General

Backflow is the undesirable reversal of flow of water in a plumbing system. It is caused when the water pressure in the system is greater then the supply pressure. This higher pressure will cause the system water to move back into the drinking water lines bringing with it any chemicals or contaminants that may be in the system. People drinking this water may become ill or in worst case die.
State of Colorado (and most other States) requires that all water districts must put in place a Cross Connection Control Program that identifies hazardous water systems that could contaminate the drinking water. Once identified, the connection to the hazardous system must be disconnected or protected with approve backflow protection. Water districts are responsible for making their own rules. Therefore, the rules vary from district to district.
Providing safe drinking water starts with processing of raw water from lakes, streams or aquifers into potable water at treatment plants. The water then must be delivered to the end user. During this transmission, connections to contaminated systems pose a threat to the water quality due to backflow. Backflow prevention is one small part in the effort by the State Health Department to insure that clean, safe drinking water is delivered to all.

Like any other piece of equipment, backflow assemblies break, freeze, deteriorate and become fouled with impurities in the water.

State of Colorado (and most other States) requires that all water districts must put in place a Cross Connection Control Program that identifies hazardous water systems that could contaminate the drinking water. Once identified, the connection to the hazardous system must be disconnected or protected with approve backflow protection. Water districts are responsible for making their own rules. Therefore, the rules vary from district to district.

Classes

Amerimid offers backflow tester workshops that provide the student with the information and skills to pass the American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA) Tester Certification Exam. We also offer seminars and classes for other certifications and groups in need of specialized training. See our Classes Descriptions page for more information.

Jesse Bockhouse is the primary instructor. He has been teaching cross connection control and backflow prevention classes since 2007. His style is relaxed with a lighthearted approach. His philosophy is to train students to be able to properly test assemblies in the field, not just to coach the student on how to pass the certification exam.

Yes. The State of Colorado requires that all backflow assembly testers must hold a current Tester Certification from either the American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA) or the American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE).

Colorado requires that backflow assembly tester must hold a current Tester Certification from either the American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA) or the American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE).

Amerimid does not offer Certifications. We provide the training which prepares the student to take the ABPA Certification exams.

Yes. All of our classes are mobile and can be adapted to reflect local regulations.

If you have never taken a backflow assembly tester workshop in the past you will need to take the class to be permitted to take the ABPA exam.

The ABPA Tester Certification is good for three years. To remain certified you must pass an ABPA Re-Certification Exam.

No. The only requirement that ABPA has regarding re-certification is that you be able to pass the re-certification exam. However, many testers opt to take the refresher to be able to practice on assembly types that they may not have a lot of experience with. It also provides the tester with a structured environment to review troubleshooting scenarios. It can also revel bad habits that the tester may have picked up since the last certification.

Generally, Amerimid holds classes six to eight times each year, typically, once each month October through June. See our schedule for exact dates.

Well…yes and no. Both companies are operated by the same owners. Two companies exist only for internal bookkeeping and insurance issues.

No, anyone who is sponsored by a company can enroll in the Tester Workshop. However, in order to take the ABPA Tester Certification exam an applicant must be of working age and hold a high school diploma or equivalent. A knowledge of water hydraulics is helpful but not required.

The Tester Review Class is designed to prepare the student to take the ABPA Re-Certification exam. Students must have a current ABPA Certification to register for this class. This class is designed for testers who have a working knowledge of the USC FCCC&HR 9th Edition test procedures.

Services

BCTR will conduct a test, complete a test report and submit the report to you and the proper jurisdiction (Usually the water district). The first 30 minutes of cleaning if necessary is included (Same trip as the initial test). There are no hidden costs (like: trip fee. gas fee, submittal fee, equipment fee).

Like any other piece of equipment, backflow assemblies break, freeze, deteriorate and become fouled with impurities in the water. Most backflow assemblies can be repaired. When it becomes necessary we will diagnose the problem and give you a cost for the repair. Our technician will show you the problem or the broken part if you desire.

Backflow assemblies are generally designed to be repaired rather then to be replaced. Of course, there comes a time when the cost of the repair parts makes it a better choice to replace. However our philosophy is to make every effort to repair the unit and replace as a last resort.

Backflow Consulting Testing & Repair, Inc. has been in business for over twenty years. It has a reputation for the highest ethics, highly trained technicians and quality service. Testing of your backflow assembly is more than just another job. We believe we are a part in protecting your drinking water.

Backflow Consulting Testing & Repair, Inc. carries full liability insurance designed to cover all situations including backflow assemblies on fire sprinkler systems. We also carry workman’s compensation insurance to protect you. Certificates are available upon request.

Many small testing companies say they carry liability insurance but the insurance is limited in scope and may not cover you in all situations. Liability insurance protects the customer from damage caused by the contractor. They may also say they are exempt from workman’s compensation insurance. Workman’s compensation insurance protects the customer from the liability you are exposed to when the contractor works on your property. Regardless of the size of the company, they should carry both types of insurance.

All backflow assemblies must be tested with the water turned off to the system. We turn off the water at the valves on the assembly. During a normal test the water is turned off for only a few minutes (15 minutes at most).

As a part of our basic service, BCTR will submit the test report to the water district for you. We will also send you a copy and we will retain a copy.