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Local
Cross Connection
Control Programs
Apex
Cary
Durham
Holly Springs
OWASA
Orange Cty, Chapel Hill and surrounding areas.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
The following are some typical questions
you may have regarding your backflow device. If your question is not
addressed here or you have further questions, please feel free to call or
e-mail us. It's important to us that you understand the necessity of
backflow prevention and the services Apex Backflow provides.
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What is a
backflow device and what purpose does it serve?
Back flow prevention devices ensure that water flows only in one direction -
from the main line in the street, through the individual service line, and
into the home or business. Without these devices, loss of pressure in the
main line could allow water in the property owner's lines to drain back into
the system.
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How often
does my backflow device need to be tested?
Most
city's and water purveyors are requiring that all backflow prevention
devices be tested annually. Mechanical backflow device's have internal
seals, springs, and moving parts that are subject to fouling, wear, or
fatigue. Also, mechanical backflow device's can be bypassed. Therefore, all
backflow device's have to be tested to ensure that they are functioning
properly: this is done by trained and certified technicians using specially
calibrated gauge equipment.
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What
is a Reduced Pressure Backflow Prevention Device (RP)?
| The reduced pressure principle
back-flow prevention device (RP) is becoming the most widely approved
backflow by cities and water purveyors. The RP is designed to
protect against back pressure and back siphonage plus has a built in
differential relief valve that vents to atmosphere if either check valve
were to fail. A check valve is a disc or flap
that can be pushed open when water flows in the normal direction,
allowing water to flow through the pipe. But the check valve is loaded
with a spring and closes when water attempts to flow in the opposite
direction through the pipe. The first check valve reduces the
supply pressure a predetermined amount so that during normal flow and at
cessation of normal flow the pressure between the checks shall be less
than the supply pressure. In case of leakage of either check valve, the
differential relief valve, by discharging to atmosphere, shall operate
to maintain the pressure between the checks less than the supply
pressure. MORE INFO>> |
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How do you test my backflow device?
We use a Midwest Instruments model 845-5 backflow tester specifically
designed to test all major brands of reduced pressure principal backflows,
double check valves and pressure vacuum breakers.
All backflow testing equipment have a unique serial number and must be
calibrated annually by an approved company specializing in test
equipment calibration. Annual calibration is mandatory by
the cities and water purveyors.
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Mid-West Instruments
845-5 Backflow Tester |
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Capable of performing all known test procedures including those recommended by ASSE, AWWA, CSA, FCCC & HR-USC and NEWWA
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What happens if my backflow device does not pass inspection tests?
If your backflow fails the inspection, we'll go over the test results
with you and provide you with an itemized estimate for making the necessary
repairs or corrections. You are under no obligation to accept our
repair quote. Typically most jurisdictions have a grace period of
approximately fifteen (15) days (check with your city or water purveyor though)
to correct a failed backflow device. If Apex Backflow makes the
repairs to your backflow device there is no charge for the final testing.
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Will my water need to be shut off during the testing procedures?
Most test require water shutdown usually lasting no longer than a minute.
For facilities that require an uninterrupted supply of water, and when it is
not possible to provide water service from two separate meters, provisions
shall be made for a .parallel installation of backflow prevention assemblies
or arranging a time in the middle of the night to perform the testing.
Testing on lawn sprinkler system backflow devices normally does not affect
the water supply to a home or building as they are typically on a separate
meter or cross connected to the service line feeding your home or building.
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What is the difference between
back pressure and back siphonage?
Back Siphonage:
Most household cross connections are created by hoses. Under certain
conditions, the flow in household water lines can reverse and siphon
contaminants into the water supply.
For example, using a garden hose to spray pesticides is normally harmless,
but if the city's water supply is interrupted while you are spraying, you
may have a problem.
If water main pressure is reduced due to a water main break or nearby fire
fighting, a back siphonage effect is created. This can draw water from your
garden hose into your home water supply. So if you have a pesticide or
fertilizer sprayer attached to your garden hose, the chemicals can
contaminate your water supply.
Back Pressure:
Your drinking water can also be contaminated by an effect called back
pressure. Back pressure results when your water supply is connected to a
system under high pressure such as a hot water boiler for home heating or a
portable automobile pressure washer. Since the pressure in these devices is
higher than your home water supply, water can sometimes be forced
backwards. Contaminants in these systems, such as cleaners or soaps in a
pressure washer, can then enter and contaminate your drinking water supply.
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Who is responsible for submitting my paperwork into the city or water
purveyor?
We are required by law to submit all test results and supporting
paperwork to the city or water purveyor requesting the tests. A copy
of the test results will also be provided to the property owner upon
completion as well. We also keep all of your paper work and results in
our electronic database in the event you need another copy at a later date.
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What kind of payment do you
accept?
We prefer payment by check when the job is complete, but as an extra
convenience we also accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover
Card.
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