Allthrive has been testing backflow assemblies in Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, Malaga, Rock Island, Chelan, and Cashmere since 2013. Last season alone, we tested nearly 650 backflow valves. We provide testing services for commercial, industrial, and residential properties, including local homes, restaurants, coffee shops, dental offices, and even a funeral home!
Travis Richardson is a certified Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT) and a licensed Specialty Backflow Plumber, qualified to repair and service backflow assemblies. He is also certified to enter confined spaces when needed.
If you've received a reminder letter from your water purveyor, keep it handy—it’s not required but can make the process smoother. We can typically schedule your backflow test within one to two business days. In most cases, Travis submits the necessary paperwork to the appropriate water purveyor the same day and provides customers with copies of the report(s) and invoice.
To make things even easier, we’ll reach out the following year to schedule your next backflow test. Currently, Allthrive is authorized to test backflow assemblies for the City of Wenatchee, East Wenatchee Water District, Chelan County PUD, City of Cashmere, City of Rock Island, City of Chelan, and Malaga Water District. If your water purveyor isn’t on this list, we can usually get approved to work with them as well.
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Back Flow Assembly Testing
There are three main types of backflow assemblies: Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA), Reduced Pressure Backflow Assembly (RP Backflow), and Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB). In Wenatchee and East Wenatchee, the most common type is the Double Check Valve Assembly, followed by the RP Backflow. These assemblies are commonly found on domestic sprinkler systems and fire protection systems.
Backflow assemblies must also be installed and tested on any equipment that is permanently connected to a domestic water source. This includes soda machines, ice makers, industrial cleaning systems, and anti-freeze dispensers, among others. Ensuring proper installation and testing helps protect the water supply from contamination.
FAQ-
What is a backflow assembly?
A backflow prevention assembly is a mechanical device designed to ensure that water flows only in the intended direction, preventing the reverse flow of water or other substances into the potable drinking water system.
According to the Washington State Department of Health (WAC 246-290-490), a Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA) is required for landscape irrigation systems that use domestic water as their sole water source. If a landscape sprinkler system has a cross-connection between irrigation water and domestic water, a Reduced Pressure Backflow Assembly (RP Backflow) must be installed.
Backflow assemblies are also commonly found on fire protection sprinkler systems and carbonated beverage machines, ensuring the safety and integrity of the water supply.
Why do backflow assemblies have to be tested?
Backflow assemblies can fail due to freezing, debris buildup, improper installation, or unapproved plumbing connections. These mechanical devices contain internal seals, springs, and moving parts that are susceptible to fouling, wear, and fatigue over time. In some cases, backflow assemblies and air gaps may even be bypassed, compromising water safety.
To ensure these assemblies function properly in the event of backflow, Washington state law requires annual testing by a certified Backflow Assembly Tester. Regular inspections help protect the public drinking water system from potential contaminants. While a simple visual inspection is sufficient for air gaps, backflow assemblies must be tested using a properly calibrated gauge by a certified professional.
This house in the Sunnyslope neighborhood of Wenatchee, WA is lucky to have a domestic water hook up as well as irrigation water rights. With the domestic water they have the ability to turn on and off their water supply so they can water for maybe a couple more weeks earlier and a couple weeks later than irrigation water users.
Where would a backflow assembly be if I had one?
When installed correctly, a backflow assembly will be located within three feet of the main shutoff for that system. These assemblies can be found in various locations, such as near the sidewalk close to the water meter, near the house where the main water supply enters, or under the house near the main water line.
If installed incorrectly, backflow assemblies may be difficult to identify or test properly. For domestic fire sprinkler systems, the assembly is typically located in the garage. Additionally, backflow assemblies are commonly found near carbonated beverage machines and ice machines in restaurants, convenience stores, grocery stores, schools, and bars.
What do I need to do if I have a backflow assembly?
Assemblies must be tested and inspected upon installation and annually after that to ensure that they are properly working. The results are sent to your local water purveyor. If you live in Wenatchee, you must get a $50 permit to install a backflow assembly. This is where to go for the permit: http://www.wenatcheewa.gov/index.aspx?page=135
Can anybody test backflow assemblies?
Only a Washington State Certified Back Flow Assembly Tester can perform the required test on the assembly. This tester must also be listed with the water purveyor with their Washington State certification card and test kit calibration report. Travis Richardson B5935 of Allthrive LLC is a Washington State Back Flow Assembly Tester as well as a licensed Backflow Specialty Plumber RICHAT*818CR; he is registered to test with the City of Wenatchee and East Wenatchee Water District, as well as Chelan County PUD.
To view our BAT Certification by Washington Certification Services, click here. License number B5935.
To view Travis’s name on the East Wenatchee Water District’s 2023 list of certified backflow testers, Click here.
To view Travis's name on the City of Wenatchee’s 2023 list of certified backflow testers, Click here.