What Does it Mean to be a Backflow Tester?

In the state of Ohio, it means you have earned the right to test for backflow in the homes and businesses of the state. Just so you know, the backflow tester certification is a twenty-four hour class and the backflow tester re-certification is an eight-hour class as required by the Ohio Industrial Compliance Division.

Here is how it worked for someone like me…Brent Staats. Prior to registering for an initial “Backflow Tester” certification class, I had to first submit a backflow tester application to the Ohio Department of Commerce. The State then reviewed my qualifications and sent me an approval notification. I’ll skip the long hours of training that went into that!

I take this designation and responsibility that comes with it very seriously. Since backflow tests are supposed to be done once a year, I hope you have not neglected your responsibility due to the strange year we have had. Contact me at (740) 625-5284 and visit my website at staatsplumbing.com for Columbus Ohio area backflow testing.

When is a Backflow Preventor Required?

Backflow prevention assemblies are designed to prevent contaminated water from mixing into clean municipal water supplies, which are commonly used as drinking water. Contaminants like sediments, bacteria, and fertilizer are a major public health hazard, so in Columbus, there are regulations in place that require certain structures to have backflow preventers installed.

You should be familiar with these two words…backpressure and siphonage. Backpressure a form of water backflow that results from an imbalance in water pressures. Your home or building’s plumbing system contains water at greater pressures than the municipal water mains. Back siphonage results from negative pressure, creating a partial vacuum effect.

Here at Staats Plumbing we “go with the flow!” We know the ins and outs of what back pressure and back siphonage mean to your Columbus area home or business. I hope you will call us when you suspect that you need a backflow preventor. Look us up on the web at staatsplumbing.com then call us at (740) 625-5284 and we will schedule a visit to your home or office.