Backflow Testing in Cheney, WA
Certified annual backflow prevention assembly testing, precision rebuilding, and regulatory compliance filing for residential irrigation and commercial properties in Cheney.
Why Washington State Mandates Annual Backflow Testing
Under Washington Administrative Code (WAC 246-290-490) and the City of Cheney Cross-Connection Control Program, property owners maintaining cross-connections to municipal potable water supplies must have their backflow prevention assemblies tested annually by a Washington State certified Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT).
Backflow is the unwanted hydraulic reversal of non-potable liquids, chemicals, or contaminants into the public drinking water distribution network. Backflow occurs under two mechanical conditions:
- Back-Siphonage: A sudden pressure drop in the city water distribution main—frequently triggered by a municipal water main break, heavy firefighting demand, or line flushing—creates negative pressure or vacuum conditions. This vacuum acts like a straw, siphoning standing lawn fertilizer water, stagnant boiler water, or commercial chemicals back into the potable supply.
- Back-Pressure: Occurs when downstream equipment (such as a booster pump, pressurized boiler, or elevated storage tank) generates hydraulic pressure greater than the incoming municipal supply pressure, forcing downstream water back through the connection.
Received an Annual Backflow Testing Notice in Cheney?
Our certified testers perform precision differential pressure testing and submit official compliance documentation directly to the city water department.
Common Backflow Assemblies We Test & Service in Cheney
Our licensed technicians service all standard cross-connection control devices:
- Double Check Valve Assemblies (DCVA): Most common on residential in-ground sprinkler irrigation systems and fire sprinkler lines. Consists of two independently operating internal spring-loaded check valves with four test cocks and two resilient shutoff valves.
- Reduced Pressure Backflow Assemblies (RPBA / RPZ): Required for high-hazard connections such as commercial beverage dispensers, automotive facilities, dental offices, chemical injection systems, and dedicated boiler loops. Features two independent check valves separated by a hydraulically operating differential relief valve that automatically discharges water to atmosphere if either check valve fails.
- Pressure Vacuum Breakers (PVB): Installed on continuous pressure lawn irrigation lines, mounted at least 12 inches above the highest sprinkler head or downstream piping.
Testing Procedures & Field Repairs
Testing requires calibrated electronic differential pressure gauges connected to the assembly's test cocks. We measure the exact cracking pressure of each internal check valve, verify shutoff valve tightness, and test relief valve opening points.
Because Cheney winters bring severe sub-zero cold, improperly winterized backflow assemblies frequently suffer cracked bronze valve bodies or distorted internal silicone discs. If your assembly fails the annual test, our service trucks carry factory rebuild kits, replacement springs, check discs, and relief valve diaphragms to execute on-the-spot repairs and re-test immediately without requiring a second service call.
Certified Backflow Testing • Cheney, WA
Direct telephone dispatch connects you immediately with certified cross-connection control specialists. Call our local team today.
Serving Cheney Residential & Commercial Properties
We provide prompt testing, rebuilding, and new backflow assembly installations for residential subdivisions along the SR 904 corridor, campus housing and businesses near Eastern Washington University, and commercial storefronts in Downtown Cheney.