What is Backflow?
Backflow is the flow of water in the wrong direction. Backflow valves keep contaminants out of drinking water when working correctly.
There are two types of backflow. They are backpressure and backsiphonage.
Backpressure is the backflow caused by a downstream pressure that is greater than the upstream or supply pressure in a water system. Backpressure can result from an increase in downstream pressure, a reduction in the potable water supply pressure, or a combination of both. Increases in downstream pressure can be created by pumps, temperature increases in boilers, etc. Reductions in potable water supply pressure occur whenever the amount of water being used exceeds the amount of water being supplied, such as during water line flushing, fire fighting, or breaks in water mains.
Backsiphonage is backflow caused by a negative pressure in a water system.
Helpful links:
City of Meridian Backflow Information
American Backflow Prevention Association
University of Southern California Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I turn on my water to the sprinkler system?
Weather permitting, we recommend mid April.
Should my backflow be tested before or after my water is on to the sprinkler system?
Water must be on to complete the test. We test the majority of sprinkler system backflows April through October. Some water companies have specific due dates.
If needed, the backflow can be tested year round as long as the temperature is above freezing.
Do you do sprinkler blowouts?
We do not provide winterization services. We recommend you contact a lawn service / sprinkler company.
I see a crack in my backflow, what now?
Some ball valves will crack and only leak when turning from off to on, but not leak when fully on. If it stops leaking when fully on it’s ok.
If the backflow is leaking continuously, you may have freeze damage due to improper winterization. That backflow would need to be repaired or replaced.