Why Should I Get Backflow Testing Done?
There are so many appointments and costs that come with business or homeownership, so we know that it might sound overwhelming to hear of something else you need to keep track of. However, backflow testing is one of the most important tasks that must be done on every single property - here you will learn about backflow testing benefits.
The first reason you should ensure backflow testing on your property is because the law requires it. The state of Illinois mandates that all properties in contact with public water undergo a backflow test every year by a licensed plumber. If you don't complete a backflow test and submit the required paperwork to the state government, fines will begin.
However, even if backflow testing was not mandated by the government, it would still be an extremely important task. Having a simple backflow test done regularly can prevent huge problems, large costs, and health hazards.
When your plumbing works correctly, it separates clean drinking water from other water that has been flushed, drained, or come in contact with chemicals or dirt. Your backflow prevention device is what keeps that water separated.
Cross-Connection Points are Easily Contaminated
This is especially important at cross-connection points. Cross-connection points are where pipes with potable and non-potable water meet. Your garden hose might be a perfect example of this. Clean water comes out of your garden hose, but what kind of water flows back into your house? If you accidentally leave your garden hose sitting in a pool of water near where you recently applied fertilizer, weed killer, or anything else, that water will flow back through your hose.
However, as long as your backflow preventer is working, that dangerous and contaminated water will not automatically come out of your sink. In Illinois, the most common backflow preventer is called an RPZ, or a Reduced Pressure Zone. You probably don’t think about your RPZ every time you turn on your water. At American National Sprinkler and Lighting, we think you shouldn’t have to think about your backflow prevention device at all! When you take care of it by doing your annual check, you can be sure your water is free from toxins and contamination without having to worry about your plumbing.
What if I Don't Get My Backflow Tested?
On the surface level, you might think it’s not a big deal to skip your annual backflow test. However, the most immediate consequence of skipping this test will be a fine from the government. If you continue to refuse this simple test of your RPZ, the disciplinary actions from the government will only increase.
While receiving a fine is a very obvious consequence, the especially dangerous consequences of skipping a backflow test are silent. In fact, you may not realize the danger you're putting yourself in until it's too late.
A Silent Danger
When a backflow prevention device fails, it doesn’t sound an alarm. It also doesn’t immediately change the color of your water. Instead, water mixed with chemicals will slowly infiltrate your home or business.
Although pollution does not constitute a health hazard, contamination does. You’ll use this dangerous water to wash your hands, wash your dishes, bathe your kids, and cook your food.
The flavor of the water you drink may change, but that might not happen right away. If you don’t notice this problem and you continually expose yourself, your pets, your family, or even your employees to hazardous substances, people will start getting sick.
And unfortunately, a backflow problem won’t only affect one home or building. That water will spread throughout the community and expose many others to dangerous, unhealthy water.
By the time you realize that the problem is coming from your water, it can cause damage that can’t be undone. Is that a risk that you are willing to take?
Backflow Testing Benefits
Safety
The idea of how severely a backflow problem could potentially affect you, your loved ones, your business, and your community should be scary. The potential for danger is extremely high.
But thankfully, maintaining your backflow prevention device can stop all of that from ever happening. The biggest benefit of backflow testing is that it prevents what could be a huge, life-altering problem for many people.
Getting your annual backflow test not only keeps the water on your property clean, it also contributes to the safety and health of your community.
Peace of Mind
One of the most significant benefits that you will notice from your backflow testing is the peace of mind it will allow you to have. After you have your annual test, you don’t have to think about your RPZ or the quality of your water. You can be sure that you are doing your part to keep your family and loved ones safe. And all you have to do is wait until the next time you get a call from American Sprinkler and Lighting.
Easy to Schedule
In fact, at American National Sprinkler and Lighting, we make the entire backflow testing process completely pain free for all of our customers. Each spring, we call all of our customers to set a date for the opening of their sprinklers.
At this time, we will also ask you if you want to get your backflow test done at the same time. If you are like almost all of our customers, you’ll agree to schedule them at the same time.
All you have to do is say yes to a backflow test--you don’t even have to remember to call us each year!
No Interference
Since almost all RPZs in Lake County are already located outside, we can complete your backflow test without interfering in your day or schedule at all. In fact, you don’t even need to be home for us to successfully complete your test.
If you are one of the very rare people who have their backflow prevention device inside, we’ll set up a day and time to come in. To complete your backflow test, we will only need 20 to 30 minutes. You don’t need to do anything else while we are there. You can read more about our backflow testing procedures here.
No Paperwork
We will also take care of all the paperwork so that you don’t have anything extra to think about. We will tag your backflow prevention device with the updated test and date and give you a copy of your report. We will also file a report with your village and with the state government.
Getting a backflow test done with American National Sprinkler and Lighting means that you don’t even have to touch your RPZ or even look at it!
Not Expensive
The cost for a backflow test from American National Sprinkler and Lighting is only $85. With that small fee, you can be sure that you are keeping your home, business, and loved ones safe.
Talk To A Professional Today
Our system continues to work great, and we always appreciate getting the phones calls to let us know when it is time to schedule the opening and the closing of our system. Andres and his partner do a terrific job putting our system to bed in the fall, and opening it up again in the spring, noting any work that might need to happen before we can begin to water again the next season.
Erica RegunbergOctober 16, 2019
Get Your Backflow Testing Benefits
Are you ready to schedule it yet? The benefits of doing your backflow test with American National Sprinkler and Lighting are:
- It's easy to schedule
- It doesn't interfere with your day
- It's quick
- It's affordable
- We take care of the paperwork
- Keeps your home/business safe
- Keeps your community safe
- Gives your peace of mind
You can call us at (847) 388-0321 if you are a one of our current customers to set up your backflow testing appointment if its not set up already.