One of the many services we provide at Quality Plumbing and Heating, Inc. is backflow prevention and testing. If you are a commercial property owner, you should be aware of the effects of backflow on drinking water, as well as the proper way to prevent it in your commercial property.
What Is Backflow?
Backflow occurs when water runs in a backward direction through a water system. Your drinking water will flow from a source to your faucet through pressurized water pipes, but sometimes the water can flow in the opposite direction. This backflowing water would be caused by something such as a leak in your plumbing, a water main break in your city, or an increased demand at a fire hydrant. These events can cause the water pressure to drop, resulting in the backflow of water. The backward-flowing water is most often non-potable and will contaminate the supply of drinking water on your commercial property.
When Is a Backflow Prevention Device Required?
A backflow prevention device is required when your business has one of the following: an irrigation system, a large boiler, a fire suppression system, a pool, a hot tub, soda machines, or even a well. These types of systems will contain something called a “cross-connection”. A cross connection is a connection that exists between pipes that carry drinking water, and pipes that may contain contaminated water. The backflow prevention device that gets installed will then stop the backflow of contaminated water if there is a cross-connection in your plumbing system at your business, or in your city water supply system.
What Is Backflow Testing?
Backflow prevention devices will often consist of check valves, a relief valve, and a set of springs. The way that the device works is that if there is a drop in the water pressure within the plumbing system, the relief valve will open up so that the contaminated water is dumped out rather than backflowing into the drinking water supply. These internal mechanical components of a backflow preventer will each need to be tested and maintained on an annual basis to ensure there are performing their necessary functions.
Since there are many state laws that require both the use of a backflow prevention device and that the device be tested annually, it is important to ensure that you are compliant. It is also required that only a licensed plumber conduct these annual tests to ensure that the device is functioning properly. If you need a backflow prevention device installed, or if you need an annual backflow test, contact Quality Plumbing & Heating today at (833) 235-9260. We have convenient locations in Kokomo, Greensburg, and Terre Haute.
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