The Backflow Preventer module suite helps you record details about backflow devices, tests, and the testing process to ensure the quality of your public water system. The Backflow Inventory module is used with the Backflow Library to keep track of all prevention devices used in your system. The inventory records use the library data as a basis, and then allow you to add additional details. All backflow preventers should be tested periodically to ensure that they are functioning properly. The Backflow Testing Company, Backflow Testers, and Backflow Tests modules allow you to track, record, and validate all aspects of the testing process.
Complete the steps below to use the Backflow Preventer suite:
Create a Backflow Library record for each backflow device that exists in inventory. The records you create in the library will be linked to the records in the Backflow Inventory module. This helps standardize your system and speed data entry.
Create a Backflow Inventory record using a device found in the Backflow Library.
Link the inventory record to the Backflow Library using the Library Code field in the header.
Create a Backflow Testing Company record. This module stores licensing information and expiration dates, test kit details, and personnel associated with individual testing companies. These are used in the Backflow Tests module to perform inspections on devices in Backflow Inventory.
Note: the license expiration date field. This important field is used by the system to validate backflow testing licenses in the Backflow Tests module.
Note: the test kit expiration date field. This important field is also used by the system to validate backflow testing licenses in the Backflow Tests module.
Create a Backflow Testers record. This module stores certification and contact information about individual testers associated with testing companies. These are used in the Backflow Tests module to perform inspections on devices in Backflow Inventory.
Link the tester to a Backflow Testing Company record using the Company ID field on the Tester tab.
Create a Backflow Tests record. The Tests module stores testing information and test results for your backflow devices.
Select a device from inventory on which the test will be performed. Use the Device Number field in the header.
Indicate which Backflow Tester will perform the initial test. Use the IT-Certification # field in the Testers tab.
Indicate which Test Kit (from the Backflow Testing Companies module) will be used for the test. Use the Initial Test Kit ID on the Testers tab.
Include the Test Date.
Include the Initial Test Results on the Test Results tab.
Record the Repairs/Rebuild efforts on the Repairs tab.
On the Testers tab, record who performed the repairs using the R-Certification # field.
Include the Repair/Rebuild date.
Include the Final Test Results on the Test Results tab.
On the Testers tab, record who performed the final test using the FT-Certification # field. Then, indicate the Test Kit used in the Final Test Kit ID field.
If you want the system to validate Backflow Testing Company Licenses and Test Kits in the Backflow Tests module, enable the BF Tests - Validate Company Licenses and Test Kits option in the Water Options dialog. If this option is turned on, the system will perform the following validation checks:
The system will check to see if there is a valid Test Kit ID included in the Backflow Tests module, Testers tab.
A Test Kit ID is valid if the Company Test Kit included in Backflow Testing Companies has an unexpired license.
The system will check to see if the Tester is linked to a valid company.
First, the system checks the certification numbers for the initial test, repair/rebuild, and final test. These numbers identify individual testers. Then, the system identifies which testing company is associated with the individual testers. Finally, the system checks to see if the testing companies are valid. Valid companies are those with at least one unexpired license in the Backflow Testing Companies module, License Types tab.
If any validation checks fail, you'll receive a warning message identifying the problem. When this option is turned on, the Backflow Tests record can only be saved after the validation checks have been performed.