I talked to one handy, dandy, do it yourselfer of a fella a couple of months ago. He told me "bahh! I don't waste my money on a company to blow it out. I just put RV antifreeze in the system and it's fine".

I asked "what do you have for backflow prevention"?
He replied "that's a waste of money. I don't need one"!

Ok, let's evaluate the situation:

First of all, normal winterizing costs \$ 45.00. He spent $ 35.00 on antifreeze, saving him $ 10.00.

Second, in the event of a negative pressure (water main break or firefighters using hydrants in the neighbourhood) all the water in the sprinkler system will be sucked into the potable water supply.

Although antifreeze is environmentally friendly, this handy fellow, his family, pets and neighbours will soon be drinking it.

Backflow Prevention is a serious issue! Once the water has left the building, it becomes non potable.

That even if you do not have a sprinkler system, your neighbours 4 or 5 houses down with a system that does not have a backflow preventor and are spraying pesticides or fertilizers on their lawn, could be creating a threat of poisoning your family and their own.

Please protect your family. Suggest this fact to your neighbour. If you install a system at your home, install a backflow preventor.

It was become mandatory that the backflow device be tested on installation to verify proper operation of the internal componants. Soon, it will be mandatory annual testing on start up of a system. Why?

The internal componants can become worn or damaged over time, rendering the device non effective. The replacement parts for these devices are not usually expensive and should be replaced every 3 or 4 years.

The most common device found on a sprinkler system is the pressure vaccum breaker.
Pressure - means the reversal of flow caused by downstream pump, tank or resivoir.
Vaccum - means the reversal of flow caused by a negative pressure upstream (water main break).
The PVB - is most effective as it prevents both back pressure and back siphonage.

If a contractor tells you that you do not need a backflow preventor, I would question his demeanor and experience. "Insist he install one"!

If you are pumping from a lake or river and none of the piping is connected to your city supply, you do not require a backflow device (in most cases).

I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to study Cross Connection Control and having obtained a certificate and license to test backflow devices. I fully support the program!

As of right now, Elite Sprinkler Systems, Rainforest Irrigation and Raindance Sprinklers are the few irrigation contractors involved in the program. They are licensed to test your device on installation or service.

A low cost bidder might install your system without a backflow device.