Clean potable water is the backbone of civilization. Entire cities and even nations have been built around the supply of clean water, which is needed in every industry imaginable, not to mention for fire prevention, landscaping, personal hygiene, cooking, and of course, consumption.

Therefore, it is in society’s best interests that fresh water is protected and that the integrity of water reticulation systems be maintained at the highest standards to ensure that the water coming out of the faucet is clean and safe for all.

Backflow testing in Austin, as well as prevention, is thus an essential aspect of protecting our water supply and ensuring that it is safe.

What is Backflow?

Backflow is when water flows backward through pipelines towards the clean water source rather than away from it. This counter-directional flow of water needs to be prevented at all costs.

When water is used, contaminants of all kinds pollute the water. These contaminants can be anything from sewage to chemicals and everything in between. Before this water can be deemed safe for use, it must be treated, filtered, and purified at a water treatment plant.

However, when backflow occurs, this untreated and contaminated water flows back into the clean water supply rather than into the sewerage system as it should. When this happens, potentially widespread contamination of clean potable water can occur. Understandably, this can create significant healthcare risks for yourself and your entire community and should therefore be carefully monitored and controlled.

In Austin, backflow testing is mandated and controlled by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), which requires that cross connections be prevented, and that unacceptable plumbing practices are addressed swiftly. The TCEQ has a range of minimum requirements for backflow inspection and prevention that need to be adhered to and implemented by certified plumbing technicians.

Backflow Prevention

Backflow prevention assemblies need to be installed where necessary to ensure that the clean water delivery system is protected. These assemblies are designed to detect any drastic or sudden changes in water pressure that could lead to backflow, activating a return shut-off valve to stop the backflow in its tracks.

As effective as these assemblies are, they need to be regularly tested to ensure that they will not fail when needed. If a backflow prevention assembly fails, the consequences can be pretty severe – not only to the community and environment but also to your pocket. If you are found to be negligent or in contravention of backflow prevention and testing regulations, severe financial penalties can be implemented.

Because backflow prevention devices are mechanical, they are prone to fail over time and should therefore be inspected and tested at least once a year. Backflow prevention devices should also be inspected and tested whenever a water system at the premises undergoes changes, such as new plumbing, extensions, and installations.

Backflow can cause significant and varied health issues, depending on the quantity and type of contaminants introduced into the water. It can also cause substantial harm to the environment, as the contaminated water can find its way into the irrigation systems for crops and landscapes, potentially harming plant and animal life. Backflow can also cause significant damage to infrastructure if left unattended because it can lead to leakages and burst pipes underground and in building walls.

Backflow Testing

Backflow testing service providers can ensure that your plumbing and irrigation systems operate according to regulation. They can detect potential problems early to prevent backflow and recommend any system upgrades, repairs, or maintenance that might be required to keep you out of trouble.

We at South Austin Irrigation specialize in backflow testing in Austin. Using specialized equipment, significant technical expertise, and a wealth of experience, we can spot potential problems early on, ensuring that backflow problems can be effectively prevented.

Our backflow testing service is inexpensive, quick to perform, and easy to schedule, ensuring that you are never unduly put out by having plumbers on your property. Moreover, since almost all backflow prevention devices are installed outside, we seldomly, if ever, need to enter the building to conduct the testing or implement repairs to the assembly.

If we detect a problem, we have the necessary skills and equipment to fix the backflow prevention assembly and ensure it is in working order. We also ensure that all the required paperwork is filed on your behalf, keeping you legally compliant.

For expert backflow testing in Austin and irrigation and sprinkler repair and maintenance, contact South Austin Irrigation today.