Your irrigation system provides convenient, accurate, and efficient watering for your lawn and landscape. However, that's not all it does; on the contrary, your irrigation system has a backflow prevention device, which only allows water to flow in one direction and stops any that tries to go the other way. That way, contaminants don't enter your drinking supply. It's crucial to test your backflow prevention device every year to ensure it's functioning correctly and give you peace of mind knowing your drinking water is clean. Plus, it's a requirement by law to test your backflow prevention device annually in Iowa!

What are backflow prevention devices, and how do they work?

Technician servicing an irrigation system for backflow testing in Des Moines, IA.

A vital part of your irrigation system is its backflow prevention device, which blocks contaminated water from entering your drinking supply. The water in your pipes usually flows in one direction to ensure it's clean going into your home or business while allowing any dirt or contaminants to go out. However, it can start flowing backward, bringing contaminated water into your main supply; this is where the backflow prevention device comes in. This device only allows water to go in the proper direction, so when this happens, it stops it from ever reaching your drinking supply.

A change in water pressure can cause a backflow, which results from things like a sprinkler system or fire hydrant in use, a main water line break, and more.

Why is it important to test your backflow prevention device every year?

Backflow testing being serviced for an irrigation system in Dallas Center, IA.

Your backflow prevention device plays a tremendous role in keeping your drinking water supply clean, which is why it's so important to test it every year. If it doesn't work the way it should, harmful water can enter your drinking supply and put people at risk of consuming contaminants like chemicals, fertilizers, and even waste. Fortunately, testing it every year will ensure it stays in working condition and keeps that from happening in the first place, giving you peace of mind knowing you're drinking nothing but clean water.

Annually Testing Your Backflow Prevention Device Is Required by Law in the State of Iowa

A properly functioning backflow prevention device is vital to protect the health and well-being of yourself and others, especially when it involves your drinking water supply. Because of this, it's a requirement by law in Iowa to test it annually. To do this, you'll want to have your local irrigation professionals visit your property and inspect your device. They'll test its ability to prevent contaminated water from backflowing into your drinking supply, and if it fails, they'll make any necessary repairs or even replace it entirely. On the other hand, if it passes, you can rest easy knowing you're consuming clean water. Either way, you'll have all the necessary paperwork to send to the city showing you've complied with this law.

Call Us Today to Test Your Backflow Prevention Device & Ensure Your Drinking Water Supply Is Clean

Do you need a professional to test your backflow prevention device this year? If so, look no further than our experts at A+ Lawn & Landscape! We offer backflow testing as part of our irrigation startup service, which involves bringing your system back online in the spring. During this visit, we'll slowly turn the water on before thoroughly inspecting your entire system to ensure everything is in working order, plus test your backflow prevention device. That way, you comply with state requirements and can put your mind at ease knowing your drinking water supply is clean.

Our irrigation startup service, which includes backflow testing, is available to residential and commercial properties, along with HOAs, in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Ankeny, and other nearby areas in Iowa. Call us today at (515) 289-2020 to sign up!