Commercial Backflow

Inspectors survey commercial buildings (factories, hospitals, and schools) for possible cross-connections. This could potentially cause contamination of the drinking water supply. If problems are identified, our plumbing inspectors work with building owners to eliminate cross-connections or ensure the proper installation of a backflow prevention device.

Lawn Irrigation

When installing and testing an A.S.S.E (American Society of Sanitary Engineers) 1013 backflow device on your lawn irrigation system you need to consider that this backflow device is capable of discharging or “dumping” a large quantity of water through the relief port, which may cause damage to your home. This “Dumping” may occur if a spring-loaded check becomes fouled by debris or if a backflow event occurs.

We recommend that you locate this backflow device outside where no damage can occur. It will need to be “winterized” and not subjected to freezing temperatures. If your device is located inside your home, we recommend you contact your plumber to properly pipe the discharge to a floor drain or laundry sink capable of handling this discharge or have the device located outside to a place of safety where “dumping” of this device will not cause harm.

Lawn Irrigation Systems & Backflow Testing

Lawn irrigation systems should be tested annually to ensure they are functioning properly. For example, if a backflow device attached to a lawn irrigation system malfunctions, animal excrement, pesticides, fertilizers, and other harmful substances can e back-siphoned into a water supply. This contaminated water remains in water lines until drained from another source or fixture in the home. A serious health hazard can result when contaminated water is used for drinking, cooking, or bathing.

The Ohio Basic Plumbing Code requires all testable lawn irrigation backflow prevention devices to be tested yearly, If a lawn irrigation system waters your yard through the summer months, contact a plumber who is a certified backflow tester for your yearly check.

Backflow Permits & Testing

When a backflow device is installed by a licensed plumber, a permit must be obtained. Every year thereafter, the device must be tested by a certified backflow tester. When it is time to have your backflow device tested each year, you will receive a reminder letter from the Health Department.

The Backflow Test must be completed by a registered tester, and the results filed online by the tester. A $25 annual fee will be paid at that time.

Why do I have to pay a $25 fee each time a device is installed or tested?

The $25 fee covers the cost for the Health Department to track all backflow devices for Muskingum and Coshocton Counties in a computer database and on hard copy files for water purveyors and the EPA. The cost also covers the expense of mailing yearly reminder letters to our customers to have their devices tested, and we often have to send more than one letter to get a response.

A brand new device install has no fee associated with it, but a test form should still be submitted to our office. Annual tests for your device are due to us each year (one year from the install date) along with the $25 fee.

PLEASE REMEMBER: Many licensed backflow installers will hold your test form and will NOT submit it to the Health Department with the $25 fee until YOU have paid them for their services. Please ensure that you have compensated your tester for the work they have performed to avoid additional inquiries from our office regarding the late submission of your test report. It is also possible for water service interruptions when your backflow device has not been tested. Notices from our office are sent to your water purveyor to inform them of the failure to test.