Backflow Preventers

Backflow is water flowing in the opposite of its intended direction, either from a loss of pressure in the supply lines or an increase in pressure on the customer’s side. When the water backflows it can carry contaminants with it into the water lines.

Backflow Preventers are commonly found on an irrigation systems. It is used to protect water supplies from contamination or pollution. It is critical for creating a safe water supply system in your home.

Backflow occurs when the normal flow of water in your home’s pipes or plumbing system suddenly reverses directions. If this occurs, the clean water that you drink or shower with can come into contact with used water that may contain chemicals, bacteria and other harmful contaminants.

If an event causes a drop in the water main’s pressure because of a nearby burst pipe or the use of a fire hydrant, the water pressure difference can cause contaminants to flow back through the sprinkler head, which can introduce fertilizer and pesticides into potable water.

The State of Texas requires every lawn sprinkler system installed in the State to be protected by a certified backflow prevention device. These devices are required to protect the quality and safety of the drinking water supply.

Because backflow-prevention assemblies are mechanical assemblies that can fail, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires testing of all backflow-prevention assemblies at installation by a TCEQ-licensed tester. Backflow preventers are installed to protect against any health hazard and must be tested annually.

Although we usually don’t winterize our sprinkler systems, you may want to protect your above ground backflow preventer from freezing.

If you have an older home with a sprinkler system and you are not sure you have a backflow preventer, we can check that it is working or install one. If your backflow preventer needs to be tested, call to schedule an appointment.

Greenedge Sprinklers is trained, certified and licensed to install, repair and relocate backflow preventers.  Read more

Our BackFlow Prevention Assembly Tester License#BP0011837

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality