How frequently must inspections be made of backflow prevention assemblies?

Backflow prevention assemblies are critical components in plumbing systems that prevent potentially contaminated water from flowing back into the clean water supply. To ensure their effectiveness, there are regulations in place regarding how often they should be inspected.

Annual inspections are mandated to verify that the backflow preventers are functioning correctly and to address any maintenance or repair issues that may arise over time. This frequency is established based on the understanding that these systems are essential for public health and safety, and regular checks help in maintaining the integrity of the water supply.

While more frequent inspections (daily, monthly, or biannual) may help catch issues sooner, they are not the standard requirement set forth by regulations. Therefore, the requirement for annual inspections represents a balance between ensuring safety and managing resource utilization effectively.