Backflow Testing in Wendell, NC

Why does my Wendell Falls home have a backflow device?

Because it has irrigation. Wendell has grown fast around the Wendell Falls planned community, and about half of the town's homes have been built since 2010. Many of those come with in-ground sprinklers, and a sprinkler system on public water needs a testable backflow assembly. Without one, water that has sat in the irrigation piping, soil and lawn treatments included, could be pulled back toward the supply if pressure dropped.

Older homes near the Wendell Commercial Historic District are less likely to have one unless irrigation was added. For a house with no sprinklers, protection is usually just the dual check in the meter box, which isn't tested by the homeowner.

How often does it need testing, and by whom?

Wendell has been one of Raleigh Water's merger communities since 2006, and Raleigh's schedule is what counts. Residential irrigation assemblies are tested every three years by July 1. Commercial irrigation assemblies are tested every year by July 1. Domestic and fire containment assemblies are tested at installation or replacement and then annually. A certified tester performs the test and submits the report electronically to Raleigh.

The deadline is the same date for everyone, so late spring is busy. Booking earlier leaves time to fix a device that fails. A test in March or April usually means any repair and retest can wrap up well before July.

Who's responsible for repairs?

Raleigh maintains the water line up to the property line. From there to the house, including the irrigation assembly, the owner is responsible. If a test shows a fouled check or worn seals, a plumber cleans or rebuilds the device and it's retested. If a freeze has cracked the body, it's replaced. A new or relocated installation goes through the Town of Wendell for the application, with Wake County Permits and Inspections doing the permitting and inspections.

Local note

Outlying 27591 homes beyond Raleigh Water's lines may be on private wells, and Raleigh's program doesn't cover them. Call Raleigh Water at 919-996-3245 if you aren't sure who supplies your address.