You love that fresh, clean water that streams out of your faucets whenever you want a drink. And you love that hard-working lawn fertilizer that helps keep your grass green and healthy.
But you don’t want the two to mix.
That’s why your irrigation system has a backflow preventer. But like any mechanical gizmo, it can stop working over time if you ignore it. Irrigation backflow testing keeps your water safe.
What is irrigation backflow testing? It’s a safety precaution to keep fertilizers and other pollutants from entering the water system.
Is it required? How often do you need it? Who does the testing?
Keep reading to learn more about irrigation backflow testing, including:
- What is irrigation backflow testing?
- Do Minnesota and Wisconsin require backflow testing?
- How often is backflow testing required?
- How does irrigation backflow testing work?
What Is Irrigation Backflow Testing?
First, what exactly is this thing being tested?
Your irrigation backflow preventer prevents water contamination. Most irrigation systems are set up along potable municipal water supply lines, and the water from these systems may be contaminated with fertilizer, dirt, germs, and pesticides.
Allowing water to flow back into the supply line contaminates the water, making it unsafe to use or drink.
Contamination can happen when there’s a significant drop in water pressure, like when a water main breaks or a fire hydrant is used.
When the water pressure drops, backflow preventer valves prevent unsafe water from entering your potable water.
Over time, without annual irrigation backflow testing and maintenance, your backflow preventer valves can break or become less effective at protecting your drinking water supply.
You don’t want this handy device to fail, so it needs to be inspected once a year by a certified backflow assembly tester to ensure proper operation.
Not only is this a basic good idea, but most municipalities require irrigation backflow testing by law. If you don’t have testing done annually, you can be fined or have your water shut off.
RainMaster provides irrigation system backflow testing in Minneapolis and Eau Claire.
Does Minnesota Require Irrigation Backflow Testing?
The Minnesota Plumbing Code requires that irrigation systems with backflow prevention devices installed after January 23, 2016, be tested annually by a certified backflow assembly tester to ensure the devices are working properly.
Does Wisconsin Require Backflow Testing?
Yes, just like Minnesota, Wisconsin has irrigation backflow requirements, requiring annual backflow testing of all backflow prevention assemblies by a certified tester.
How Often is Backflow Testing Required for Irrigation Systems?
Irrigation backflow testing is required by law once a year.
Irrigation Backflow Testing: How Does It Work?
Certified testers do a couple different tests on your backflow device, both involving testing for pressure. At RainMaster, we do this testing in the spring, during your irrigation activation visit.
When you have your irrigation system installed, your installer registers your backflow device with your municipality. They also file the inspection paperwork annually, so your city knows you’ve had the required irrigation backflow testing.
Trust Your Irrigation System Backflow Testing to RainMaster
Feeling kind of grouchy that we pointed out one more thing you have to worry about? Afraid you’ll forget to do it?
Relax. If you’re a RainMaster customer, we’ll take care of it.
You deserve skilled, efficient irrigation repair; continued attentive maintenance; and friendly customer service that takes away the stress and makes things easy.
Hire an Eau Claire WI or Minneapolis MN irrigation maintenance company that goes beyond fixing immediate problems and sets you up for easy maintenance designed for the long haul.
Choose from our three irrigation maintenance programs to make sure everything is running smoothly.
When you’re ready to put your trust in us, we can’t wait to meet you — and help you make the best choice for your lawn.
Ready to make your lawn life easier? Request a quote today! We’ll review your options together so you can make a confident decision. Then, you can finally enjoy your well-watered lawn and stop worrying about it.