American Backflow Products

Happy National Employee Appreciation Day! At American Backflow, our team is the reason we get the job done right. We appreciate your hard work every day, but today is a reminder to say it out loud—thank you for your dedication and commitment.

?? The Role of Double Check Valve Assemblies (DCVA) in Backflow Prevention Backflow prevention is an essential part of maintaining a safe water supply. While high-hazard applications require advanced protection like?RPZ assemblies, many systems rely on?Double Check Valve Assemblies (DCVA)?to prevent contamination in?low hazard?environments. These assemblies provide a critical line of defense against backflow incidents, ensuring that pollutants and chemicals don’t compromise potable water. ?? What is a DCVA? A?DCVA consists of two independently operating check valves?that prevent water from reversing direction. If one valve fails, the other still provides protection—minimizing the risk of contaminants entering the clean water supply. This dual-layer protection makes DCVAs highly effective for scenarios where backflow risks exist but are not classified as high hazard. ?? ?Where are DCVAs Used? ?1?? Fire Sprinkler Systems?– Stopping stagnant fire sprinkler water from contaminating potable water 2?? ?Irrigation Systems?– Preventing fertilizers & pesticides from backflowing into the main water supply ?? Why Routine Testing and Maintenance Matter While DCVAs are effective for?low hazard?situations, they are not fail-proof. Over time,?wear, debris buildup, or water quality?can compromise their performance. Regular testing, maintenance, and compliance with local regulations are essential to ensure they function properly. Many municipalities require?annual testing?to verify that these backflow preventers are still operating as intended.

How often should I test my backflow??? One of our most common customer service questions, answered ?

Celebrating February anniversaries on our team ?? Thank you for another year of hard work and dedication. Here's to many more!

??? The Role of Test Fittings in Accurate Backflow Testing Backflow prevention devices are only effective if they’re tested properly. That’s where?test fittings?come in. These small but essential components ensure that technicians can?accurately measure pressure differences and verify system integrity?during annual backflow tests. ?? ?Why Test Fittings Matter Test fittings create a?secure, leak-free connection?between the backflow assembly and your test kit. Without them, technicians could face: 1?? ?Inaccurate test results 2?? Leaks that impact pressure readings 3?? Wasted time troubleshooting faulty connections Common Issues Without Proper Test Fittings: ?? ?Incorrect fittings can cause?leaks, leading to false test failures. ?? ?Over-tightened connections can damage test cocks and fittings, leading to costly repairs. ?? ?Incorrectly installing or using fittings improperly leads to wasted time and labor. ? Best Practices for Test Fittings & Backflow Testing ?? Regularly inspect fittings for wear, cracks, or corrosion. ?? Keep spare fittings and protective caps on hand to prevent contamination. ?? Use Quick test fittings for faster installation and to prevent leaks. ?? On Quick test fittings, ensure a snug,?finger-tight connection, over-tightening can cause damage.

Here’s Sean Powell, one of our Fire Hydrant In-House Technicians, Facetiming with a customer to guide them through a repair in the field. At American Backflow Products, customer service is all about providing fast, convenient assistance whenever and however it’s needed. This is just another example of our industry leading technical expertise and commitment to servicing the customer. #FireHydrantRepair #TechnicalAssistance #CustomerService #FireProtection #BestTeam

Not all pressure drops mean failure—know the difference!??? ?

Super Bowl Sunday is almost here! Who are you rooting for this year? ?? Drop your predictions in the comments. Have a great weekend, everyone!

Safeguarding Backflow Systems in Cold Climates: Freeze Protection Valves Explained??? As temperatures drop, backflow prevention systems face a critical threat: freezing. A frozen backflow preventer can cause extensive damage, disrupt operations, and compromise water safety. That’s where?freeze protection valves?come into play. How Freeze Protection Valves Work: Freeze protection valves are designed to automatically discharge water when temperatures approach freezing, preventing ice buildup inside the system. By flowing water, these valves reduce the risk of damage to the components or body of the backflow or upstream piping system. Why They’re Essential: 1???Preventing Costly Damage: A frozen backflow preventer can lead to broken components, leaks, and expensive replacements. Freeze protection valves act as the first line of defense. 2???Ensuring Compliance: Many regions require backflow systems to operate year-round. Freeze protection ensures uninterrupted compliance, even in the harshest weather. 3???Extending Equipment Lifespan: By minimizing stress caused by freezing and thawing cycles, these valves help extend the life of your backflow assemblies. ?? Installation Tip: Pair freeze protection valves with insulated bags, enclosures with heaters or heat tape, for added protection in extreme climates. Regular inspection and winterization ensure proper functionality when it’s needed most. Prepared systems mean no downtime—keep your water flowing, no matter the weather. ?

Let’s make this chilly Friday a fun one! Drop your photos of frozen valves and systems in the comments below. Let's see those freeze damages! Check out a few we’ve come across so far! ?? American Backflow Products