Did you just fail your recent backflow inspection? Inspections are vital to ensure your preventer is working properly, but why is backflow prevention important? A backflow preventer is key to preventing contaminated water from flowing back into the clean water supply. This can lead to property damage, injuries, and even death. In the worst backflow incident on record, over 1500 people became ill and 98 died.
Annual backflow testing by certified plumbing experts ensure any potential issues are identified and remedied before harmful incidents occur. If your backflow assembly fails inspections, that means that a repair or replacement is needed immediately! We’ve compiled a list of common backflow preventor FAQs and why your recent inspection may have failed.
Why Did Your Backflow Preventer Fail Inspection?
If you just had a backflow testing company notify you about failed equipment, you are probably wondering what caused it to fail. Backflow inspections can fail for multiple reasons. We’ve collected the four most common reasons what your backflow prevention device may have failed you recent inspection.
#1. Broken Check Valves
There are two check valves that need to be inspected. The first check valve needs to open properly at certain water pressures and the second needs to stop water from leaking past it. If either valve is broken, your backflow assembly will not function properly.
#2. Leaking From The Relief Valve
A leaking backflow prevention device will harm your inspection, and this leaking stems from air gaps at the relief valve opening point. If your relief valve opening point is too high it can allow internal pressure in the system to exceed the minimum threshold. If the opening is too low it cannot function properly, usually due to corrosion. In either situation, backflow will leak into your clean water and needs to be repaired.
#3. Debris
Debris caused by installation or repairs to the mainline can cause failures in your backflow prevention assembly. For example, if the water company does repair work on a water system, sometimes small pieces of pipe can become lodged between the checks or poppits, causing the checks not to seal.
#4: Worn Springs
Springs can become worn with age and need to be repaired. It is best to have your backflow prevention systems checked regularly to ensure your springs continue to function properly to prevent corrosion and other complications.
Moore’s Makes Backflow Preventer Repairs And Inspection Fast!
The good news is that Moore’s technicians are certified to both inspect your backflow preventer AND repair any issues found from a failed inspection. Schedule your inspection today, confident that any inspection outcomes can be quickly addressed by Moore’s!
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