If your area has temperatures that dip below freezing, some plumbing needs to be weatherized during the winter months. When spring arrives, it is time to reconnect the irrigation systems and other pipes. After connecting these systems to the water service again, they need to be tested to make sure backflow prevention devices are working properly. The following backflow testing guide will help with the testing that needs to be done after reconnecting these systems:
Checking Backflow Prevention Devices for Leaks
The backflow prevention devices can leak due to several reasons, which can affect their performance. Therefore, they should be checked for leaks when the testing is done. Some of the areas of backflow prevention devices that can leak include:
- Leaking caps and seals of casings
- Leaking seals where lines connect to devices
- Failing valves that leak and cause issues with devices
The leaks of backflow prevention devices can cause issues that require repairs. Therefore, you want to make sure these leaks are addressed when you are reconnecting plumbing like landscaping irrigation systems.
Inspecting Lines Connected to the Pipes for Damage
The lines that are connected to the backflow prevention devices can also have problems that need to be addressed. This is due to things like winter damage. Sometimes, these problems can be cracks that cause leaks, burst lines, or failing connections to pipes and the backflow prevention device. Damaged lines will need to be repaired after backflow testing is completed.
Checking the Backflow Prevention Device for Failures
The backflow prevention device also has internal components that can fail and may need to be repaired. Issues with the internal workings of backflow prevention devices failing include:
- Damaged check valves
- Damaged relief valves
- Damaged shutoff ball valves
The internal workings of backflow prevention devices can sometimes be repaired. Usually, it is better to have the device completely replaced to ensure it is reliable and protects water lines from contamination like it is designed to do.
Adding or Replacing the Backflow Prevention Devices That Fail
There may be areas of plumbing systems that lack backflow prevention devices. These are often systems that are outdated and need to be updated with modern devices for building codes. In addition, some plumbing systems have old backflow systems that don't meet requirements and may need to be replaced. Sometimes, the devices may just be failing, and replacing them is the easiest solution to repair these problems.
The backflow prevention devices may need to be replaced if they do not do the job they are meant to do. Contact a backflow testing service to ensure your systems are working correctly when they are reconnected to the water service.
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