Backflow Preventer Installation & Testing in Northern Virginia, Maryland & Washington, DC

Backflow preventers are important tools to help protect your home or business’s water supply from contamination due to a reversal of flow in your pipes. Whether your water comes from the public water supply or a well, the best way to ensure it stays clean is to have a backflow preventer installed. And if you own a business, you are required to have a backflow preventer and have it tested annually.

At Wheat’s Landscape, we are your local irrigation experts. We offer both residential and commercial backflow prevention services—from initial installation to yearly inspection and testing.

For more information or to schedule backflow preventer services for your irrigation or sprinkler system in Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, or Maryland, contact Wheat’s Landscape today!

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What Is Backflow?

Backflow is the flow of water or other substances into the piping of the water supply from any unintended source. This can happen due to backpressure or back-siphonage.

• Backpressure is caused by downstream pressure that is greater than the upstream pressure—either due to an increase in downstream pressure, a decrease in upstream pressure, or both.
• Back-siphonage occurs due to negative pressure in the water system (public or private). In other words, contaminated water is sucked back into the potable water supply.

Why Should I Have a Backflow Preventer?

The State of Virginia considers auxiliary water systems (sprinklers, irrigation, etc.) a high hazard for backflow because they are often exposed to fertilizers, pet waste, and other potentially harmful chemicals. Fertilizer is great for your lawn but, of course, not for your drinking water.

Sprinkler systems are at particular risk for back-siphonage because they often remain submerged under water after running through a cycle or after a rainstorm. Because of this, any sudden decrease in water system pressure could cause water from the sprinkler system to be sucked back into the potable water supply.

If you have questions or are ready to schedule your appointment for backflow preventer installation, call us today at 703-641-4790! 

When Should You Have Your Backflow Preventer Tested?

Once you have a backflow preventer system, you’re good to go, right? Actually, you should have your backflow preventer tested at least once per year—or more frequently if you notice anything strange about your water—to safeguard against system errors. And if you operate a business, you might be required to show proof of testing for your commercial property.

Even if it appears that your backflow preventer is working correctly, you should have it tested periodically because pressure inconsistencies are often difficult to detect without proper equipment. Here are some other signs that indicate you need to have your backflow preventer tested:

• It’s been longer than a year since your last test.
• There is a visible leak in your system.
• You notice a strange odor, taste, or appearance in your water supply.

If it’s time for your annual backflow preventer inspection, contact us today to schedule your appointment.

Backflow Preventer Installation & Testing from Wheat’s Landscape in Northern VA & Beyond

From backflow preventer installation to annual inspection and repairs, an irrigation expert from Wheat’s is ready to help you with all your backflow prevention needs.

If you need backflow preventer testing or installation for your home or business in Northern Virginia, Maryland, or Washington, D.C., call Wheat’s Landscape today at 703-641-4790!