Backflow prevention assemblies are installed to make sure a backflow incident does not contaminate our potable water supply.
Because this is a health safety device, enforcement of an ongoing evaluation process is critical to assure it is working when and if a backflow incident occurs. This annual evaluation is called field testing. The field test is a process to evaluate the working condition of a backflow prevention assembly installed in the plumbing system. Like any mechanical piece of equipment, the assembly’s performance can deteriorate and eventually require maintenance. The evaluation must be done by somebody certified to perform the field-test procedure. This presents two variables: the field test itself and the term certification.