A recent customer complaint indicated an entire facility had only hot water, and individuals had almost been scalded.  Backflow provisions on both a soap feeder and a faucet tied to a three bowl sink failed, resulting in a back-siphonage situation which impacted the cold water supply to the domestic water system, creating the potential for a fatal incident. 

As properly trained, licensed, and certified Backflow Prevention Device Workers handle the site’s plumbing, please note the following:

• The municipal water system was protected, as a Containment backflow prevention assembly had been installed.
• The situation was assessed and corrected quickly, as a result of the training and certification of the responding technician.

 As a Virginia DPOR licensed Contractor, Master Plumber, Backflow Prevention Device Worker. I strongly object to consistent attempts to not only reduce the number of class hours required for Backflow Prevention Device worker education and licensure and any elimination of said certification. Although some states require as little as 32 hours of formal training, after 30 years in the plumbing profession it has been my observation that less training in most instances produces poor and inaccurate results - in testing, installation, and service – which places the general public at risk.

As a matter of fact, in discussions with peers, many feel that the 16 hour course should be eliminated. It does not provide the level of training needed for technical competence.  As a duly-licensed contractor, I realize that this recommendation creates additional challenges on some businesses.  That being said, additional training hours place a better educated and more safety minded technician in the field.  It may provide an added benefit by reducing a firm’s liability.  Anyone who has taken any State of Virginia examination realizes that in most cases more training is needed to successfully pass, not less.

As a Virginia-Licensed Plumbing Instructor, a University of Florida TREEO trained and State Certified Backflow Instructor, and business owner, I realize that some feel technical training, and it’s associated licensure is a waste of time and money.  In an age of advanced technology, it is extremely beneficial to have technicians who are safe, competent, and well-educated, that are capable of quickly solving problems.

It is unfortunate that Virginia does not have a certifying institution for prospective instructors in our state.  They must currently travel to Florida for instructor certification and course availability.

In conclusion, education and training is never wasted. The public that we all strive to serve and protect, benefits from adequate levels of education, testing, licensure, and certification.  I do not support either the elimination of certification for Backflow Prevention Device workers, or the reduction in training hours for said certification.