Backflow Testing in Sanford, NC

Who sets backflow rules for a Sanford home now?

The water provider does, and in Sanford that's no longer the City. On July 1, 2024 the City of Sanford's utility became TriRiver Water, which also took over Pittsboro and, a year later, Siler City and most of Chatham County. TriRiver treats Cape Fear River water and runs the Big Buffalo wastewater plant.

Research for this site didn't find a TriRiver or former City of Sanford backflow program page, testing interval or tester list. Rules may exist without being posted where we looked. If a notice arrives from TriRiver, follow it. If you're planning irrigation or a commercial connection, call TriRiver customer service (919-775-8215) and ask what device and paperwork it expects. Lee County addresses outside the city may be on a different water source entirely, depending on line availability.

Does a Sanford house with sprinklers need a backflow assembly?

It should have one. A sprinkler system sits in soil, fertilizer and lawn chemicals, and if pressure in the main drops, during a break or heavy hydrant use, water can be pulled backward out of the irrigation piping. Plumbing codes generally require an approved backflow device on lawn irrigation. The provider decides the type it accepts, typically a double check, pressure vacuum breaker or reduced pressure assembly, depending on whether chemicals are injected.

Sanford's housing is older than the Wake suburbs: about 44% of homes were built before 1980, and the median is 1985. Older houses may not have a good spot near the meter for a new assembly, so a plumber may need to rework a section of the line.

What does a plumber do on a backflow call here?

For an existing testable device, the plumber or tester connects a gauge to the test cocks and checks each valve. A device that fails gets cleaned or rebuilt, then retested. For a new installation, they'll confirm the requirement with TriRiver, size the assembly and pull a permit from the City of Sanford and Lee County Inspections Division, which serves Sanford, Broadway and the county. Exposed assemblies should be drained and covered before freezing nights.

A Sanford note

Because the utility name changed, older paperwork and bills may still say City of Sanford. Ask your plumber to put TriRiver Water on any new report so it reaches the right office.