Backflow Testing
Backflow testing in St. Louis, MO. Backflow testing is vital to the continued health and well-being of your yard, your landscape, your family, and your neighborhood. When it's time for your annual backflow testing appointment, it’s the perfect time to reach out to the certified irrigation backflow experts at Lawn Sprinklers of St. Louis.
For more than 30 years, we have been committed to providing families like yours with knowledgeable and friendly sprinkler services such as backflow inspections. Begin today by connecting with us online or by calling us at 314-450-0342.
What is Backflow in St. Louis?
The fundamental takeaway on backflow is this – you definitely don't want it. The rest you can leave up to us. Backflow is unsanitary water or sewage that is flowing in the opposite direction – back from where it came. It's literally flowing back towards its source. It's a problem that can occur anywhere in your plumbing where pipes that are going in opposite directions intersect or cross-connect, typically when there is a drastic change in water pressure, such as a burst pipe.
Your sprinkler system includes a system of underground pipes laid strategically throughout your property. In between uses of your sprinkler system, water sits in these pipes, ready to eject when the sprinkler system runs next. This is fine for watering your landscape, but this water becomes less desirable for other uses as it sits underground. Water that sits stagnant in these pipes becomes a hot spot for bacteria, minerals, or chemicals to build up, such as:
- Fertilizers/pesticides
- Chlorine from pools/spas
- Human waste
- Soap from dishwashers/sinks/showers
When a change in pressure occurs, you are in danger of contaminated water from your sprinkler system entering the water source of your kitchen and bathroom taps and showerheads. As you can imagine, backflow is unsavory at best and a severe health hazard at worst. Mineral-heavy water can damage your home, give your tap water a bad taste, irritate your skin, and potentially cause illnesses that can even become life-threatening.
What Causes Backflow Situations in St. Louis?
Water naturally wants to move from an area with high pressure to an area of low pressure. The issue of backflow may result if:
- The water pressure in the line is reduced
- If there is a broken water line
- If a large amount of water is being used, like the amount needed for fighting fires
- If the sprinkler system is not installed properly, causing back-pressure from pump
The backflow testing experts at Lawn Sprinklers of St. Louis specialize in eliminating all causes of backflow. Give us a call at (314) 450-0342 or contact us.
What is the Backflow Testing Process?
Backflow testing should be done any time you suspect there is an issue with your backflow preventer, and at least once a year as a regular annual check-up. Your backflow preventer is a device that ensures water can only flow in one direction. Sprinkler backflow inspections are critical in making sure that the water in your irrigation system isn’t getting into the water that’s used inside your home.
When you book an appointment with Lawn Sprinklers of St. Louis for backflow inspection, you will want to know what to expect. We are happy to walk you through how your sprinkler system and plumbing work, but ultimately what you need to be aware of when anticipating a backflow testing appointment is that your water will have to be shut off. It is a relatively painless process for you as a homeowner, provided you plan ahead and make the necessary arrangements or adjustments in your schedule to account for the brief length of time when you won't have access to your water supply.
When you schedule professional backflow testing with a licensed specialist like Lawn Sprinklers of St. Louis, expect a brief 20- to 30-minute visit. When our licensed backflow technicians arrive at your property, they will perform tests and observe your backflow preventer and the flow of water to make sure that the backflow preventer is doing its job. Specifically, they will:
- Verify that the check valves on your backflow preventer are properly functioning to prevent backflow.
- Ensure that all ports are in working order, opening completely when necessary.
- Check that the relief valves open before the pressure at the check valve reaches less than 2 psi below the pressure at the inlet device.
If this all sounds foreign to you, no need to worry. When you rely on the professional services of the backflow experts at Lawn Sprinklers of St. Louis, you don't need to understand your irrigation system or identify its parts. Our specialists have years of experience providing exceptional service in lawn sprinkler installations, inspections, and repairs. Our dedicated team is equipped with extensive training and all the necessary equipment to perform safe and effective backflow testing.
Why Do I Need Backflow Testing in St. Louis?
In Missouri, as is the case in most states, backflow testing is required for homeowners who have a sprinkler system installed. According to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, as well as St. Louis County ordinance, anyone with an irrigation system must have their backflow testing done annually by a certified backflow testing professional. You will receive a notice from your municipality when your annual backflow testing is due. No need to worry though, Lawn Sprinklers of St. Louis follows all applicable guidelines and can even file the paperwork.
Contact a licensed backflow testing professional at Lawn Sprinklers of St. Louis today or call us at 314-450-0342.
In addition to backflow testing for our St. Louis neighbors, Lawn Sprinklers of St. Louis provides the following professional lawn care services:
How Important is Backflow Testing to My Family and Property in St. Louis?
Your backflow preventer has an enormously important job. A lot is riding on its performance, including the health and safety of you and your family. Complications with backflow can arise from seemingly minor occurrences, such as a difference in water pressure caused by different volumes of usage between neighbors, as well as much more severe instances of dysfunction such as a nearby water main break. Even minor contaminants or a small amount of contaminated water backflow can pose a serious risk to your health. Backflow testing prevents these issues from taking hold and catches weaknesses in your preventer before a problem occurs.
Lawn Sprinklers of St. Louis relies on the following trustworthy backflow preventers for our customers in the St. Louis area:
The certified backflow testers of Lawn Sprinklers of St. Louis are as familiar with backflow testing as they are with all other types of lawn sprinkler and irrigation maintenance and repair. Since we are a full-service lawn care company, it's easy to schedule followup service with us or perhaps even for us to take care of the problem then and there.
Reach Out to the Leader in St. Louis Backflow Testing | Lawn Sprinklers of St Louis
Backflow testing is your responsibility to your community as well as to yourself, your family, and your property. It is also your legal obligation. It's an essential service that should be left to the experts. Lawn Sprinklers of St. Louis has been keeping families safe in the Greater St. Louis area with backflow testing and other lawn care services for four decades. We are committed to providing thorough, knowledgeable service for your annual backflow testing.
Schedule your backflow testing appointment today by calling us at 314-450-0342 or by connecting with us online.