Backflow Preventers in Eugene, OR

Why it is important in Eugene

The State of Oregon and EWEB have their reasons for mandating that backflow-prevention assemblies be put in place where needed and put through an annual test: they want to safeguard the public water supply from the likes of backpressure and backsiphonage.

In the event of backpressure, the side of the plumbing on your property has more force than the public system. Backsiphonage is another matter; a sudden drop in public water pressure creates a vacuum of sorts and draws water in reverse. Left without the right device, water from a commercial process, fire protection, or even a sprinkler could make its way back to the potable supply. An assembly installed correctly is an essential line of defense.

The Annual Backflow Test

Do not mistake a backflow test for a visual once-over. It requires a certified tester with the proper equipment to verify the internal valves and pressure zones of the assembly are in working order.

By law, qualifying assemblies must be tested every year by someone with an Oregon Health Authority certification and following the approved procedures. The tester will check the unit, put down the results, and file the information with the water provider. EWEB will have given the assembly an annual due month, so it is best to schedule service ahead of that date, as not all devices are due at once. Note that a general plumbing license does not qualify one to certify an official backflow test; state certification is required.

If the test is not passed, some repair is in order before a passing grade can be had.

Fire Systems and the Commercial Side

This is not just for the homeowner with an irrigation system. Commercial properties have their share of concerns, from boilers and chemical dispensing to industrial equipment and kitchen plumbing. Fire lines are a case in point. Water can sit in the piping of a fire protection system for long stretches, and with certain additives or connections present, it is imperative to keep that separated from what is being drunk. What kind of backflow assembly is called for will be dictated by the system design and the hazard at hand.

You will find reduced-pressure, double-check, and pressure vacuum breakers among the more common testable types. But selecting an assembly is not as straightforward as putting in a preventer that happens to fit the pipe. The installation must be suited to the application and the degree of health risk involved, in keeping with plumbing code and pressure demands.

Cold Weather and Exposed Assemblies

While the climate here is for the most part moderate, winter does bring its share of freezing. An unprotected outdoor unit with water in it is liable to freeze; the expansion can crack the body or ruin the insides. Insulation is one way to mitigate that, though what works depends on the device. Whatever is done should not get in the way of drainage or operation. Should an assembly start to leak or show a cracked housing after a cold snap, do not assume it is still doing its job. Have a plumber look at it.

Why We Love Living in Eugene

This community is special in no small part because of the natural environment we are working to protect. Skinner Butte Park is just a short way off for a hike or some time by the Willamette River. Come summer, when it is warm and dry, McMenamins North Bank is fine for an evening on the patio. The long rains keep things green and the drier months make for good gardening and backyard living. For homeowners, that means a lot of garden plumbing and sprinklers. Good backflow control ensures those amenities don’t pose a risk to the supply.

Frequently Asked Questions