The journey of learning a non-technical skill
This year as part of my resolutions, I include learning a new skill, a significant skill that can make a difference in my life. Also, I should note that this skill is not related to my industry. Although being a software engineer encourages you to keep up with the trends and skills that rise as technology progresses, this resolution focuses on challenging myself to learn something new outside of my comfort zone.
2021 has not been an easy year to start with. Covid-19 still surging and majority of schools have transitioned to online learning. Therefore, I didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted to learn. I could take an online course, but I was tired of looking at a monitor all day.
Mid way through April, I received a letter from the local water department saying that I must conduct a backflow preventer test. I was surprised because I’ve never heard of such a test before, so I decided to find out what backflow preventer testing was all about. I immediately contacted a certified backflow tester to perform the required test. He was finished within minutes and earned his service fee. I was amazed at how fast he performed the test and earned his money. At that moment, the bulb went off, I wanted to learn how to become a backflow tester and add it to my skill list.
After some research, I discovered that each state has its own rules and regulations to become a certified backflow tester. I reside in Nassau County, New York, and to become a certified tester, you need to complete a 32-hour course, pass a written and practical exam. I was lucky to find AAA backflow, a nearby NYSDOH backflow certification school that offers a flexible schedule that fits perfectly with my work schedule. I was excited to attend school in person again and looked forward to networking.
When the first day of school arrived, I made sure to be there on time. The school is extremely clean and well equipped with the necessary tools for learning. Once everyone else arrived, we proceeded to introduce ourselves. Everyone had a plumbing experience which made me feel out of place. The only relatable experience I had was installing a bathroom faucet. However, this didn’t bring down my spirit because I was determined to learn.
On the first day of learning, we covered a vast amount of information, from definitions to legal codes, rules, and regulations. Some of the most important highlights are the following:
- What is backflow: A flow condition, induced by a differential in pressure, that causes the flow of water or other liquids into the pipes of public water supply.
- What is backsiphonage: The backflow of contaminated water due to a temporary negative or sub-atmospheric pressure within the public water supply.
- What is back-pressure: The backflow of contaminated water due to a greater pressure within the customer’s water system.
- What is a cross-connection: A physical connection through which a water supply could be contaminated.
- Acceptable containment devices: Backflow preventers such as DCV, RPZ or air gap.
I left the first day overwhelmed by the amount of new information that was given about protecting public water. However, it was a topic outside of my knowledge, so I found it interesting, and I wanted to keep on learning. As soon as I got home, I grabbed a cup of coffee, my computer, opened my notes, and started to digging-in so I could comprehend the lesson.
On the second day, I felt confident about the topics we had covered. We continued learning more about cross-connection control and some incidents that occurred in the past. After an hour of learning, we proceeded to take our first exam! It was nerve-wracking, I could hardly remember the last time I took a written and practical exam. Thankfully, my review session from the night before helped, and I was done within minutes.
Following the exam, we moved to hands-on training. Our first backflow test would be a Double Check Valve (DCV). It was exciting, we had all the equipment necessary, and I couldn’t wait to get started. After watching the instructors demo the test procedures, I grabbed a testing gauge and followed the same steps. It was my first time dealing with pressure gauges and water valves, but the process seemed simple. A few attempts later, I was confident that I had it down, so I proceeded to ask my instructor to watch me closely. Surely enough, the instructor stopped me midway through my test and pointed out the missing testing procedures and suggested to keep on practicing. I realized that maybe I should take a break and observe my peers and see if they were doing the same mistakes. I paired up with a colleague and acted as the instructor, I pointed out his mistakes and he pointed out mine. At the end of the class, I was in better shape than when I started but deep down, I knew that I needed more practice.
The third and fourth days were structured the same with an exam after our lecture. Also, we were introduced to Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Device and procedures on testing such device. There were more steps which meant more problems to diagnose while testing. The RPZ device contains one major difference from the DCV, a relief valve. During our hands-on training session, I dedicated most of my time to learning the RPZ testing procedures. Before the class ended, I decided to test a DCV which I felt confident testing. I quickly noticed that I was getting the two testing procedures mixed up. I didn’t have much time left, so I decided to pack my things and recite the testing procedures in my head on my way home. As I thought more of the testing procedures, I realized that in our practical exam we would be given broken devices to test. When I got home, I looked at the troubleshooting sheet for both DCV and RPZ and I figured that if I studied the problems of a backflow preventer I could become better at testing.
On the fifth day, I could hardly concentrate at work, I was concerned that I’d get the two testing procedures mixed up on my practical exam and fail. During my lunch hour, I decided to mentally run through various scenarios of testing a bad backflow preventer. I also color-coded the high (red), low (blue), and bypass (yellow) pressure hoses. Although I felt in better shape, I knew that reciting the steps mentally was not the same as the hands-on procedure.
Before class started, I noticed that other students were confused with the two tests procedures. I decided to share my findings and my approach to differentiating between the two backflow preventers. Everyone liked my resolution and was eager to try it out. The first hour of our lecture was a cumulative review of our written exam. Our instructor then announced that we were free to test as much as we wanted to for the 4 hours we had left. This was my chance to test put my techniques to work and polish my testing skills. As I battled with my hand coordination and my brain I came to a point where I found the rhythm to my testing. I did just as I had practiced in my head. I was able to identify the problems of the devices and the ones that passed without trouble.
At the end of class, many of my colleagues thanked me for sharing my techniques, which they found useful. That put a smile on my face and increased my confidence. This time when I arrived home, I decided not to look at my books and get a goodnight, to be in the best shape possible for my written and practical exam.
The big day arrived, and I couldn’t be more excited. Our instructors would be supervising our written and practical portions of the examination. The written exam contained 50 questions with a combination of multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, and matching. Everyone seemed to know their topics well and finished quickly. The instructors then placed numbers 1–18 in a jar for us to pick a number at random. That number would determine our turn to proceed with the practical exam. As I went for my number, part of me wanted to be the first person to go so I could get over with the practical exam but the other part of me wanted to be in the middle if not last so I could assets the others based on their facial expressions and from there measure the difficulty of the exam. I picked the very bottom piece of paper. I opened up the piece of paper and saw number 7. Many would consider it lucky since there are folklore myths that considered it to be lucky.
Everyone had their number in hand. Since we were an even number of students, we were told that we would walk in the backflow laboratory in pairs. Each student would be given 5 backflow devices to test. Some devices would be faulty which required us to point out their defectiveness and reasons for failure.
The exam took off with students one and two. Everyone in the classroom was quiet, reviewing the troubleshooting guide. When they returned from the exam, they had a doubtful facial expression. That only meant one thing, they were uncertain of their outcome, which could mean the tests were moderately difficult. As more students went for the tests, some showed happiness and others were worrisome. That left me doubtful because the result was 50/50.
My turn finally arrived, so I took my preferred test kit from the wall and proceeded with the testing introductions that went something like “I have permission to be here, my working conditions are safe, I have permission to shut off the water, I may now proceed to test the backflow device”. The first backflow device was a DCV which immediately failed the first pressure test due to a faulty check valve #1. The second was another DCV that passed without any problems. The third consisted of an RPZ device which at first seemed like it would pass the tests until check valve #2 was not holding and made the relief valve discharge. The fourth test was also an RPZ device which again failed but failed as soon as I closed the water supply from the shut-off valve #2. The fifth and final test was another RPZ device and passed the entirety of the test. Once I completed all the test steps and put the last device back on service, I was told I had done a great job at identifying the faulty devices and followed the test procedures precisely. At that moment I knew I had passed and could happily return to my seat.
Once everyone completed the practical exams, the instructors were happy with how long we’ve come since the first day we stepped foot at their place. They congratulated everyone because the entire class had done an extraordinary job and passed both portions of the exam. We were given t-shirts to recognize our efforts and announced that the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) would be mailing our certificates within a month or so. With that said we were let go. It was a bittersweet moment; I had shared a good amount of time with everyone and the instructors and all of us shared our contact information to keep in touch in the future.
I was proud of this achievement of becoming a certified backflow tester. I celebrated by treating myself to some sushi and headed home. I had big plans to lift off my first attempt of providing my services to neighbors, family and friends, and the residents of Nassau County. In the following weeks, I worked on creating a website to showcase my skills and services. Within a couple of months, I was receiving calls from potential customers inquiring a certified backflow tester. I was excited to put my skills to good use and protect public water, therefore the health and well-being of the community. Most importantly I was happy to check off this item of my 2021 goal list ✅
