When your water turns around and runs against the regular flow, this is backflow. Reynolds does backflow testing to monitor your water flow and determine if it is the cause of your problem.

Backflow testing is done to determine if the water in your home or commercial building is being sucked into the clean water system.

What is Backflow?

The term “backflow” is used to describe the situation when the clean water engages in the act of reversing direction. This, then, results in a type of suction that pulls the tainted water from the structure into the system that is responsible for providing clean water.

The tainted water could contain a large amount of potentially harmful substances. These include various types of chemicals, a multitude of fertilizers, and even waste from humans.

If the system has a cross-connection between the dirty water and the clean water, the opportunity for the issue of backflow is increased. This is why most structures that have cross connectors must have a backflow preventer in place, but this is not always the case – especially in older residential and commercial buildings.

Why is Backflow Testing Important?

A backflow prevention device should be installed in buildings that have an increased risk of dirty water being sucked into the clean water. This is typically the standard plumbing code in both cities and states across the nation. Each situation is unique.

The size of the prevention device and the system it uses will be unique to the building where it is placed.

Backflow testing allows a building owner to determine if they have a cross connector and need a backflow prevention device.

If a backflow prevention device is in place, the backflow testing determines if the prevention device is working properly and/or if it is the right type of device for that particular building.

The Backflow Prevention Device

There are simple backflow prevention devices and highly complex backflow prevention devices. These systems typically include a wide assortment of check valves.

These help stop the water from flowing from backyards into the water supply that includes clean water during the periods where water pressure is unequal or there are other fluctuations that affect functionality within the water supply system.

Essentially, the backflow prevention device works to make certain that the clean water of a structure is kept clean.

We Can Help

Our team of trained professionals here at Reynolds are licensed and highly experienced in installing, testing, repairing, and providing certification of the backflow prevention devices within your building, be it a residence or a commercial building.

Our technicians are specially trained to appropriately manage all of the steps in the backflow testing process. We have the ability to complete the inspection paperwork associated with backflow testing and installation of prevention devices that your local water authority requires.

If, after backflow testing, it is found that your prevention device fails, we can assist in either the repair or the complete replacement of the unit to ensure your full compliance with the local and state requirements.