Your BACKFLOW PREVENTOR is an EXCELLENT SOURCE of protection. Although there are various types (manufacturer & models), they are designed to protect your family's drinking & house water supply. Protection from what? Protection from the elements (i.e. lawn chemicals, even animal feces (or waste) seeping into the openings of your system, etc.) In some cases, possible sewer backup into your system.
Back Flow Devices
How do I know which type of back flow preventer was installed on my System?
1) You may review your original contract. Look under BACKFLOW DEVICE. If it reads WATTS PVB, or WATTS PVB-NF, you have the testable type.
2) You may, additionally, view your 2004 Spring Invoice. Your type of backflow device has NOW been listed IN RED on your Invoice.
3) You may phone, or e-mail, our offices. MAGIC RAIN is "highly recognized" for maintaining accurate System components of each and every, individually, designed Sprinkler System.
ASSURANCE - You may rest assured that should you forget to dial us in October (& have an above ground backflow device), Magic Rain WILL be contacting you. We recognize the value of your System.
MAGIC RAIN, most frequently these days, utilizes the PVB back flow device.
This particular TYPE of unit is currently the #1 recommended unit per the Ohio EPA.
Only SOME types of back flow devices are "testable" (i.e. PVB & RPA) by the use of a Mechanical backflow gauge.
The Ohio EPA has recently starting urging all cities and water authorities to CONFORM to a "testable" type of backflow device.
Should you have an older system, we recommend that you may want to consider replacing your current backflow device with a testable unitshould your current BFD ever appear faulty. The older type of backflow devices (non-testable by a mechanical backflow gauge, but still on today's market) still work very well.
Additionally, with the older systems, we would highly recommend to hire an irrigation company to provide a SPRING TURN ON for you. If there is any kind of crack, or leak, in your backflow device, your trained Technician "should" be able to make you aware.
Probably THE MOST IMPORTANT Note for Northern Ohio Sprinkler Systems:
Should you have an above ground backflow device, PLEASE do NOT open your System prior to May 1st of each year, and BE SURE that the system is winterized DURING the month of October.
Because these Units are outside, above ground, they are more susceptible to early freeze damage, unalike the heads and lines that are placed below ground.
