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Backflow
The backflow preventer is a device designed to prevent the reverse flow of water back into the domestic water supply. The backflow of any substance that could contaminate the domestic water supply and endanger public health is a serious concern. This program was established to ensure the installation and testing of backflow preventers where needed. Federal, State and Water District regulations require approved backflow protection where actual or potential hazards exist between public and private plumbing. The test must be performed by state certified testers.
Wilkins 950xlt double check valve
Standard backflow device in the District
What is a Blackflow?
Backflow is the undesirable reversal of the flow of water or mixture of water and other liquids, gases, or other substance into the distribution pipes of the potable supply of water from any source or sources.
When does backflow occur?
Backflow may be caused by condition of gravity, vacuum or other pressure changes. There are two factors that contribute to reversal of flow in pipelines. One is *backsiphonage and the other is *backpressure.
*Back-siphonage: Conditions exist when there is a negative or sub-atmospheric pressure in the supply piping, allowing downstream substances to be siphoned into the potable water supply. Under-sized pipes, pipeline breaks, and high with drawl rates can create vacuums, which contributes to the occurrence of back-siphonage.
*Backpressure: Conditions exist when a pressure higher than the supply is created in the downstream piping, allowing downstream substances to be pushed into the potable water supply. Back-pressure can occur when higher pressures downstream are generated by pumps, thermal expansion, and elevation.
What is a cross-connection?
The term cross-connection refers to any unprotected actual or potential connection or structural arrangement between a public or consumers' potable water system and any other sources or system through which it is possible to introduce into any part of the potable water system any used water, industrial fluids, gas, or substance other than the intended potable water with which the system supplied.
By-pass arrangements, jumper connections, removable sections, swivel or change-over devices and other temporary or permanent devices through which or because of which backflow can or may occur are considered to be cross-connections
It is evident that we cannot eliminate either the occurrence of backflow nor can we prevent cross-connections from being created. We must therefore provide a means of protecting drinking water systems from the hazards of backflow occurrences though cross-connections
All required backflow
preventers must be tested at least annually, the test must be performed by State Certified Testers.
BACKFLOW ASSEMBLY TESTERS FOR THE STATE OF OREGON;
- Mack Clark Backflow Testing: 541/672-2429
- Leon's Backflow Testing: 541/643-0431
- Popeye's Pump & Backflow Service: 541/672-6715
- Rokus Plumbing: 541/430-6866 or 541/229-2595
- David Birtch: 541/679-4236
- Aaction Backflow: Ben Lane: 541/817-6061 or 541/673-6310
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