Backflow Prevention Testing, Inspection and Certification

Backflow Preventers
Installations and Repairs
Covers and Enclosures

What is Backflow?

Backflow occurs when a loss in water pressure causes the water in your pipes to flow in the opposite direction. Backflow can lead to contaminated drinking water if contaminated waste water flows backwards into your water supply.

Backflow can occur for many different reasons including damaged water supply lines, pump failures and fluctuations in municipal water pressure due to damage, repairs or even use of a local fire hydrant during a fire. Abnormally high customer usage in your area such as homeowners running water during a freeze can also cause a drop in water pressure.

What ever the cause, backflow can lead to serious health problems if a water supply line is contaminated. Contaminated backflow water from a single source can also lead to contamination of the entire local water supply. Because of this public risk, Louisiana requires buildings that provide mechanically controlled water use such as fire sprinklers to install backflow prevention devices and have annual backflow testing. In Louisiana, homes or businesses with irrigation (lawn sprinkler) systems that use the public drinking water supply must also install backflow prevention devices and have annual backflow testing as well.

What is Backflow Testing?

A backflow test will determine if you have a backflow problem that can cause untreated or contaminated water to flow backwards and into your clean water. The test is done by a licensed plumber with special training and certification for backflow prevention testing.

Using specialty equipment, water pressures are checked as well as the functioning of your backflow prevention device also known as a backflow preventer. The test will determine if you have a backflow problem and what is causing it. The tester will determine whether or not your backflow preventer is working properly to guarantee you’re getting clean and safe water. The tester will also provide you with a detailed report of the backflow test results.

What is a Backflow Preventer?

Also known as a Backflow Prevention Device or Backflow Prevention Assembly, a Backflow Preventer allows water in pipes to only flow in one direction.

Backflow can happen when water pressure changes in pipes. A Backflow Preventer is essentially a check valve or a system of check valves installed on your pipes to prevent your wastewater from entering your drinking water supply pipes. A backflow preventor can be mechanically powered to open and close the valves automatically.

All residential and business properties in Louisiana must have backflow preventers on plumbing systems that provide mechanically controlled water use. The most common examples are fire sprinkler systems and irrigation (lawn sprinkler) systems in both homes and businesses that rely on the municipal clean water supply. In Louisiana, annual backflow testing and certification for all backflow preventers is required.

Protect your Backflow Preventer with an Insulated Cover!

We can enclose your Backflow Preventer Assembly to reduce the risk of damage and reduce its visibility in any landscape.  Insulated enclosures reduce the risk of damage to valves and gaskets from freezing weather.

Northshore Residents!

If you’re a Homeowner or Business Owner on the Northshore and have any questions about Backflow Testing or Backflow Preventers, Call Quality Plumbing, the Plumbing Professionals, and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Abita Springs Office:
985-624-3538