Backflow prevention involves using techniques, mechanisms, and equipment to eliminate conditions that allow backflow, ensuring safe water flow.

A cross connection is a physical link between a drinking water system and a non-drinking water system, which can allow backflow to occur.

Cross connection control is a health measure involving the inspection, identification, and elimination of potential backflow hazards in plumbing systems.

Cross connections are created due to:

1. Lack of awareness: People are unaware of hydraulic risks.
2. Convenience: Haphazard connections for easy access.

Accidents: Unintentional connections.

Backflow can introduce chemical and biological contaminants into the drinking water system, posing significant health risks. For example, the Flint, Michigan water crisis demonstrated the severe long-term effects of chemical exposure.

Water pollution refers to any impairment of water quality that affects its appearance, taste, or smell but does not pose a direct health risk.

Contamination involves the introduction of hazardous agents into the water, which can cause disease if ingested.

Common diseases include:

• Infectious Hepatitis
• Cholera
• Dysentery
• Amoebic Dysentery
• Giardiasis
• Cryptosporidiosis
• Typhoid
• Gastroenteritis
• Legionella

Yes, the Safe Water Drinking Act (SWDA) sets federal standards for preventing contamination and ensuring safe drinking water. The SWDA focuses on eliminating contaminants like organic compounds and lead from drinking water. It mandates sanitary surveys and requires local governments to implement cross-connection control programs.

The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) oversees the protection of the state’s environmental resources, including air and water quality. Its Division of Water Resources ensures safe drinking water.

The best method is an air gap, which physically separates drinking water from potential contaminants. However, this is not always practical.

The RPZ (Reduced Pressure Zone) assembly is the gold standard. It has two testable check valves and a relief valve for visual inspection.

These devices are typically found:

• Near your meter box at the right of way
• In mechanical rooms or closets
• Behind buildings near fire lines
• In underground vaults

Testing schedules vary:

• Domestic Systems: Annually
• Fire-flow Systems: Annually
• Irrigation Systems: Bi-annually or tri-annually.

Check with your Water Provider for specifics. Regular testing is essential due to wear and tear.

Contact Arbor Plumbing & Backflow or your Water Provider for testing schedule details.

Typically, around 30 minutes, though accessibility or system preparation may extend this.

Yes, deactivate the alarm for at least 2 hours during the test.

Our technicians will assess the failure and recommend repair or replacement. Debris removal or internal component replacements are common fixes. Repair and retesting costs are billed separately.

Tests start at $110.00 for residential irrigation systems. Commercial and industrial pricing varies based on size and type. Be sure to inquire about pricing when booking this service if you are a commercial or industrial client.

Relax! Arbor Plumbing & NCBackflow handles record transfers to your Water Provider.

Yes, we can provide performance records upon request.

We handle all reporting. Although we are allowed up to 14 days to transfer the records to your Water Provider, we usually submit them within 24 hours of the service.

Yes, discounts up to 25% are available for testing multiple assemblies.

We service the Greater Triangle Area including,
Garner
Raleigh
Wendell
Zebulon
Knightdale
Oxford
Wilson
Goldsboro
Creedmoor
Dunn
Harnett
Middlesex
Durham
Chapel Hill
Hillsborough
Fayetteville
Hope Mills
Rolesville
Angier
Morrisville
Cary
Apex
Holly Springs
Hurdle Mills
Clayton
Wake Forest
Fuquay Varina
Rocky Mount
Smithfield
Selma
Benson
Services outside this area are billed as emergency services.

It is essential that you protect your backflow preventer from weather exposure, especially in winter. Ensure your irrigation system backflow preventer is fitted with union connections to allow easy disassembly during the winter months. Exterior domestic and fire-flow assemblies should be housed in a protective enclosure approved by your local Inspections Department to safeguard against freezing and weather exposure.

Yes! Freezing can cause leaks and damage. Protect outdoor assemblies with approved enclosures.

Thermal expansion occurs when water is heated, causing it to expand and increasing system pressure. If this pressure is not alleviated, it can damage the piping distribution system.

• In an open distribution system, excess heated water is distributed back through the water meter into the city main.
• In a closed distribution system, pressure may cause water piping to burst or water heater appliance ruptures. Closed systems often include backflow preventers or pressure-reducing valves. Many municipal water systems have integral check valves (backflow preventers) inside the water meter.

To alleviate thermal expansion, the most common solution is installing a thermal expansion tank or valve.

DO’S & DON’TS for Water Distribution Systems

• DO: Add backflow protection.
• DO: Ensure thermal expansion control measures are in place.
• DO: Disconnect your water hose from the hose bibb during the winter.
• DON’T: Submerge hose outlets.

DON’T: Plug or restrict the temperature and pressure relief valve on your water heater.