Your sprinkler system might look pretty simple on the surface, but there's actually a lot happening underground that you might not be aware of. These systems are made up of various parts that work together to keep everything running smoothly and safely.
One important part of this setup is the backflow preventer.
What’s a Backflow Preventer? Backflow preventers are gadgets installed in your plumbing where your clean drinking water meets a source that isn’t safe to drink. Since the water in your sprinkler system can have all sorts of nasty stuff like fertilizers and pesticides, you definitely don’t want that creeping back into your drinking water supply.
The backflow preventer is a one-way valve that makes sure water in your irrigation system only moves in one direction. This stops any possibly contaminated water from getting back into your drinking water. You can see why having a backflow preventer is super important for your home’s health, so it’s a good idea to get backflow testing done regularly. In fact, the Indiana EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) requires this testing at least once a year.
If you’ve got an irrigation system, you definitely need a backflow preventer. When we put in these preventers, we’ll also test them right away to ensure they’re working as they should. We’ll check the backflow preventer to confirm it’s in good shape. If we find any damage or signs of wear that might compromise its function, we’ll either fix it up or swap it out. If it doesn’t pass our test, we’ll replace it too. And if you need a brand-new backflow preventer, we’ll install it properly and run another test to make sure it’s doing its job.