Homeowners with lawn sprinkler and irrigation systems connected to the Evansville Water and Sewer Utility (EWSU) water distribution system are advised to winterize the backflow preventer before the area receives a hard freeze. Allowing the backflow preventer and outdoor water pipes to freeze is a costly mistake.

The backflow device is typically located outside the home, above ground, near the water meter. It protects the city’s water supply by preventing water and potential contaminates from flowing backward into the water distribution system.

EWSU recommends hiring a plumbing professional to winterize the irrigation system. However, if a homeowner chooses to winterize the backflow device, on their own, there are a few easy steps that can be used to prevent the device from freezing. The best way to winterize the backflow preventer is to:

·         Bleed out all of the water

·         Disconnect the device

·         Store the device in a warm place, for the winter

“If you do not disconnect the backflow preventer, after the water has been eliminated, it is recommended to cover the device with a thick blanket, towels, or similar material,” said Ashley Pike, EVSU’s new Deputy Director of Compliance. “Insulation and heat tape may be used, but alone they do not provide sufficient protection from extreme cold during winter months.”

As a reminder, Pike said, state and local regulators require homeowners to have the backflow preventer tested by a certified plumbing professional, every year. Testers are required to report test results to EWSU.

For more information on Backflow Prevention and testing, please visit www.ewsu.com and click the Water & Sewer button for a link to Backflow Inspection & Testing. For questions, please call 930-212-1081 to reach Cross Connection Control Coordinator, Mike Sanders.