Backflow Devices

A backflow device prevents water from flowing backwards into the potable water system. Many residential and commercial building have one or more of these on lines that go to irrigation, fire sprinklers, down to a dock and other places.

The Orange County Health Department requires all backflow devices in Orange County, CA to be tested once a year by a certified tester. These testers attend a state-regulated course to learn the proper method for testing and repairing these devices. Testers have to be re-certified every two years.

At AB&R, we have 3 employees who are certified by the county to test backflow devices in Orange County. We also use a subcontractor to test devices outside of Orange County (we are in the process of getting certified in both LA and Riverside counties).

If you have a backflow device at your home or business, you should receive a notice from your local water district, every year about the same time, telling you your device is due for testing. If you are not receiving this notice, please, call your local water district and ask them why. Yes, it will cost you money, but it isn't very much, and here is why it is a good idea to have your backflow device tested.

Lets say (for example) you have a backflow device at your home that is on the line that provides water to your irrigation sprinklers. Let's further say that it has not been tested in more than a year, and there is something wrong with it. If a low pressure condition occurs in the city water supply - and this happens a lot more often than you know - water that is sitting on your lawn could be sucked back into the city water supply. This water might have debris, bugs, pesticides, fertilizer, animal waste and more in it.

Do you really want to drink this water?

It only costs $49.00 per device to have your backflow device tested, and you only have to do it once a year! That's less than $1.00 a week! If you contact AB&R Plumbing, we can schedule your test. We fill out all the paperwork, send it to the water district, the OC Health Department, you get a copy and we keep a copy. Next year, when it is coming due again, we will contact you and let you know.

Less than $50.00 a year to keep animal waste and chemicals out of our drinking water... Sounds like a good idea to me!


TO change the subject...

I am sure there are tons of people out there who have comments about the election. If you want to say anything here, please remember the following rules:

1) No profanity. If you use it, I will simply delete your comments. They will never make it to anyone!
2) Be polite. You wouldn't want someone being rude or calling you names if they happen to disagree with you, so don't do it here, please.
3) Be respectful of other people's opinions. I am sure that my opinions are not shared by everyone else. And yet, I am asking people to voice their opinions. Show everyone else the same respect.

That;s it! Not too bad! Let me get it started...

President-elect Barak Obama! I never thought I would live long enough for this country to get past something as unimportant as skin color. Will he do a good job, do you think? He has said he will bring the troops home from both Afghanistan and Iraq, do you think this is a good idea?