F.A.Q

Backflow happens when the normal direction of water flow in your plumbing system is unexpectedly reversed. When this occurs, clean drinking water can become contaminated by used water containing chemicals, bacteria, or other harmful substances.
This reversal is typically caused by a difference in pressure—when water from a high-pressure area flows into a lower-pressure area. There are two main causes of backflow:

• Backsiphonage: Caused by negative pressure (like a vacuum) in the water supply line, often due to events like a water main break.
• Backpressure: Occurs when pressure in your system exceeds the pressure in the water supply line, often due to pumps, boilers, or elevation changes.

Without properly functioning backflow preventers, contaminated water can enter the public drinking water system—posing serious health risks.

A backflow preventer is a safety device installed on your water line that allows water to flow in only one direction—into your property. Its main purpose is to prevent contaminated water from flowing backward into the public water supply, protecting your drinking water from potential pollutants.

Backflow assemblies must be tested annually, or as required by the Town’s Cross Connection Control Ordinance. It is the responsibility of the customer, property owner, or property manager to schedule and pay for the annual test. All testing must be performed by a Town-approved backflow tester.

Don’t worry—if your backflow device doesn’t pass inspection, we’ll review the test results with you in detail and provide a clear estimate for any necessary repairs or adjustments. There’s no obligation to use our repair services.

Most municipalities allow a grace period of about 10 days to address a failed inspection. If you choose Sea Flow Backflow to complete the repairs, we’ll retest your device at no additional charge.

You are considered compliant with the Town’s Cross Connection Control Ordinance once we submit your passing backflow test directly to the Town’s electronic reporting system on your behalf.