Your sprinkler system depends on several components working together. Sprinkler heads distribute water, valves control individual zones, and the controller determines when your landscaping gets watered. Another important component helps protect the water supply itself: the backflow preventer.
A backflow prevention device or assembly helps prevent water from your irrigation system from flowing backward toward the potable water supply.
Like other components of an irrigation system, a backflow preventer requires proper maintenance. Depending on the type of assembly and the requirements that apply to your property, that can include periodic testing by a qualified professional.
So, how often should you schedule backflow testing in Nevada?
Annual testing is a common requirement for testable backflow prevention assemblies covered by cross-connection control programs. Nevada regulations establish annual testing requirements for applicable backflow prevention assemblies, and individual water providers can have additional rules governing when and how testing is performed.
Because requirements depend on the property, assembly, and water provider, homeowners and property owners should confirm the specific testing schedule that applies to their irrigation system.
Nevada Backflow Testing Requirements
For applicable backflow prevention assemblies, annual testing is a standard schedule in Nevada.
Nevada’s cross-connection control regulations establish requirements intended to protect public water systems from contamination or pollution caused by backflow. Local water providers administer cross-connection control programs and may establish testing procedures based on the type of property and backflow protection involved.
The City of Henderson, for example, directs customers covered by its Cross-Connection Control Program to have their backflow assemblies tested annually. Testing is also required when an applicable assembly is installed, repaired, or replaced.
Residential requirements deserve additional attention. Henderson states that residential homes have backflow protection for systems that include irrigation, while its formal Cross-Connection Control Program does not cover residential backflow protection.
That makes your local water provider the best source for determining the specific requirements that apply to your property.
If your irrigation backflow assembly is subject to annual testing, scheduling it around the same time each year can make the requirement easier to remember.
What Does an Irrigation Backflow Preventer Do?
A sprinkler system distributes water throughout landscaping where that water can come into contact with soil and other substances found outdoors.
Under certain hydraulic conditions, water can potentially move in the opposite direction from its intended flow. Backflow prevention is designed to protect the potable water system from that reverse flow.
Backflow can occur through conditions known as backsiphonage or backpressure.
Backsiphonage occurs when pressure in the water supply drops enough to draw water backward through a connection. Backpressure occurs when pressure on the downstream side becomes greater than the supply pressure and pushes water backward.
The appropriate backflow prevention device or assembly creates protection between the irrigation system and the potable water supply.
The type of protection required depends on the system and the degree of potential hazard. This is one reason backflow prevention should be evaluated based on the specific irrigation system and applicable local requirements.
When Should You Test a Backflow Preventer Besides the Annual Test?
An annual schedule may be only one reason an applicable backflow prevention assembly needs to be tested.
Testing may also be required following certain changes to the assembly. For example, Henderson requires assemblies covered by its Cross-Connection Control Program to be tested when they are installed, repaired, or replaced.
Testing in these situations helps verify that the assembly is operating properly after work has been completed.
Property owners should also pay attention to notices from their water provider. A utility may provide testing deadlines, reporting instructions, or other requirements for assemblies covered by its cross-connection control program.
If you recently purchased a property and are unsure about the irrigation system’s backflow prevention, it can also be helpful to identify the device or assembly and determine which requirements apply.
Records from previous testing may provide useful information about the assembly and its maintenance history.
Who Can Perform a Backflow Test?
Backflow testing requires specialized knowledge and equipment.
Nevada defines a certified backflow prevention assembly tester as a person certified to test these assemblies through an approved organization. Current Nevada regulations recognize certification from organizations including the California-Nevada Section of the American Water Works Association, the American Backflow Prevention Association, and the American Society of Sanitary Engineering, along with equivalent organizations approved by the state.
Local requirements can add another layer.
For assemblies covered by Henderson’s Cross-Connection Control Program, testing must be performed by a City-authorized testing company. The City requires authorized testers to maintain applicable certifications and meet its program requirements.
Before scheduling a test, confirm that the tester meets the requirements established by the water provider responsible for your property.
Water Whitchers focuses specifically on sprinkler and irrigation systems. If you have questions about the backflow protection connected to your irrigation system, the first step is identifying the type of device or assembly and determining what service it requires.
What Happens During a Backflow Test?
A backflow test evaluates whether a testable assembly is operating as required.
The tester uses specialized equipment connected to designated test points on the assembly. The testing process evaluates the performance of the assembly’s internal components and verifies that the required protection is functioning properly.
The exact testing procedure depends on the type of assembly.
Once the test is complete, the results are documented. Depending on the local program, those results may need to be submitted to the water provider.
Henderson, for example, requires authorized testing companies to submit test reports for assemblies covered by its Cross-Connection Control Program through the City’s online portal. The property owner is responsible for making sure the selected testing company submits the required report.
Homeowners and property owners should confirm whether their water provider requires documentation and who is responsible for submitting it.
If you’re a homeowner surviving the Southern Nevada heat, read our blog to find out some irrigation mistakes we’ve seen too often.
What Happens If Your Backflow Preventer Fails the Test?
A failed backflow test means the assembly did not meet the required testing criteria.
Several problems can affect the operation of a backflow prevention assembly. Internal components can wear, seals can deteriorate, debris can interfere with operation, or other mechanical problems can develop over time.
The next step depends on what caused the failure and the condition of the assembly.
Some problems can be addressed by repairing or servicing the affected components. Other situations may call for replacement of the assembly.
After repairs or replacement, another test may be required to verify that the assembly is operating correctly. Henderson specifically requires testing following the repair or replacement of assemblies covered by its Cross-Connection Control Program.
Addressing a failed test promptly helps keep the irrigation system’s backflow protection operating as intended and can help the property remain current with applicable requirements.
Can You Tell If a Backflow Preventer Needs Service Without Testing It?
Some backflow preventer problems are visible.
You might notice water leaking from the assembly, physical damage, corrosion, or another obvious problem around the device. These signs deserve attention because they can indicate that a component requires service.
Internal problems can require testing to identify.
A backflow prevention assembly contains components designed to respond to changes in pressure and water flow. Looking at the exterior does not tell you how those internal components will perform during the conditions they are designed to address.
That is one reason scheduled testing is important for assemblies that require it.
If you notice visible damage or leaking around the backflow protection connected to your sprinkler system, have the irrigation system evaluated instead of waiting for the next scheduled test.
Why Backflow Testing Should Be Part of Sprinkler Maintenance
Backflow protection is part of the larger irrigation system, so it deserves attention alongside the other components that keep that system operating properly.
Sprinkler maintenance often focuses on the parts homeowners see every day.
Backflow protection serves a different purpose. Its job centers on controlling the direction water can travel between the irrigation system and the potable water supply.
Adding backflow inspection and any required testing to your irrigation maintenance schedule can help you keep track of this important component.
It can also help irrigation repair specialists catch visible leaks, damage, or other problems that may affect your sprinkler system.
Keep records of previous tests and repairs when applicable. If your water provider requires annual testing, choose a consistent time of year to schedule it and follow any notices or deadlines you receive.
Schedule Irrigation Backflow Service With Water Whitchers
The right backflow testing schedule depends on the type of device or assembly, your property, and the requirements established by your water provider.
Annual testing is common for testable backflow prevention assemblies covered by cross-connection control requirements. Additional testing may be required after installation, repair, or replacement.
Your local water provider can confirm which requirements apply to your property.
Water Whitchers specializes in sprinkler and irrigation systems. If you have concerns about the backflow protection connected to your sprinkler system or need help maintaining your irrigation system, contact Water Whitchers to discuss the appropriate next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Annual testing is commonly required for testable backflow prevention assemblies covered by Nevada cross-connection control requirements. Requirements can depend on the property, assembly, and local water provider, so confirm the testing schedule that applies to your irrigation system.
Testing requirements depend on the type of backflow protection and the rules established by the applicable water provider. For example, Henderson states that residential homes have backflow protection for irrigation systems, while its formal Cross-Connection Control Program does not cover residential backflow protection. Property owners should confirm their specific requirements with their water provider.
Official testing of a testable backflow prevention assembly generally requires specialized equipment and an appropriately qualified tester. Local programs may also require testers to hold specific certifications or authorization. Henderson requires testing under its Cross-Connection Control Program to be completed by a City-authorized testing company.
A failed assembly may require repair or replacement depending on the cause of the failure and the condition of its components. Testing may be required again after the work is completed to verify proper operation.
A visual inspection can identify issues such as leaks, corrosion, or physical damage. Testing evaluates internal operation that may not be apparent from the exterior. If your assembly is subject to a testing requirement, it should be tested according to that schedule regardless of its exterior appearance.
