Protecting Our Water: How to Verify Your Backflow is the Containment Assembly

You've heard about backflow prevention, and maybe you've even got a notice from your water utility. But with various pipes and valves, how can you be sure which device is the crucial containment backflow assembly?

Understanding this is vital for protecting the public water supply and ensuring you're compliant with local regulations.Let's break down how to identify your main line of defense against water contamination.

What is a Containment Backflow Assembly?

First, a quick refresher. Backflow is the undesirable reversal of water flow, potentially introducing contaminants (like pesticides, chemicals, or bacteria) from your property into the clean public water system.

A containment backflow assembly is a specific type of backflow preventer installed at or near your property's water meter, immediately after the point where municipal water enters your premises. Its sole job is to protect the public water supply from any potential hazards originating within your entire property. This is different from "isolation" backflow preventers, which might be installed internally to protect specific appliances or zones within your building.

Why is Verification Important?

Verifying that you've correctly identified your containment assembly is crucial because:

• Regulatory Compliance: Water authorities mandate these devices and require them to be tested annually (or as per local codes) by a certified tester. Testing the wrong device means you're not compliant.

• Public Health: A functioning containment assembly is the primary barrier safeguarding our shared drinking water.

• Avoiding Penalties: Failure to install, maintain, or test the correct assembly can lead to fines or even water service interruption.

Steps to Verify Your Containment Backflow Assembly

1. Location, Location, Location: This is your biggest clue. The containment assembly is almost always located immediately after the water meter serving your property. Look for it before any branches or take-offs in your plumbing system. It might be in an underground vault, an above-ground enclosure, or sometimes just inside the building where the main water line enters.

2. Check for Official Tags: Certified backflow testers are required to tag assemblies they test. This tag should include:

   • Date of test

   • Tester's name and certification number

   • Whether the device passed or failed

   • The type of assembly (e.g., RPZ, DCVA) If you see a tag near your water meter on a backflow device, it's highly likely your containment assembly.

3. Identify the Type (Common Containment Assemblies):

   • Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly (RPZ): These are robust devices, often considered the highest level of protection. They have three distinct chambers, test cocks, and a relief valve that may discharge water.

   • Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA): These have two independent check valves and four test cocks. They are common for lower-hazard situations. While other types exist, RPZs and DCVAs are frequently used for containment.

4. Consult Your Water Utility or Building Plans:

   • Your water utility provider can often confirm the location and type of containment assembly required for your property. They may have records or be able to provide guidance.

   • If you have access to your property's plumbing or building plans, the containment backflow preventer should be clearly marked.

5. Look at Your Water Bill or Notices: Sometimes, notices from the water authority will specify details about your required backflow prevention, which can help in identification.

When in Doubt, Call a Professional Backflow Testing Company

If you're still unsure, the best course of action is to contact a certified backflow prevention assembly tester. They are trained to identify, test, and repair these critical devices. They can definitively confirm which assembly is your containment unit and ensure it's functioning correctly according to local codes.

Verifying your containment backflow assembly isn't just a regulatory hurdle; it's a responsibility we all share in keeping our community's water safe. Take a few minutes to locate yours today!