BACKFLOW INSTRUCTIONS

Backflow Inspection & Seasonal Care

 

Why Is Backflow Testing Important?

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Your irrigation system’s backflow preventer helps keep irrigation water, which may contain soil, fertilizers, or other contaminants, from flowing into the drinking water supply. Annual testing confirms that the device is working properly.

 

The Overlook coordinates neighborhood testing each May, with the inspection cost included in the annual HOA assessment. Exact dates will be announced by email.

 

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Fall Preparation: Before Freezing Weather

Winterize your irrigation system before freezing temperatures arrive. Turning off the water alone does not drain the backflow preventer or irrigation pipes.

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Single meter homes

Locate the designated irrigation shutoff valve, usually below ground near the backflow preventer. This valve should stop irrigation water while keeping household water on.

 

Dual meter homes

Identify the separate irrigation supply and its customer shutoff valve. Confirm that household water remains on after shutting off irrigation.

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If you want Tennessee American Water to disconnect your irrigation service for winter, contact the utility to arrange it. Confirm current fees and any billing savings directly with them.

 

Removing and storing your device

If your backflow assembly is designed for seasonal removal, shut off the irrigation supply and drain it according to the manufacturer’s instructions before removing it.

 

Keep all connection seals and gaskets, protect exposed pipe openings, and store the drained device somewhere that stays above freezing. Use only manufacturer-approved products on the seals.

 

An irrigation professional can confirm whether your device should be removed or winterized in place, and whether your irrigation lines need draining or a blowout.

 

Spring Preparation: Ready by April 30

Complete these steps before the neighborhood’s May inspection:

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• Have your backflow preventer correctly installed and accessible. It is usually near the side of your house.​

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• Turn on the irrigation water supply. If Tennessee American Water disconnected your separate irrigation service for winter, arrange for the utility to restore it.

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• If you receive an inspection form from Tennessee American Water, save it, add a phone number where the inspector can reach you, and place it in a sealed plastic bag attached to your backflow preventer before inspection.

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Inspection can proceed without a form. Check utility notices for deadlines, and contact Ray or Tennessee American Water if action is required before the scheduled neighborhood inspection.

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Inspection Day & Results

The inspector tests your device and records the results online using a mobile phone. Results are submitted through Tennessee American Water’s reporting system. After inspection, Ray Hanger sends a spreadsheet showing which properties passed and which did not.

 

Not Using Your Irrigation System?

A system that remains connected still needs required backflow protection and testing. Contact Tennessee American Water about its approved permanent disconnection process before removing backflow protection.

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If repairs are needed, ask about the work and cost before approving them. You may choose your own repair provider. A failed device requires prompt repair or replacement and retesting.

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Important: January 1, 2027 Upgrade Deadline

Tennessee American Water requires irrigation systems to use a Reduced Pressure Principle (RP) backflow assembly.

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Existing double check (DC) devices must be replaced with an approved RP assembly by January 1, 2027. A DC device that fails inspection must be replaced with an RP assembly immediately.

Ask your certified tester whether your device needs this upgrade.

 

Questions or Help?

Contact Ray Hanger

Phone: 423-598-1100
Email: rhanger550@protonmail.com