Protecting your home, health, and investment with American-built reliability. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q- Why do I need a "Backflow Prevention Assembly" on my Sprinkler Irrigation System? A-The water that is used by your irrigation system is supplied by the same source as the water you drink, cook and bathe with. Pesticides, fertilizers and/or animal feces can collect in water pooled arou
nd your sprinkler heads, creating a potential for the contaminants to be drawn back through the sprinkler irrigation system (by means of Backflow or backsiphonage) and into your home. It is for this reason that you must have a properly functioning Backflow Prevention Assembly protecting your drinking water. Q-Why do I need my "Backflow Prevention Assembly" tested annually? A-Backflow Prevention Assemblies and Devices break or wear out, just like the parts of a car. By having your Backflow Prevention Assembly tested annually, you will help to ensure that the drinking water supplied to your home remains safe. Because of this many lower mainland cities have created this By-law to help insure the safety of your drinking water. Certified Testers can inspect, test, repair or replace all Backflow Prevention Assemblies and Devices. Q-Why have I never had to test my Backflow before? A-When your Backflow was installed it was tested prior to plumbing inspection, but because of the volume of Backflow preventers being installed and the large number of existing Backflow preventers in various lower mainland cities it is not easy for municipalities to keep you informed of when your Backflow is due to be tested. However, due to increased awareness of the importance of protecting our water many cities are taking better steps to inform people when their annual test is due. Q-What is a Backflow preventer? A-A Backflow preventer is a means of mechanism to prevent Backflow. The basic means of preventing Backflow is an air gap, which either eliminated a cross-connection or provides a barrier to Backflow. The basic mechanism for preventing Backflow is a mechanical Backflow preventer, which provides a physical barrier to Backflow. The principal types of mechanical Backflow preventers are the reduced-pressure principle assembly, the pressure vacuum breaker assembly, and the double check valve assembly. A secondary type of mechanical Backflow preventer is the residential dual check valve.
