By Corbin Moyer, Master Plumber and Backflow Expert
Introduction: Behind the Scenes of Clean Water
Ever wonder what keeps your drinking water safe from contamination? Spoiler alert: it’s not magic. It’s the humble backflow prevention device—and people like me, backflow testers, who ensure those devices are working properly. You might not give these devices a second thought, but trust me, your local water supply does. And they’re counting on folks like me to make sure your morning coffee doesn’t taste like yesterday’s sprinkler water.
Morning Routine: Prepping for Action
The Early Bird… and the Checklist
A typical day starts early. By 6:30 AM, I’m in my truck, coffee in hand, reviewing my list of inspections for the day. Organization is key—I’ve got to know who needs a test, where their device is located, and what challenges I’m walking into. Every day is different, because one day I might be inside a manufacturing facitlity and the next we might be walking the train track in Fort Worth testing devices.
Tools of the Trade
Before heading out, I check my gear. My test kit, pressure gauges, spare parts, and repair tools need to be in top shape. It’s like being a plumber meets Sherlock Holmes—you never know what you’ll find, so you’ve got to be prepared for everything. Got my wrenches? Check. Got extra coffee? Double-check.
On-Site: Testing Backflow Devices
First Stop: A Day’s First Puzzle
Arriving at the first site is always an adventure. It might be a residential home with a sprinkler system or a commercial property with industrial backflow preventers. After introducing myself, I review the setup. The devices—usually an RPZ, DCVA (double check valve assembly), or sometimes a PVB (pressure vacuum breaker)—are supposed to prevent dirty water from backflowing into clean water lines.
Testing: Step by Step
Visual Inspection: I start by checking the device for visible damage or leaks. A rusty, neglected valve is a red flag. (Pro tip: If it looks like it hasn’t been touched since the 90s, it probably hasn’t.)
Gauge Time: Using my test kit, I hook up pressure gauges to measure differential pressures and ensure the valve is functioning as it should. The process requires precision, and yes, it’s as satisfying as it sounds when everything works perfectly.
Troubleshooting: If a device fails, it’s time for repairs. Sometimes it’s a simple adjustment; other times, I’m replacing parts on the spot. Either way, I’m the guy standing between safe drinking water and disaster.
You never really truly know what you'll find in a backflow, I've seen concrete trowels, 2x4's and all sorts of strange objects stuck in the checks!
Midday: Balancing Tests, Repairs, and Reports
Paperwork: The Unsung Hero of Backflow Testing
By midday, I’ve probably completed a few inspections and need to catch up on paperwork. Testing is only part of the job; documentation is the other half. Local regulations require detailed reports of every test, including pass/fail results, device serial numbers, and any repairs performed. I’m basically a plumber who moonlights as a bureaucrat.
Believe it or not, but I once got "permanently banned" by a very strict city, because of a mix up on their end. Some cities are far more stricter than others, but in either case paperwork is going online, but the level of details necessary are not changing!
Educating the Customer
A big part of the job is educating customers about what backflow devices do and why testing is essential. Most people don’t realize how dangerous backflow contamination can be—we’re talking about pesticides, fertilizers, and who-knows-what from irrigation systems sneaking into your drinking water.
I get many customers asking why do I need to get my backflow device tested when ?I don't use my sytem? And truth is until you remove the system the backflow device is supplying water to, the threat still exists, and the city will not allow the device to not be up to standards.
Afternoon Adventures: The Unexpected
Every Site is a Surprise
Afternoons often bring the unexpected. Sometimes I’m testing devices in pristine conditions; other times, I’m crawling through mud or dealing with improperly installed systems. Adaptability is key.
One memorable day, I arrived at a restaurant to find the backflow device buried under years of grease and nasty mop water. Please if you work in a restaurant, listen to me! Do not dump your mop water out on the parking lot, not only is it nasty, its not good for the environment!
Unique Challenges
Not all systems are created equal, and some require creative solutions. I’ve had to MacGyver my way out of tight spots, like testing a valve stuck behind HVAC equipment or squeezing into crawl spaces better suited for raccoons than plumbers. It’s all part of the job.
Wrapping Up: The Day’s Lessons
The Final Stops
By late afternoon, I’m finishing up my last inspections, making sure every device is tested, every report is completed, and every customer understands their system’s status. It’s satisfying to see a list of completed jobs and know I’ve helped keep water supplies safe for another year.
Reflecting on the Day
Every day teaches me something new—whether it’s a technical trick, a better way to handle paperwork, or just the reminder to pack more snacks. (Plumbing is hungry work!)
Conclusion: Why Backflow Testing Matters
Being a backflow tester isn’t glamorous, but it’s incredibly rewarding. I get to protect public health, solve puzzles, and meet a lot of interesting people along the way. Plus, every inspection is a chance to educate and make communities safer.
So next time you turn on the tap, think of the devices and testers working behind the scenes to keep that water clean. And if your backflow device hasn’t been tested in a while, you know who to call. Just don’t bury it in a grease pit or hide it in a wasp’s nest, okay?
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