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Lawn Irrigation Systems in the Richmond area are required by Virginia state law to have backflow prevention device inspected annually. Find out why.

You may not be aware of this but Virginia State Law says that, if you have an underground irrigation system to aid in keeping your lawn green all summer, you are required to have your backflow prevention device inspected every year.

While this law has been enacted in the 1970s, city and county utilities departments have not been enforcing it very well until recently. In fact, Chesterfield Utilities Department customers received a notice with their March/April invoices, informing homeowners that their devices on their irrigation systems must be tested and certified annually.

Why is this important to homeowners? According to a recent article in the Chesterfield Observer, "having a backflow-prevention assembly that is worn presents a danger most homeowners wouldn't want to face. Backflow prevention devices stop the reverse flow of water and other substances in pipes to keep contaminated or polluted water from entering a home's main water system, which supplies water for drinking, cooking and bathing."

What else do you need to know? Importantly, "those who perform the test must have a 'backflow prevention device worker' certification, which is issued by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations," the article continues.

Marshall Mechanical's Master Plumber, Ross Herring, has the required Virginia State certifications needed to correctly and accurately certify your backflow prevention device is operating under the state and county guidelines, and will make sure the homeowner receives the proper Backflow Prevention Assembly Test Report that you will need to submit to Chesterfield County on an annual basis. We expect that Richmond City, Henrico, Hanover and Powhatan counties will follow Chesterfield's lead very shortly if they haven't already.

Call us today. If your backflow prevention device has not been inspected within the last 12 months, then please call Marshall Mechanical today at 804.323.0189 to schedule an appointment.