Backflow Prevention Devices
If you have a sprinkler system, there’s a good chance that you have some sort of backflow prevention device on the outside of your home. These sometimes odd-looking metal assemblies serve a very important role in protecting your home’s water supply. In effect, they prevent the “backflow” or pulling of water from your sprinkler system back into your home. You don’t want your sprinkler system siphoning dirty and potentially harmful water back into your home. This is why a backflow prevention device is required by code in most jurisdictions.
In the state of Nebraska, lawmakers decided that these devices are too important to leave their testing and repair up to untrained individuals. This is why it is required by law that anyone repairing (yes, these even includes replacing bonnet and poppets in pressure vacuum breakers) or testing backflow prevention devices in Nebraska have a Grade VI Water Operator’s license.1
Unfortunately, many irrigation professionals are apparently ignorant of this regulation. In some municipalities, they also require a licensed plumber who also has a Grade VI water operator’s license to install, test or repair a backflow prevention device.
If you utilize our services, we will either provide or recommend a licensed professional to replace, repair or test your backflow prevention device. If your local sprinkler repair company is going to work on your backflow, we recommend asking them for proof of licensure as it is important that you have a qualified individual working on this vital device.
References
1. State of Nebraska. Regulations Governing Public Water Systems. Title 179, Chapter 10, 2011. Authority granted under the Nebraska Safe Drinking Water Act. Retrieved from: https://dhhs.ne.gov/Documents/Title-179-Complete.pdf