Backflow Testing

What and Why

A backflow preventer is a device at the beginning of your sprinkler system that is comprised of two check valves. The purpose of the device is to prevent water that is already in your irrigation pipes from being sucked backward into the drinking water supply. Imagine there’s construction that hits a water main. Pressure drops in the water system, and you go to get a glass of drinking water. Suction in the lines caused by your open faucet could suck water from your sprinkler system, along with water that might be standing around a sprinkler. This water could possibly contain fertilizer or dog feces. People do get poisoned and die every year from instances of backflow. Greenville Water System requires residential units to be tested every 5 years, and commercial units be tested every year. Other water systems have different requirements. Don’t worry about doing the test until you are contacted by your water system to do so.