Certified Backflow Testing & Backflow Repairs
Hoffman Plumbing is a Certified Backflow Tester
Looking for a Certified Backflow Tester in Northern Nevada? Look no further than Hoffman Plumbing! We are experts in backflow prevention and can help certify your system to ensure that it is compliant with all state and local regulations. Contact us today to learn more about our backflow testing services!
As a business or property owner, you are responsible for ensuring that your plumbing system is up to code and compliant with all regulations. Backflow prevention is an important part of this, and it's something that Hoffman Plumbing can help you with. We have certified backflow testers and can help ensure that your system is working properly and meets all the requirements.
Backflow Prevention Devices
To prevent the backflow of water from your home or business to your clean water source, a Backflow Preventer is installed.
The Backflow Preventer uses a system of check valves: the valves are open when the flow of water is flowing in the right direction, from the clean water source to your home or business.
If the flow of water is reversed, the check valve engages and stops the reverse flow of water, preventing any contaminates from entering the fresh water source.
Backflow Repair:
Was your Backflow recently tested but failed? Is there water leaking from your backflow? Allow Hoffman Plumbing to diagnose where the leak is coming from and perform any repairs on the unit. Relying on extensive experience, we will be able to determine the origin of the leak or faulty part and perform the necessary repairs. Additionally, after the repair, our professional technicians can also perform any testing needed, saving you the hassle of having to call another company. One less appointment for you to schedule!
Backflow Replacement:
If after making repairs your Backflow still does not pass the annual test, Hoffman Plumbing can assist you in choosing a replacement Backflow that will fit the needs of your home or business. Not only will the replacement fulfill State and local Backflow requirements, but Hoffman Plumbing will also be able to perform the initial testing of the unit. That is one less phone call you need to make!
A real-world example of Backflow: in recent years, there have been two events that not only have stopped the flow of the Mississippi River, but have caused the River to reverse directions and flow backwards: 2005 after Hurricane Katrina and 2012 after Hurricane Isaac.
Mississippi
Your Home or Business
Source(s)
Streams, lakes, and smaller rivers (fresh water)
City or well water (fresh water)
Transportation
Combination of Source(s) into one large body of water
From the Source(s) to smaller water pipes
Water Output
Into the Gulf of Mexico (salt water)
Water for use for faucets, toilets, etc (eventually gray water)
Now, if either the flow of the Mississippi River or your home or business is reversed, there is the potential to have salt water or gray water moving toward your fresh water source, tainting your water source. The flow of water needs to remain going in a one-way direction, but there can be disruptions in the water pressure that cause the water to reverse flow, or backflow. With the Mississippi, the disruptions are catastrophic events; with your home or business, the disruptions in water pressure can be caused by a break in your water main or by the local fire department putting out a fire.
Hoffman Plumbing offers Backflow services from annual testing to installation or repairs. Our professional and certified technicians can assist you with Backflow testing, any repairs, and the installation of a new unit. Hoffman Plumbing is your one-stop shop as we have the ability to test, provide certification, repair leaks, and perform the installation of a new Backflow unit.
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If your home or business has a Backflow and you live in Carson City, Douglas, Lyon, Storey, or Washoe Counties, you receive notification in the mail regarding when your Backflow testing is due. As the home or business owner, it is your responsibility to schedule the annual testing. Failure to comply with performing the Backflow testing could ultimately lead to your water being shut off.
When you receive your Backflow testing notification, call Hoffman Plumbing, and allow us to ease your mind. Having served Northern Nevada for more than 55 years, we are familiar with the State and County policies and our certified professionals will ensure that your Backflow testing is performed correctly. We can even work with you to schedule your next annual testing, so we are in your calendar before you receive the testing notification. One less thing for you to worry about!
Local Annual Backflow Testing Resources:
State NAC 445A – Water Controls (NAC: CHAPTER 445A - WATER CONTROLS (state.nv.us) and County Backflow policies (GARDNERVILLE WATER COMPANY BACKFLOW POLICY 2019, Root Entry (tmwa.com), Backflow and Cross-Connection Control Program | Lyon County, NV - Official Website (lyon-county.org), FAQ | Incline Village General Improvement District - IVGID - Incline Village, Crystal Bay, Lake Tahoe (yourtahoeplace.com), Part II Engineering Design Criteria and Improvement Standards 2018 Full.pdf (douglascountynv.gov) require that Backflows be tested annually.
Backflow Testing Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do I Need to Have a Backflow Test?
If you have a backflow device installed on your property, you are required to have it tested. Backflow testing is an important part of maintaining a safe and clean water supply, and it helps ensure that your property is in compliance with all state and local regulations.
The drinking water supply can become contaminated if backflow occurs. A backflow preventer is the last line of defense against contamination of your drinking water.
What are Backflow Preventers?
Backflow preventers are devices that are installed in plumbing systems that protect your drinking water from contamination. Backflow can happen when there is a sudden change in the water pressure, such as when a fire hydrant is turned on or when a water main breaks. This can cause dirty water to flow back into the clean water system.
What is Backflow Testing?
Several Northern Nevada municipalities require annual testing of the backflow preventer device. Backflow testing is the process of checking a backflow preventer to ensure it is functioning properly. A backflow preventer is a device that is installed in your plumbing system to protect your drinking water from contamination. Backflow can happen when there is a sudden change in the water pressure, such as when a fire hydrant is turned on or when a water main breaks. This can cause contaminated water to flow back into the clean water supply.
Does an Irrigation System Have a Backflow Device?
Yes, an irrigation system is required to have a backflow device if it is connected to the public water systems.
An irrigation backflow device is a mechanical device that is installed in an irrigation system to protect the water supply from contamination. Backflow devices allow water to flow in one direction only, preventing contaminated water from flowing back into the public water supply.
All irrigation systems in Nevada are required to have a backflow device, and these devices must be tested annually by a certified back
Are There Different Types of Backflow Prevention Devices?
There are several types of backflow preventers. The most common type is the double check valve backflow preventer (DC). A DC has two shut-off valves and a check valve. The two shut-off valves allow maintenance on the device without shutting off the water to your entire property. The check valve prevents contaminated water from flowing back into your clean water supply.
Another type of backflow preventer is the reduced pressure principle backflow preventer (RP). An RP has two shut-off valves, a check valve, and a relief valve. The RP is designed to protect against higher-pressure backflow.
The last type of backflow preventer is the double check detector assembly backflow preventer (DCDA). A DCDA is similar to a DC, but it also has a low-pressure alarm and a test port. The test port allows for the backflow preventer to be tested without shutting off the water to your property.
What is Done During the Backflow Testing Process?
The backflow testing process is important to ensure that your water is safe from contaminants. This process involves checking the pressure of the water flowing into your home, as well as the direction of the flow. Hoffman Plumbing is certified to perform this test and can give you peace of mind that your water is safe.
If you have any questions about back flow preventers or the backflow testing process, please contact Hoffman Plumbing. We would be happy to answer any of your questions and ensure that your home has safe water.
Hoffman Plumbing is your local trusted, family-owned plumbing company with licensed, bonded, and certified backflow testers in Carson City, Gardnerville, Lake Tahoe, Reno, and Sparks NV. With over 55 years of experience, our local plumbers meet the highest standards of integrity. Our rigid trust certification ensures that you can rely on us for all of your needs.