertise.
Backflow Preventer Maintenance
As part of our fire sprinkler backflow testing process, we inspect the system and conduct any necessary maintenance. Whether it’s removing unwanted debris, clearing obstructions, or routinely checking valves and gauges, our technicians can handle it, making backflow preventer maintenance easier than you think.
The Importance of Backflow Prevention Testing
Backflow preventers are designed to keep the water that flows to your home or business moving in one direction. In doing so, they stop backflow and prevent contamination of drinking water. That’s why most city water utility organizations require annual testing to verify that your backflow preventer is working properly. Our certified fire protection team has decades of experience meeting the backflow prevention needs of Seattle-area businesses.
Backflow prevention testing typically only takes about ten minutes to complete. However, if your backflow preventer is located in a particularly tough spot to access, two technicians may be needed. The technician performing the test will attach hoses to check valves on the assembly to determine water pressure in various areas of the apparatus. Regardless of its location, our team will thoroughly inspect and test your system to ensure safe and proper backflow prevention.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT MAKES A BACKFLOW PREVENTER COMPLIANT?
Compliant backflow preventers meet all of the standards set forth by state and local guidelines and pass the field test that assesses those guidelines. For more information, check out this sample backflow preventer field test form provided by the Washington State Department of Health.
WHAT MIGHT CAUSE MY BACKFLOW PREVENTER TO STOP WORKING?
Backflow failures most often occur because of debris buildup within the assembly. Over time, check valves can also degrade or completely break down. Regional weather conditions can also impact the lifespan of a backflow preventer. For example, an especially cold winter or exposure to very salty air can cause a backflow preventer to degrade more quickly. Backflow prevention testing is recommended annually due to changing weather patterns, especially in the Seattle area, which can affect the lifespan of various parts within the backflow prevention system.
HOW WILL I KNOW IF MY BACKFLOW PREVENTER IS NON-COMPLIANT?
If you have a reduced pressure (RP) backflow preventer, you may notice that there is leakage from the check valves. However, other preventer types might not show external signs, making it even more important to schedule annual testing with one of our technicians.
