Backflow Testing
Testing your backflow unit is an important part of the annual maintenance of your irrigation system. Your backflow unit keeps contaminated water from entering your property’s water supply.
Backflow testing is required by state and local regulations for your backflow system. Testing must be completed and the results filed with your city/county; not all cities require annual testing. When we test a backflow unit, we automatically file the test results with the local agency. Backflow prevention testing requires a specific license in order to perform the testing.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I turn the water off to my system in case of an emergency?
Find your backflow assembly. Above ground assemblies will be in a large, green/tan, rectangular box, more than likely located near your home or water meter. Below ground assemblies will have a large, green, rectangular lid. Once found, turn either handle on assembly to the right to turn water off. green, rectangular lid. Once found, turn either handle on assembly to the right to turn water off. Contact your local water department if you are unable to turn off water.
What is the best time of day to water?
Early morning is best. Watering during evening times or overnight will make the lawn more susceptible to fungus.
What is the purpose of the Backflow Assembly and why must it be tested annually?
The backflow assembly prevents contaminated irrigation water from being siphoned back into the clean drinking water supply. The Clean Water Act passed by Congress requires local governments to reasonably ensure that the drinking water supplied to their residents remain safe & clean. The annual backflow test is one step that helps the local governments ensure that the drinking water supply is safe & clean.
I want to run my system three times per week. How long should each zone run?
Individual circumstances will vary, but as a general rule, depending on the season, spray heads should run between 5 - 15 minutes, rotors should run 15 - 30 minutes, and drip lines should run 30 minutes to 1 hour.
How often should I run my system?
Individual circumstances will vary, however, the Co-op Extension recommends watering more deeply, less often. A general rule is 2 - 3 times per week instead of every day.
What can I do to protect my controller from lightning damage?
The best way is to ensure that the controller is grounded properly. Unfortunately, like all electrical devices, controllers are susceptible to lightning strikes and little can be done to prevent damage.
What do I do if I have a station that will not shut off?
Turn controller to "off" position. If station shuts off, it is a programming issue. If it continues to run, unplug controller. If the station shuts off, it is a controller issue. If it still continues to run, it is a valve issue and you must turn water off at the backflow preventer.
What do I do if my system is running when it isn’t supposed to?
First, check to see if the current date & time is correct. Second, check to see if there is more than one start time on any of your running programs.
I think I have an irrigation leak. How do I know for sure?
Make sure your controller is in the "off" position, remove the cover from the irrigation meter, either record or take a picture of the position of the meter then return to check it again a few hours later to see if it has moved. If the meter has moved, you have a leak somewhere in your system.
What do I do if the water leak is between the water meter and backflow assembly?
In this situation, the only solution is to turn the water off at the irrigation meter.
What do I do if my controller shows no display?
Check to see if you have power going to the controller. If not, check circuit breakers & GFI outlets in your home to see if they have been tripped. If you have power, but no display, unplug controller for 2 minutes then plug back in. If still no display, see if there is a reset button on your controller - hold for 10 seconds. Still no display? Controller may have gone bad.
How do I know if my rain sensor is working?
Make sure sensor switch on controller is in active position. Start a manual cycle on your system, push down on center tab on top of sensor. If system shuts off, the sensor is working.