At Superlative Service, we’ve seen it all, but this one backflow inspection visit takes the cake—or should we say, the cow pie! I was doing an estimate for sprinkler system repairs in San Antonio when I met the friendliest mini cow you could imagine. This little guy, eyeball to eyeball with me, just wanted pets and love. Adorable? Absolutely. But the sprinkler system? That was a whole different story.

A Cute Cow and a Dangerous Setup

The homeowner mentioned her current system was leaking, and she wasn’t wrong. But when I checked it out, I was floored. There was no backflow preventer—just drip irrigation laid right on the ground, hooked up to a hose bib. To make matters worse, that sweet mini cow was strolling over the irrigation lines, leaving little “presents” behind. Cute cow, not-so-cute consequences.

This mini cow’s mess shows why backflow testing matters!

The Risk of No Backflow Preventer

Here’s the problem: without a proper backflow preventer, a sudden drop in water pressure—like if a fire truck hooks up to a hydrant down the street—could suck that cow-poop-contaminated water back into the city’s water supply. That’s right, your neighbor’s drinking water could end up with a side of mini cow mess!

Why Texas Requires Backflow Testing

In Texas, backflow preventers are required for a reason: they keep hazardous stuff out of our clean water. That’s why your city requires annual backflow testing in Houston and San Antonio—to catch issues before they put communities at risk. And if you’re installing a new sprinkler system, a properly installed backflow preventer is non-negotiable.

At Superlative Service, we’re licensed to install and test backflow systems the right way in Houston and San Antonio. Don’t let your sprinkler system (or a mini cow!) cause a mess. Call us at 281-537-5579 today to keep your water safe and your setup moo-ving in the right direction!