How to Be Backflow Prevention Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jul 28, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Backflow prevention is an essential part of ensuring safe drinking water. When backflow occurs, it can cause contaminants from a non-potable water source to enter the potable water supply, potentially resulting in serious illnesses. To combat this, a Backflow Prevention Technician is responsible for testing, installing, and maintaining backflow prevention devices.

These technicians use specialized tools and knowledge to ensure that all backflow prevention devices are properly installed, inspected, and maintained according to local and state regulations. By having a Backflow Prevention Technician in place, it helps ensure that the water being supplied to homes and businesses is safe and free of contaminants.

Steps How to Become

Research the requirements for becoming a backflow prevention technician in your state. Different states have different requirements for certification, so it is important to familiarize yourself with the specific rules and regulations that apply to you.
Obtain the necessary training. Depending on your states specific requirements, this may include a combination of classroom and hands-on training. Some states also require you to complete an apprenticeship program before applying for certification.
Pass the certification exam. Once you have completed the required training and obtained all of the necessary documents, you will need to take a certification exam. This exam is administered by your states plumbing regulatory board and is designed to assess your knowledge of backflow prevention systems and procedures.
Apply for certification. After passing the certification exam, you will need to submit an application to your states plumbing regulatory board. This application will include any documents or forms that you need to submit, such as proof of training and an application fee.
Obtain a backflow prevention technician license. Once your application has been approved, you will receive a backflow prevention technician license. This license allows you to legally install, repair, and inspect backflow systems in your state.
Maintain your license. Most states require backflow prevention technicians to complete continuing education courses in order to keep their licenses current. It is important to stay up-to-date on any changes in laws and regulations regarding backflow prevention systems in your state.

Backflow prevention is important to protect water resources from contamination. To ensure that a backflow prevention system is properly installed and maintained, it is necessary to hire a skilled and competent Backflow Prevention Technician. The technician should be knowledgeable in the local plumbing codes, knowledgeable in the principles of hydraulic pressure and be certified in backflow prevention.

A certified technician can identify potential backflow threats and can properly install, maintain, and test backflow prevention assemblies to ensure they are functioning correctly. This helps to protect public health by preventing contaminants from entering the water distribution system.

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Job Description

Install, maintain, inspect, test and repair backflow prevention assemblies.
Perform on-site tests to determine the proper operation of backflow prevention assemblies.
Maintain records of inspections, maintenance, and repairs of backflow prevention assemblies.
Read and interpret blueprints, schematic drawings, plans, and specifications to determine the layout of backflow prevention installations.
Troubleshoot and repair malfunctions in backflow prevention assemblies.
Develop and implement preventive maintenance programs for backflow prevention assemblies.
Provide technical assistance to customers in the operation and maintenance of backflow prevention assemblies.
Train personnel in the proper installation, operation and maintenance of backflow prevention assemblies.
Identify and recommend new technologies for backflow prevention systems.
Comply with safety regulations and applicable laws and regulations.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of relevant federal, state, and local regulations for backflow prevention.
Knowledge of proper installation and repair of backflow prevention devices.
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, diagrams, and schematics related to backflow prevention.
Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose backflow prevention systems.
Ability to perform quality assurance and testing of backflow prevention systems.
Ability to perform preventative maintenance and repair on backflow prevention systems.
Knowledge of safety procedures related to handling hazardous materials and working in confined spaces.
Knowledge of basic plumbing and carpentry principles.
Knowledge of basic electrical principles.
Excellent customer service skills.
Ability to use a variety of hand tools and power tools.
Excellent communication skills.

Having the knowledge and skills of a Backflow Prevention Technician is essential to ensure the safety and integrity of water systems. This role involves the installation, maintenance, and testing of backflow prevention devices in order to keep potable water supplies safe from contamination. When a backflow device fails, it can cause serious damage to public health, property, and the environment.

To avoid such disasters, Backflow Prevention Technicians must be able to accurately assess the risk of contamination, install and maintain the appropriate devices, and regularly test them for functionality. Without this knowledge and skill, water systems are exposed to potential hazards that can have long-lasting effects on both people and the environment.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in backflow prevention inspections and maintenance?
Have you ever encountered a backflow prevention device that needed repair or a full replacement? If so, how did you handle the situation?
What techniques do you use to test backflow prevention devices?
What type of backflow prevention devices are you familiar with?
How do you ensure that all backflow prevention devices are installed correctly and meet all local and state codes?
What do you do when you encounter an unusually complex backflow prevention problem?
Describe the steps you take to educate customers on the importance of backflow prevention.
How do you stay up-to-date on the latest regulations and requirements for backflow prevention?
What challenges have you faced in your previous backflow prevention technician job, and how did you overcome them?
Describe a time when you had to troubleshoot and repair a faulty backflow prevention device.

Common Tools in Industry

Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester. Used to test the performance of backflow prevention assemblies, such as double check, reduced pressure principle and pressure vacuum breaker valves (example: HydroGuard Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester).
Pressure Gauge. Measures the pressure of water in a system (example: WIKA Digital Pressure Gauge).
Flow Meter. Measures the rate of flow of water in a system (example: Badger Flow Meter).
Test Kit. Used to test for contamination in water (example: Hach Test Kit).
Cross Connection Control Device. Installed to ensure that no contaminated water enters the drinking water system (example: Watts 909 Series Dual Check Valve).
Isolation Valve. Used to shut off water flow (example: Apollo Ball Valves).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA)
International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO)
National Association of Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors (PHCC)
American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE)
American Water Works Association (AWWA)
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
The Water Quality Association (WQA)
International Code Council (ICC)
American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
National Environmental Balancing Bureau (NEBB)

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Common Important Terms

Backflow Device. A device that prevents the reversal of water flow between two points, or from a contaminated source, from entering the public drinking water supply.
Cross Connection. An arrangement of piping that connects a potable water supply to an unprotected water source.
Backpressure. The pressure of the water in a system that is greater than the pressure of the upstream source.
Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker. A device that is installed to prevent backflow by allowing air to enter the system when the pressure drops.
Double Check Valve Assembly. A device consisting of two check valves in series that is used to prevent backflow and contamination of the public drinking water supply.
Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly. A device consisting of two check valves, a pressure regulator, and a relief valve that is used to prevent backflow and contamination of the public drinking water supply.
Air Gap. A physical separation between the water supply and a potential source of contamination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is a Backflow Prevention Technician? A1: A Backflow Prevention Technician is a professional trained to inspect, test, and maintain backflow prevention assemblies to ensure they are functioning properly. Q2: What type of entities require backflow prevention? A2: Entities such as water supply systems, commercial and industrial facilities, and other entities that use water in their operations often require backflow prevention. Q3: What is the purpose of backflow prevention? A3: The purpose of backflow prevention is to protect public health by preventing contaminated water from entering the public water system. Q4: How often should backflow prevention assemblies be tested? A4: Most backflow prevention assemblies should be tested annually to ensure they are functioning properly and not allowing contaminated water to enter the public water system. Q5: What qualifications are required to become a Backflow Prevention Technician? A5: To become a Backflow Prevention Technician, you typically need to have a minimum of three years of experience in the plumbing industry, as well as complete an approved training course and pass a certification exam.