Time to Test Your Backflow Device : Annual Reminder for Irrigation Customers

Spring is the perfect time to schedule your annual backflow prevention device test. These devices help protect your home’s plumbing system—and your neighbors’—by keeping water flowing in the right direction. In Tennessee, all backflow prevention devices on sprinkler meters must be tested once a year by a certified professional to meet state safety requirements (TDEC Cross Connection Control Program).

What You Need to Know

Annual Testing Is Required
If you have a residential sprinkler meter, you’re required to:

• Have an approved backflow device installed by a certified plumber

• Get the device tested every year

• Email your test results to backflow@eastsideutility.com

Need a tester? Download a list of certified professionals. 

Not Sure if You Have a Sprinkler Meter?

Here’s a quick way to tell:

A sprinkler meter is a second meter just for outdoor water use (like watering the lawn or filling a pool). If you're not being billed for a second meter, you probably don’t have one.

Still unsure? Call us at (423) 892-2890—we’re happy to help.

Why Does This Matter?

Installing a sprinkler meter creates a cross-connection between your irrigation system and Eastside Utility’s water lines. To keep everything safe, a backflow prevention device is required. It stops water from flowing backward and potentially carrying contaminants into the clean water system.

Need to Install a Backflow Device?

If your irrigation system doesn’t already have a backflow prevention device:

• Hire a certified plumber to install one

• Make sure they obtain all required permits and inspections

• Shop around—getting a few estimates is a good idea

You can view the list of approved devices here: https://fccchr.usc.edu/list.html