When you turn on the tap in your home, business or a nearby municipal property, you expect easy access to clean and reliable potable water. Every property connects to the local water supply infrastructure, providing a simple luxury that makes modern living possible. But despite the overall reliability of your water supply, every property owner must contribute to preventing backflow issues that could result in dangerous water contamination. That’s where backflow testing inspection & certification comes in. NOLA Backflow Testing is the most trusted certified backflow tester in New Orleans and the surrounding areas. Located in Hammond, we serve property owners throughout New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Metairie, Lafayette, Covington and more.
What Is Backflow?
Backflow is a phenomenon that occurs when the normal direction of water flow from a plumbing system reverses. Typically, it happens due to changes in water pressure. Those pressure changes can be a product of backpressure, when pipes connected to a water main have higher pressure than the main itself, or backsiphonage, when the system loses pressure due to issues like a water main break or fire hydrant use.
Whatever the cause, backflow poses significant risks, and it’s important to invest in annual backflow prevention testing. When water flows in the opposite direction, cross-contamination can occur. Water contaminated with compounds, potentially hazardous chemicals and other unwanted pollutants flows back to the water main, essentially tainting the potable water supply for you and every other property connected to it. That’s why backflow certification is so vital.
Backflow prevention testing ensures your property’s water supply remains clean, uncontaminated and safe.
How Do I Prevent Backflow?
There are many ways to prevent backflow. However, the most impactful is to have backflow prevention assemblies (BPAs) on your plumbing system. In Louisiana, it’s a requirement to have BPAs or “backflow preventers” on every system that mechanically controls water. That includes irrigation systems, sprinklers, drink machines, etc.
BPAs react quickly to pressure changes. Once the pressure drops, they seal shut to prevent backflow. They’re a preventative measure that provides peace of mind and ensures your property complies with all backflow prevention regulations.
Of course, installing BPAs isn’t enough. Property owners must also regularly work with backflow preventer testers to ensure these systems operate efficiently. Like any other plumbing component, backflow preventers can deteriorate over time. A backflow assembly tester verifies that these crucial components work as they should.
Why Is Backflow Testing Inspection & Certification Necessary?
Backflow testing certification is a regulatory requirement in many areas, including Louisiana. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) require backflow testing certification at least once a year. Depending on the location of your backflow preventer, your property may require backflow prevention testing twice per year.
Failing to work with a backflow preventer tester could result in steep fines and potential suspension of your water service. Backflow prevention testing aims to maintain public water supplies’ health and safety. The LDH may discover noncompliance during sanitary survey audits and charge up to $3,000 daily until you get backflow prevention certification. Furthermore, water suppliers may terminate a customer’s service until they provide proof of certification and maintenance.
What Does a Certified Backflow Tester Do?
Certified backflow assembly testers undergo specialized training to understand the complexities of backflow systems and prevention. To become a certified backflow tester, individuals must pass proficiency tests proving their knowledge. They can then receive a license to work in the State of Louisiana.
The State implements high standards for backflow preventer testers. This job is important, and certified backflow testers play a big role in maintaining the safety of public water supply systems.
During a backflow certification appointment, testers will use specialty equipment to test the functionality of your backflow preventer. Backflow assembly testers will create detailed reports after failing or passing your system. If preventers fail, property owners must take action, repairing or replacing BPAs before scheduling another backflow certification inspection within a specified timeframe.
Why Turn to NOLA Backflow Testing for Backflow Testing Inspection & Certification?
When you need backflow testing certification, turn to NOLA Backflow Testing. We have a team of highly trained, experienced and certified backflow testers ready to serve property owners throughout Hammond, New Orleans, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Covington, Metairie and beyond. When you turn to NOLA Backflow Testing, you can rest assured we pay attention to every detail. We don’t cut corners or turn a blind eye to issues. Our goal is to provide peace of mind that your property’s water supply is safe and healthy.
We provide copies of our reports and can work closely with you to ensure your backflow preventers have optimal performance and reliability. In addition to backflow testing certification, we can support all your repair and replacement needs and install protective enclosures.
Contact NOLA Backflow Testing today to learn more and request a free quote for your inspection, testing and certification needs. You can reach us via email, our online contact form or call (504)300-9504.
