Up until a couple of months ago I wouldn't know a Back-Flow valve from any other valve in a hardware store or Plumbers shop. In came the question from a neighbor about Back-Flow valve testing and hundreds of dollar's to test them and the City of Sammamish requiring testing yearly and on and on. What the heck?
Back-flow valves are installed between your main water line and your sprinkler system. Other BFV's are installed between the main water line and say a building's fire prevention sprinkler system. The valve prevents water that enters your sprinkler system [potentially dirty] from re-entering the general water system and contaminating the water lines throughout.
I called a local and popular Sprinkler Contractor and was informed that when Highland Park was established no back- flow valve testing was required by the County. Now that Sammamish has jurisdiction they require testing by a certified [you guessed it] Back Flow Valve Tester. This Contractor told me that it is the responsibility of the City of Sammamish to contact the homeowner about testing your back-flow valve. If you have had main water line hookup or alteration like adding a sprinkler system then they will contact you of required testing. Some published rates of BFV failure are no more than 9%.
Has anyone had Back flow valve testing done and what recommendations do you have. What contractors have you used?
Lot # 7
ReplyDeleteI had my sprinkler system Backflow Valve Assembly tested last November, 2009 in response to a letter from the Sammamish Plateau Water and Sewer District (SPW&SD) requesting me to do so. I contacted more than one ”certified backflow tester” as suggested by SPW&SD and I'm glad I did. Estimates varied from $65 to $100. I eventually used “Certified Backflow Testing, Inc.” located here in the Sammamish whose estimate was $40.
PS – The test found I had a bad backflow valve. They repaired it for $50 and charged me half the $40 test rate since they did the repairs.
I highly recommend them. I was very pleased with their straight talk, fair pricing and excellent service.
Just a FYI, if there are others in the HP Association interested, they have group rates. 1-3 $40/test. 4-10 $35/test. 11-or more/$30.
Certified Backflow Testing, Inc.
1410 – 235 Pl SE
Sammamish, WA 98075
(425) 427-8889
http://www.cbtinc.com/
ANNUAL TESTING OF BACK-FLOW PREVENTION ASSEMBLIES
ReplyDeleteRon Brown, State Certified provider of back-flow assemblies testing will be in Highland Park September 20th. If you have received a notice from Sammamish Plateau Water & Sewer District that your back-flow prevention assembly is due for the yearly test as required by the Washington State Department of Health, I recommend Ron Brown. He provided his inspection services and report to the District in a timely manner for several Highland Park residents last year at a cost of $38.00. Should you wish Ron to provide this service for you on the 20th, contact him at 425 821-6801 or on his cell, 206 226-8019. His cost for providing the test remains at $38.00 for each assembly. He offers this reduced price due to providing his services for more than one family.
Dick Craig
Lot 2
copy and pasted with permission from Dick Craig 10/1/10 [T. Burris]