SAWS letter regarding yearly backflow testing (connection)

[goodmanm]

How do they know you have a sprinkler system installed? Is a permit from they city required for one?

[ged_782]

Originally Posted by goodmanm

How do they know you have a sprinkler system installed? Is a permit from they city required for one?

Yes, a permit is required for the installation of a sprinkler system within City Limits.

[TowBar]

Does Bexar County have a similar requirement for people living outside the city limits?

[Cuero]

I think it applies to anyone with a sprinkler system that uses SAWS for their water supply. I thought it was an ever other year testing requirement, but lately we've been receiving notices stating that the test needs to be performed annually. Prices for the test range from around $40 to $200. As you would expect, the lower priced ones do nothing but backflow valve testing and the higher priced ones are the full service plumbers. If you don't get it done, SAWS will shut your water off until you prove to them that you've complied with the testing requirement. Of course they will charge a fee for shutting off your water and another to turn it back on.

[Buddy Morris]

Well, you did not address the filing fee. Never had that before. Just what is the filing fee for? I don't need to file anything. So, I guess that is paying for someone at SAWS to stuff this backflow inspection in a drawer somewhere. Isn't that their job?
Anyway your letter said a filing fee MAY be charged. Tell me when a filing fee is not to be charged.

[Bo]

Originally Posted by Buddy Morris

Well, you did not address the filing fee. Never had that before. Just what is the filing fee for? I don't need to file anything. So, I guess that is paying for someone at SAWS to stuff this backflow inspection in a drawer somewhere. Isn't that their job?

That would mean the other SAWS ratepayers are subsidizing sprinkler system owners. They probably don't like that idea.

[harleyflh2003]

Had my back flow preventer tested and it failed. The BF preventer is $105 @ Lowe's. Is there any reason I can't replace it myself? Understand I would have to get inspected. Does any one know?

[TexasRedneck]

Yes, you can do it yourself.....

[escanlan]

Originally Posted by harleyflh2003

Had my back flow preventer tested and it failed. The BF preventer is $105 @ Lowe's. Is there any reason I can't replace it myself? Understand I would have to get inspected. Does any one know?

Replacing these are not difficult if you have the aptitude for that type of work. However you will need to obtain a permit from your local Building Department and they will require not only an inspection of the replacement but also the test results from a licensed backflow prevention person. Not sure if your area falls under the San Antonio Building Department or not but this is their WEB site Development Services Department . You should give them a call to determine if they cover your area and what needs to be done to obtain a permit and who can obtain the permit. Backflow prevention is a hot button topic in the State and there might be restrictions on who can perform the work. The SA SAWS department WEB site is San Antonio Water System. There is also information of potential value to you there.

Many Plumbers are also licensed to perform the backflow tests. Yes just because they have a Plumbers license does not make them immediately eligible to perform these tests. However you might be able to find a plumber that is registered with the City (they have lists on the Building Department WEB site) that can replace and test the device all at once. That could save you much aggravation as they can also pull the necessary permits as well.

[wellguy]

Although the BF is new a certified BF Inspector has to test it to satisfy SAWS. I'm assuming tbey would install the one you purchase.