Protecting Drinking Water with Backflow Prevention Devices
- May 12
- 2 min read
Understanding backflow prevention is essential to the safety of everyone to ensure clean drinking water. A backflow preventer stops contaminated water (from chemicals, bacteria, or debris) from reversing flow and entering your clean drinking water supply. It acts as a one-way valve, mandated by local codes, to protect your household and the public water supply from potential health hazards and contamination.
What Is a Cross Connection?
A cross connection is any point where potable water is connected to a potential source of contamination. Common examples include:
Outdoor hose bibbs
Irrigation systems
Pool fill lines
Pressure washers
Fertilizer injection systems
Testing Requirements
Testable backflow prevention devices are required by code on commercial, fire suppression, and irrigation systems to protect the water supply. Testing is mandatory upon installation, after repairs, and annually thereafter. These devices contain internal components that can wear over time. To ensure they are working properly, they must be tested annually by a certified backflow tester.
Signs Your Backflow Device May Need Service
You may need repair or replacement if you notice:
Water leaking from the device
Continuous dripping
Reduced water pressure
Device failing an annual inspection
Visible corrosion or freeze damage
Wacker Plumbing Can Help
Wacker Plumbing tests and installs backflow prevention devices for irrigation systems, hose bibbs, pool fill lines, residential fire suppression systems, commercial coffee machines, and other cross connections. We are certified to perform annual backflow testing and provide the documentation required by your local water authority.
Protect your family and your drinking water by ensuring your backflow devices are professionally installed and tested. Contact Wacker Plumbing today at 703-450-5565 to schedule annual testing, inspection, or installation of your backflow prevention device.
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