Backflow Testing & Prevention
in Lee's Summit, MO
Backflow prevention assemblies protect drinking water by stopping water from moving backward into the public supply. Snake ’n’ Rooter tests, repairs and installs these assemblies for residential, commercial and irrigation systems throughout Lee’s Summit and the surrounding Kansas City region.
Whether you received an annual testing notice, have an assembly that failed inspection or need protection installed for a new cross-connection, our certified backflow testers can complete the work and document the results.
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What Backflow Is—and Why It Matters
Drinking Water Should Only Travel in One Direction
Under normal conditions, water moves from the public water system into a home, business, irrigation system or other private property. Backflow occurs when that direction reverses.
A sudden pressure change can pull water from the customer’s plumbing back toward the public supply. If that water has come into contact with fertilizer, chemicals, stagnant irrigation water or another potential contaminant, the reversal can create a risk beyond the property where it originated.
A backflow prevention assembly creates a controlled barrier between the drinking-water supply and the connected system. Its job is to allow water to move where it is needed while preventing it from returning in the wrong direction.
Backflow prevention is especially important where drinking water connects to systems that contain substances or conditions that should never enter potable water.
Common Cross-Connections Include:
- Lawn irrigation systems
- Fire sprinkler systems
- Boilers and hydronic equipment
- Swimming pools
- Commercial processing equipment
- Medical or laboratory equipment
- Chemical-dispensing systems
- Certain industrial plumbing systems
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources defines a cross-connection as an actual or potential connection between a drinking-water supply and a source of pollution or contamination. Backflow prevention protects the public water system from those potential connections.
Why Backflow Testing Is Required
Your Backflow Preventer Protects More Than Your Property
Water should move in one direction: from the public supply into your property. A sudden pressure change can reverse that flow and pull water from an irrigation system, boiler, fire suppression system or other connected equipment back toward the drinking-water supply.
A backflow prevention assembly stops that reversal. However, the internal valves, seals and springs can wear out, collect debris or become damaged even when the assembly appears normal from the outside.
Testing verifies that the assembly still closes and responds as designed.
Lee’s Summit requires properties with known or potential cross-connections to have their backflow prevention assemblies tested annually by a certified tester. In-ground irrigation systems are one of the most common reasons homeowners receive a testing notice.
If you received a notice, Snake ’n’ Rooter can complete the test and submit the result through the required reporting process.
What Happens During a Backflow Test?
A Short Appointment With a Clear Pass-or-Fail ResultNot Prove It Still Works
A backflow prevention assembly contains internal check valves, springs, seals and other moving components. Those parts operate under water pressure and are exposed to normal wear, sediment, mineral deposits, freezing conditions and changes within the connected plumbing system.
The assembly may appear normal from the outside while an internal check valve no longer closes completely. A small piece of debris can prevent a seal from seating. A relief valve can begin discharging. Freeze damage can affect internal parts without creating an obvious external break.
Backflow testing measures how the assembly responds under controlled pressure conditions. The test determines whether its internal components activate at the required points and whether the assembly continues to prevent reverse flow.
01
The Assembly Passes
The preventer operated within the required testing parameters at the time of the test. The results can be documented and submitted as required.
02
The Assembly Fails but Can Be Repaired
A check valve, relief valve, seal, spring or another serviceable component is preventing the assembly from passing. The assembly can be repaired and tested again.
03
The Assembly Requires Replacement
Replacement may be more practical when the body is damaged, parts are unavailable, freeze damage is extensive or the existing assembly is no longer appropriate for the application.
If Your Backflow Preventer Fails
A Failed Test Does Not Always Mean You Need a New Assembly.
Many backflow preventers fail because debris, mineral buildup or a worn internal component prevents a valve from sealing correctly. In these cases, the assembly may be repaired by cleaning the internal components and replacing the damaged seals, springs or valve parts.
After the repair, the preventer must be tested again. The assembly does not pass until the new test confirms that it is operating correctly.
Replacement is usually more practical when the assembly body is cracked, freeze damage is extensive, repair parts are unavailable or the existing preventer is no longer appropriate for the system.
Snake ’n’ Rooter can handle the test, repair and retest without sending you to a second plumbing company.
Common Questions
Backflow FAQs
Here are the answers to the most common questions we get about backflow testing and prevention.
How often does a backflow preventer need to be tested?
Municipalities may require backflow prevention assemblies to be tested annually but this can vary. Once you receive your testing notice, give Snake 'n' Rooter Plumbing Company a call and we'll have it tested and repaired if faulty before the deadline.
Why did I receive a backflow testing notice?
The Water Utilities records indicate that your property has a registered backflow prevention assembly or a plumbing connection that requires protection. In-ground irrigation systems are a common reason homeowners receive notices.
What if I have a sprinkler system but did not receive a notice?
Lee's Summit advises customers with an in-ground irrigation system to have the assembly inspected if they have not received a notice or do not have a testing history.
Will my water be turned off?
Water to the system protected by the assembly is temporarily interrupted. Testing an irrigation preventer generally affects the sprinkler system rather than the entire home.
Can you repair the assembly if it fails?
Yes many internal failures can be repaired. The assembly is then tested again to confirm that the repair restored proper operation. In the event that a backflow assembly cannot be repaired, we can install a new unit.
Can I perform the test myself?
No. Missouri requires backflow prevention assemblies to be tested by a certified backflow tester such as Snake 'n' Rooter Plumbing Company.
Schedule Your Backflow Test Before the Deadline
Snake ’n’ Rooter makes backflow compliance straightforward. We test the assembly, explain whether it passed, complete qualifying repairs or replacement and submit the required documentation. Have your testing notice available when you call so we can identify the assembly, water utility and applicable deadline.
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