Backflow testing, otherwise known as CCC testing, is a test performed on your plumbing system to ensure that your drinking water has not been contaminated by dirty water infiltrating the water supply. In backflow testing, a certified technician will test your backflow prevention device using standard protocol and equipment and offer recommendations for repair or replacement.
HOW BACKFLOW HAPPENS
To understand the importance of regular backflow testing, it’s critical to understand how and why backflow happens in the first place.
First, let’s start by defining a cross connection. A cross connection is any physical connection between your potable water system and any source of non-potable liquid or other material. In a cross connection, there is always the potential for the water supply to be contaminated by what’s known as backflow.
Backflow is possible in two situations: backsiphonage and backpressure.
In backsiphonage, a sudden loss of water pressure in the distribution system causes a suction effect that draws non-potable substances into the drinking water system. In a backpressure situation, pressure in a non-potable system exceeds the pressure in the potable system, forcing potable water to reverse its direction of flow through a cross-connection. Non-potable substances then gain entry into the potable water system. In both scenarios, backflow causes the potable water to be contaminated by non-potable water.
BACKFLOW PREVENTION AND BACKFLOW/CCC TESTING
No matter how it occurs, backflow can be prevented. Most commonly, backflow can be prevented by the use of a backflow prevention device. Installed directly in a water line, a backflow prevention devices does exactly that: prevents harmful or dirty substances from flowing back into the water supply system through a series of elaborate check valves.
Backflow prevention devices are a big help. But they’re typically made of rubber, springs and metal, all of which can wear down over time and fail. For this reason, it’s important to establish a maintenance routine that includes annual backflow testing. When installed, each backflow prevention device must be tested and certified upon installation, after repairs are made and a minimum of once per year.
Every backflow device in the state of Wisconsin is recorded. This information is kept on file with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. When Bartingale Mechanical inspects any backflow device, registration on the state website is included. Contact Bartingale Mechanical today to schedule a backflow inspection or building survey today.