Your Trusted Local Experts: Hargrave’s Plumbing
At Hargrave’s Plumbing, we understand that the safety of your drinking water is a top priority, whether you’re in Lafayette, Youngsville, or the surrounding Acadiana area. Backflow prevention is a crucial component of water safety, and as a local, certified plumbing company, we’re here to make sure your system is compliant and your water is clean.
We are your licensed and certified Water Supply Protection Specialists (WSPS) for all your backflow testing, repair, and installation needs.
The Top 10 Questions People Ask about Backflow Preventer Inspections
The topic of backflow often leads to questions about safety, compliance, and cost. We’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions about backflow preventer inspections and answered them with specific information for our customers in Lafayette, Youngsville, and the Acadiana region.
1. Why do I need to test my backflow preventer annually?
In Lafayette and throughout Louisiana, annual testing is a legal requirement. The Lafayette Utilities System (LUS) mandates that backflow prevention assemblies be tested on an annual basis. Backflow preventers are mechanical devices with internal parts (springs, seals, check valves) that wear out over time. An annual test ensures the device is functioning correctly to prevent contaminated water from entering the public drinking water supply.
2. What is “backflow” and why is it dangerous?
Backflow is the undesirable reversal of flow of non-potable (non-drinking) water, gases, or other substances into the clean, potable water distribution system. It is caused by:
- Backsiphonage: Negative pressure (a vacuum) in the water line, often caused by a water main break or a fire hydrant opening.
- Backpressure: Downstream pressure (on your property) is higher than the supply pressure, for example, from a pump or a heating system.
It’s dangerous because it can introduce contaminants (like chemicals, fertilizers from a sprinkler system, or water from a pool) into the public water supply, creating a serious public health hazard.
3. What does a backflow preventer inspection in the Lafayette area consist of?
A certified inspection by a Hargrave’s Plumbing WSPS specialist typically involves:
- Visual Inspection: Checking the device and surrounding area for leaks, physical damage, and proper installation.
- Pressure/Functional Test: Using a specialized, calibrated test kit, the inspector measures the pressure at various points to verify that the internal check valves and relief valves are opening and closing at the correct differential pressures to stop reverse flow.
- Reporting: A detailed report is generated and a copy of the passing test report must be submitted to the water supplier (like LUS) for certification.
4. How long does the backflow test take?
A standard backflow prevention device test generally takes about 15 to 30 minutes to complete. During this time, the water supply to the device will need to be temporarily shut off, so we coordinate carefully with you to minimize disruption.
5. Is a backflow test mandatory for all properties in Lafayette, LA?
Lafayette Consolidated Government (LCG) Ordinance O-201-2017 requires the installation and testing of approved backflow prevention assemblies for controlling cross-connections. Generally, this applies to:
- Commercial and Industrial properties.
- Residential properties with high-risk hazards like in-ground irrigation/sprinkler systems, private wells connected to the public water supply, or certain types of home businesses.
If you have an in-ground sprinkler system in Lafayette, Youngsville, or Acadiana, backflow protection and annual testing is REQUIRED.
6. What happens if my backflow preventer fails the annual test?
If the device fails, it means it is not protecting the public water supply. As the property owner, you are responsible for having the device repaired or replaced by a licensed plumber with a WSPS endorsement.
Hargrave’s Plumbing offers comprehensive repair and replacement services to get your device back in compliance quickly. Once repairs are complete, we perform a retest and submit the passing report to the water utility.
7. Who is legally responsible for the backflow device maintenance and testing?
In Louisiana, the property owner is responsible for the cost of installation, annual testing, and any necessary repairs of the backflow prevention assembly.
8. What are the penalties for not having my backflow device tested?
Failure to comply with annual testing requirements can lead to serious consequences. In Louisiana municipalities, this can result in:
- Fines (which can be substantial and compound daily).
- Suspension or termination of your water service until the device is tested and any issues are corrected.
9. Can I test a backflow device myself?
No. In Louisiana, backflow prevention assembly testing and repairs must be performed by a professional with a special certification, known as a Water Supply Protection Specialist (WSPS) endorsement, issued by the Louisiana State Plumbing Board. All of the backflow services at Hargrave’s Plumbing are performed by our licensed WSPS plumbers.
10. How much does a backflow prevention test cost with Hargrave’s Plumbing?
The cost of a backflow test can vary based on the type, size, and location of the device. As your local, reliable plumber, Hargrave’s Plumbing offers competitive and transparent pricing for all backflow testing and inspections in Lafayette and Youngsville.
Why Choose Hargrave’s Plumbing for Backflow Services in Acadiana?
We are a local, trusted plumbing company with the proper Louisiana licensing and WSPS certifications to handle all your backflow needs. We serve commercial and residential customers across the Acadiana area, including Lafayette and Youngsville.
- Licensed & Certified: Our technicians are Water Supply Protection Specialists (WSPS) certified by the Louisiana State Plumbing Board.
- Local Experts: We know the specific compliance and submission requirements for the Lafayette Utilities System (LUS) and surrounding water jurisdictions.
- Full-Service: We handle everything: Annual Testing, Certified Repairs, and New Installations.
Don’t wait until you receive a violation notice. Protect your water, your property, and your compliance.
Hargrave’s Plumbing Call Now: 337-344-3920
Our Locations:
- 3138 Johnston Street, Lafayette, LA
- 511 Shore Drive, Youngsville, LA 70592
