Annual Testing is Required in Most Central Ohio Areas
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency section 3745-95-02 through 3745-95-05 mandate any backflow device found to be operationally defective must be repaired or replaced by a person with a valid state backflow license before the device can be placed back into service. Backflow devices contain various wear components necessitating periodic maintenance.
Failure on our part to fulfill this obligation can result in the loss of our state plumbing and backflow licenses and interruption of your water service.
Backflow can create serious health risks and embarrassment if contaminants like fertilizers, pesticides and waste enter your drinking water supply. To prevent backflow, a code-approved mechanical backflow prevention device must be installed in all applications where backflow could occur. Devices must be tested annually for proper operation per Ohio EPA and Department of Commerce regulations by a trained and certified backflow tester using the latest approved testing equipment.
Rain One specializes in testing of all types of backflow devices on your property, both indoors and outdoors. The required test verifies proper operation of the device under a backflow or back-siphonage condition,
assuring the safety of the drinking water supply.
With a Rain One test you get:
• State and federally approved testing of ALL devices (indoors and outdoors)
• Experienced, State-Certified Technicians
• After hours and weekend testing available
• In-stock repair parts and service, if needed
• All regulatory paperwork DONE FOR YOU!
• Management of testing for multiple devices on the same property
What is a Backflow Device?
In general, backflow devices are used to protect the water supply from any potential contamination. These uses include, but are not limited to boilers, irrigation systems, complete buildings, soda carbonators, ice machines, fire protection, and more.
A backflow device for an irrigation system prevents the reverse flow of contaminated water from the sprinklers back into the city water supply. Lawns and landscapes contain fertilizers, chemicals, bacteria, dirt, fungus, and multiple other hazards that could leach into an irrigation head, and be drawn back into the drinking water supply if the source is not properly backflow protected. There are two types of devices that satisfy the Ohio Plumbing Code for irrigation systems. These are the ASSE 1020 Pressure Vacuum Breaker, and the ASSE 1013 Reduced Pressure Assembly.
What do they look like?
There are quite a few makes and models of Backflow Prevention devices, but they all must operate on the same standardized principle. These pictures are good generalized representations of what your backflow device will look like.
PVB (Pressure Vacuum Breaker) 
RPA (Reduced Pressure Assembly)
Do I have to be home for you to test it?
You do not need to be home if the water has already been turned on to the backflow for the season, and if the backflow device is located outside of your house or building. The vast majority of residential backflow devices are installed outside. Occasionally an RPA device will be located in the basement, in which case access will be required to do the test. Your device must be tested once a year, right around the time it was initially installed. The water department mails out a reminder 30 days in advance of the due date. If you ignore their reminders, they will turn your water off after a final 15 day notice. Please call before it gets to that point.
Contact our office to schedule a backflow test
