It is time for your annual irrigation system backflow prevention test.
Backflow is potentially contaminated water that flows from a source such as an irrigation system back into a home’s drinking water or a city’s water supply.
In Washington state, all irrigation systems are required to have a backflow preventer and to have the backflow preventer inspected annually for proper operation.
Backflow preventers are used in cross connections in irrigation systems. A cross connection is a point in a plumbing system where the drinking water supply is connected, or can be connected, to a non-drinking water source.
A one-way valve is integrated into the plumbing to keep contaminated water from entering your drinking water or the city’s water supply.
The one-way check valve assemblies allow the water to only move forward into the system, not backwards into the water supply pipes that supply fresh water to homes and businesses. This is how backflow assemblies protect our water supply.
Annual testing of your irrigation backflow system is required by Washington State Code WAC 246-290-490 to assure that it is in perfect working order.
Even the best backflow assembly can fail because of freezing, debris, improper installation and unapproved plumbing connections. That’s why state law requires that backflow assemblies be tested every year.
If your backflow system fails the test, repairs must be performed immediately. A backflow assembly that has failed will not protect our water supply. Plantscapes Inc. will be able to assist you in bringing your system back to good working order.
Upon successful completion of the test, we will provide you with all the necessary paperwork required by your local utility.
Call Plantscapes at 206.623.7100 to schedule a certified backflow test.