386-752-8656Most homeowners don’t spend much time thinking about backflow prevention, but it’s one of the most important safeguards in your plumbing system. Backflow occurs when water flows in the opposite direction from where it should, potentially allowing contaminants to enter your home’s clean water supply.
To protect your drinking water and keep your family safe, backflow prevention devices are installed on plumbing systems. But like any mechanical part, these devices need regular testing and maintenance to do their job. That’s where certified backflow testing comes in.
What Is Backflow Testing?
Backflow testing is a process performed by a licensed, certified professional to ensure your backflow prevention device is working properly. These devices are designed to stop contaminated water from flowing backward into the clean water supply.
During a test, the plumber will:
- Inspect the device for damage or wear
- Check valves, seals, and springs
- Measure pressure levels to confirm the device is holding correctly
- Ensure the system complies with local codes and regulations
It’s not just about compliance—it’s about making sure your water is safe to drink, cook with, and bathe in.
Who Needs Backflow Testing?
Backflow prevention devices are commonly found in:
- Homes with irrigation systems or sprinklers
- Properties with swimming pools or decorative ponds
- Multi-family buildings and commercial properties
- Restaurants, medical facilities, and industrial sites
Even homeowners without special plumbing systems may be required to have a backflow preventer if their local utility mandates it. Many municipalities require annual testing for any property with an irrigation system.
If you’re unsure whether you need a backflow preventer or testing, a licensed plumber can check your setup and explain local requirements.
How Often Should Backflow Testing Be Done?
In most cases, backflow prevention devices should be tested once a year by a certified professional. This annual testing schedule is not just a recommendation: it’s often a requirement by local water authorities.
Like a smoke detector or water heater safety valve, backflow preventers need regular attention to ensure they’ll work when needed. Skipping a year could mean your device fails silently, leaving your water supply at risk.
Benefits of Regular Backflow Testing
Investing in annual backflow testing brings several key benefits:
- Health and safety – Prevents harmful contaminants—like pesticides, fertilizers, or bacteria—from entering your drinking water.
- Compliance – Keeps your home or business in line with local water authority regulations.
- Peace of mind – Ensures your family or customers are protected from unseen risks.
- Cost Savings – Catching issues early prevents expensive emergency repairs or system replacements later.
Why You Need a Certified Professional
Backflow testing isn’t a DIY project. Specialized equipment, training, and certification are required to perform the test accurately and legally. Most water authorities will only accept results from certified testers, and in some cases, documentation must be submitted directly to the utility.
Our technicians are licensed and certified to perform backflow testing and repair. We handle the entire process—from inspection to official reporting—so you can rest easy knowing your water system is safe and compliant.
Contact Barrs Plumbing today to learn more about backflow prevention and how we can help improve and protect your plumbing to bring comfort back to every drop of water in your home.