Backflow Devices

We can install, repair, and replace backflow prevention devices

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We Specialize In Backflow Devices
Serving Amarillo, Potter & Randall County Texas

Attention, Amarillo, Texas homeowners and business owners! It's vital to understand the significance of backflow prevention devices for your irrigation systems. These crucial components protect your water supply from contamination or pollution due to backflow, a common issue where water flows opposite to its intended direction.

This could potentially introduce harmful substances, such as fertilizers, pesticides, or animal waste, from your irrigation system back into your potable water supply. In Texas, state regulations mandate the use of backflow preventers for all irrigation systems (Texas Administrative Code Rule §344.50). The City of Amarillo further requires an annual inspection of these devices by a licensed Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester to ensure they are working correctly and maintaining the safety of your water.

Adhering to these regulations not only ensures your compliance with the law but also safeguards the health of your family, patrons, and the broader Amarillo community.

Why Do You Have To Install An RPZ?

Here in the Texas Panhandle any time you have a septic system (OSSF) installed on your property an RPZ is required. This law was established in 2009 and a lot of local irrigation companies were not aware the law existed.

This is why you will not see these installed on many homes. In 2019 the Texas Panhandle Irrigation Association asked the TCEQ to speak at our annual CEU event and they informed us of the change. From then on Amarillo Land Services has followed this law in all of our installations and repairs. We know pipes above ground can be unsightly and inconvenient, this is why we always install a R13 bag and faux rock to help mitigate this problem.

We also design our RPZ assemblies with two unions at ground level so that they can be removed and stored in a warm location during hard freezes. Below is the specific law for the RPZ requirement.

PART 1

TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

CHAPTER 344

LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION

SUBCHAPTER E

BACKFLOW PREVENTION AND CROSS-CONNECTIONS

RULE §344.51

Specific Conditions and Cross-Connection Control

(a) Before any chemical is added by any method (aspiration, injection, etc.) to an irrigation system which is connected to any potable water supply, the irrigation system shall be connected through a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly or air gap.

(b) Irrigation system components treated with chemical additives and connected to any potable water supply shall be connected through a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly.

(c) Connection of more than one water source to an irrigation system presents the potential for contamination of the potable water supply if backflow occurs. Therefore, connection of any additional water source to an irrigation system that is connected to the potable water supply can only be made if the irrigation system is connected to the potable water supply through a reduced-pressure principle backflow prevention assembly or an air gap.

(d) If an irrigation system is designed or installed on a property that is served by an on-site sewage facility, as defined in Chapter 285 of this title (relating to On-Site Sewage Facilities), then:

  (1) all irrigation piping and valves shall meet the separation distances from the On-Site Sewage Facilities system as required for a private water line in §285.91(10) of this title (relating to Tables), concerning the minimum required separation distances for on-site sewage facilities;

  (2) the irrigation system is designated a health hazard and any connections using a private or public potable water source shall be connected to the water source through a reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assembly as defined in §344.50 of this title (relating to Backflow Prevention Methods); and

  (3) any water from the irrigation system that is applied to the surface of the area utilized by the On-Site Sewage Facility system shall be controlled on a separate irrigation zone or zones so as to allow complete control of any irrigation to that area so that there will not be excess water that would prevent the On-Site Sewage Facilities system from operating effectively.
International Plumbing Code 2006 608.16.5 Connections to lawn irrigation systems. The potable water supply to lawn irrigation systems shall be protected against backflow by an atmospheric-type vacuum breaker, a pressure-type vacuum breaker or a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer. A valve shall not be installed downstream from an atmospheric vacuum breaker. Where chemicals are introduced into the system, the potable water supply shall be protected against backflow by a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer. 608.16.6 Connections subject to backpressure. Where a potable water connection is made to a nonpotable line, fixture, tank, vat, pump or other equipment subject to back-pressure, the potable water connection shall be protected by a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer.

International Plumbing Code 2006 608.16.5 Connections to lawn irrigation systems.

The potable water supply to lawn irrigation systems shall be protected against backflow by an atmospheric-type vacuum breaker, a pressure-type vacuum breaker or a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer. A valve shall not be installed downstream from an atmospheric vacuum breaker. Where chemicals are introduced into the system, the potable water supply shall be protected against backflow by a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer. 608.16.6 Connections subject to backpressure. Where a potable water connection is made to a nonpotable line, fixture, tank, vat, pump or other equipment subject to back-pressure, the potable water connection shall be protected by a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer.

Why Do I Have To Install a Double Check?

Back flow devices are required by the State of Texas and most municipalities in the Texas Panhandle require a Double Check assembly. Before we open your main line to the atmosphere during a repair we must inspect you have a proper functioning double check. In the event you do not have a properly functioning double check we will stop work and inform you of the current situation and what it will take to bring your system up to code and give you the peace of mind that your drinking water is properly protected from the health hazards of your irrigation system.

TITLE 30 - ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

PART 1
TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
CHAPTER 344

LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION

SUBCHAPTER E
BACKFLOW PREVENTION AND CROSS-CONNECTIONS
RULE §344.50

Backflow Prevention Methods

(a) All backflow prevention assemblies installed per this chapter shall be installed according to manufacturer's recommendations and provided with sufficient clearance to facilitate testing.

(b) If conditions that present a health hazard exist, one of the following types of backflow prevention shall be used.

  (1) An air gap may be used if installed per the definition of air gap in §344.1(1) of this title (relating to Definitions).

  (2) Reduced pressure principle backflow prevention assemblies may be used if installed per subsection (a) of this section and:

    (A) the assembly is installed at a minimum of 12 inches above ground in a location that will ensure that the assembly will not be submerged; and

    (B) drainage is provided for any water that may be discharged through the relief valve.

  (3) Pressure vacuum breakers may be used if installed per subsection (a) of this section and:

    (A) there is no actual or potential for a back-pressure condition; and

    (B) the assembly is installed at a minimum of 12 inches above any downstream piping and the highest downstream opening. Pop-up sprinklers are measured from the retracted position from the top of the sprinkler.

  (4) Spill-resistant pressure vacuum breakers may be used if installed per subsection (a) of this section and:

    (A) there is no actual or potential for a back-pressure condition; and

    (B) the assembly is installed at a minimum of 12 inches above any downstream piping and the highest downstream opening. Pop-up sprinklers are measured from the retracted position from the top of the sprinkler.

(c) If there are no conditions that present a health hazard, double check valve backflow prevention assemblies may be used to prevent backflow if the assembly is tested upon installation and:

  (1) a local regulatory authority does not prohibit the use of a double check valve; and

  (2) test cocks are used for testing only.

(d) Double check valve assemblies installed below ground shall meet the following installation requirements:

  (1) test cocks shall be plugged, except when the double check valve is being tested;

  (2) test cock plugs shall be threaded, water-tight, and made of non-ferrous material; and

  (3) there shall be a clearance all the way around the assembly to allow space for testing and repair.

(e) At a minimum, all backflow prevention assemblies shall be tested by a licensed backflow prevention assembly tester upon installation, repair, replacement, or relocation. Those backflow prevention assemblies used in irrigation systems designated as health hazards shall be tested annually.

At Amarillo Land Services, our proficiency and top-of-the-line equipment make us well-equipped to handle all aspects of backflow preventer installation and replacement.

Don't let backflow preventer troubles threaten the safety and cleanliness of your water supply! Trust the proficiency of Amarillo Land Services to identify and address any backflow issues promptly and effectively. Experience the distinction of collaborating with a dedicated team that puts customer satisfaction at the heart of all we do.

Contact Amarillo Land Services today (806) 477-2605 and let us restore the functionality of your backflow prevention system.

Amarillo Land Services is an irrigation and sprinkler repair contractor based out of Amarillo, Texas and serving Potter County and Randall County including Bushland, Canyon, and the Texas Panhandle.

Backflow Device Estimate

What Do Backflow Prevention Devices Cost?

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RPZ Installation
RPZ Install/Replace
$2000

Includes parts, labor, and our signature landscaped area surrounding the RPZ.

$2000
Double Check RPZ Assembly
Double Check Install/Replace
$1800

Includes parts, labor, and our signature landscaped area surrounding the device.

$1800
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What Our Customers Say

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Johnathan Norris and Brandon just left. They were quick but very thourough. I asked about a problem in my flower bed and they were so knowledgeable about the most likely cause and suggestion for a remedy. Also kindly educated me about mulch and other things. Just moved back home to Borger after 39 years away, so I am pretty ignorant about the growing season but thanks to people like Johnathan and Brandon, I'm learning.

Stephanie Hilton
Stephanie Hilton November 21, 2023
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Tyler did a great job. Very courteous, communicative and friendly!

Catherine Guy
Catherine Guy November 20, 2023
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Very professional and knowledgeable.

Kim Karrh
Kim Karrh October 27, 2023
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CD & his partner did a great job on our sprinkler repair. They were polite, professional, and on time. They did the job quickly and efficiently and we would use them again. We would be happy to recommend them to others needing sprinkler work. Thanks guys!

BriAnna Denbow
BriAnna Denbow October 27, 2023
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Awesome service! Technician, CD called when headed out, diagnosed my issue within just a few minutes and gave me an estimated cost to repair. Work was done quickly, checked my entire sprinkler system after repairs were done, made a few adjustments to sprinkler heads and everything is working properly. If you need your irrigation system worked on these are the guys to call. Will definitely call again if I need repairs. Very professional.

Bryan Jenkins
Bryan Jenkins October 26, 2023
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The fellows (Tyler and Jacob, I believe) who did the work on my irrigation system listened to my requests and completed all the work that I asked them to do in such as way that really satisfied me. It was a difficult day with rain slowing them down periodically, but they stuck with the job to the finish. I will definitely recommend them.

Sandy Morgan
Sandy Morgan October 7, 2023
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Tyler was very professional and did a great job!

Sean Smith
Sean Smith September 15, 2023
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Tyler was very professional, explained everything my system needed and also followed up with a phone call. Very rare these days. Very happy with the job and impressed how quickly it was finished. Had everything needed in the truck, did not have to order any parts or come back to finish the job. It was taken care of on the first trip.

Mark Cavitt
Mark Cavitt September 8, 2023

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