What is backflow testing and do you need to have it done? If backflow is a term that you are not familiar with, then read on.
This post will explain what backflow is, how it can be prevented, and the regulations around backflow testing in Kitchener and the surrounding areas.
2. How can you Prevent Backflow?
3. Where do Backflow Prevention Devices Need to be Installed?
4. Backflow Testing In Kitchener
5. Who Can Perform the Backflow Prevention Device Test?
If you require backflow testing, contact the certified professionals at WaterSmart. We will walk you through the process and submit all the required paperwork to help you comply with the regulations.
1. What Is Backflow?
Backflow is the undesirable reversal of the flow of water or other substances in a plumbing system, which can contaminate clean water supplies.
It typically occurs when there is a sudden drop in water pressure, causing water from an external source, such as a contaminated supply or a sewer line, to flow back into the clean water system.
To prevent backflow, systems are often equipped with backflow prevention devices, like check valves or air gaps, which ensure that water flows in only one direction.
Backflow prevention is crucial for maintaining the safety and quality of drinking water in residential, commercial, and industrial settings.
Backflow can be the cause of dangerous pollutants entering our water system.
2. How Can You Prevent Backflow?
In order to prevent backflow, you can install a backflow preventer (BFP). This is a mechanical device that stops unwanted substances and chemicals from entering the city's safe water supply.
There are various types of backflow prevention devices available. These devices are designed to help protect the different kinds of cross-connections.
If you are unsure whether or not you have one already installed, you can call a plumber, contractor or other professionals who will be able to identify it for you.
The City of Kitchener is committed to ensuring that its residents have access to a clean and safe water supply.
Because of this, they have introduced a backflow prevention bylaw. Its purpose is to make sure that commercial, industrial, institutional, and large multi-residential buildings are following strict guidelines to prevent backflow contamination.
Backflow testing in Kitchener helps stay compliant with local bylaws.
3. Where Do Backflow Prevention Devices Need To Be Installed?
Backflow prevention devices need to be installed in the following locations. For more details, click here.
1. Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, or Large Multi-residential Buildings
Backflow can be very dangerous, especially if it occurs in commercial, industrial, institutional, or large multi-residential buildings where the potential for larger quantities of contaminants is possible.
Backflow Prevention Devices are usually located where the water enters the building.
2. Sprinkler And Lawn Irrigation Systems
Backflow can occur in sprinkler and lawn irrigation systems.
If the heads of these systems become submerged during heavy rains, then contaminants such as animal waste, fertilizers, and pesticides can backflow into the drinking water.
By law, these systems must have backflow prevention devices installed and annually tested.
3. Boilers, Tanks, Cooling Jackets, and Fire Hydrants Attached To A Potable Water Supply
If any of the above is attached to a potable (able to be safely consumed by humans) water supply and a non-potable fluid is present and there is potential for that fluid to enter the clean water supply, a backflow prevention device must be installed.
Backflow can occur in sprinkler and lawn irrigation systems.
4. Backflow Testing In Kitchener
Backflow prevention devices must be tested under the following circumstances:
When they are first installed
When they are cleaned, repaired, or overhauled
When they are relocated
Annually
5. Who Can Perform The Backflow Prevention Device Test?
Only a certified backflow technician registered with the corresponding cities can perform the backflow prevention device test.
WaterSmart is registered with Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, and Guelph as an approved company to install, repair, and annually test backflow prevention devices and equipment.
If you require backflow testing, come and see the plumbing and service experts at WaterSmart.
Our fully insured licensed master plumbers have been serving KW, Cambridge, Guelph, and the surrounding areas since 1994.
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