A Look At Backflow Testing For Your Commercial Plumbing System
Backflow is a serious problem for plumbing systems. Backflow is normally prevented with a valve that keeps dirty water from backing up in the plumbing pipes. When the valve fails, contaminated water could mix with drinking water and pose a health concern. That's why many municipalities require periodic backflow testing, especially for commercial and industrial properties. Here's a look at testing for backflow and preventing this problem.
Know The Regulations For Your Area
Your city may send a notification when it's time to have backflow testing done on your property. This might be annually or more often. It's your responsibility to contact a commercial plumber that offers backflow testing services and have the test done before the deadline so you stay in compliance. It's good to schedule the test well before the deadline so the plumber has time to make repairs if they're needed. Once the testing is complete and your backflow preventer passes or has been repaired, paperwork is filed with the city that proves your plumbing doesn't have a backflow problem.
Regular Testing Is Needed
A backflow preventer is a valve that has parts in it just like any other water valve. That means the valve can wear out over time and start leaking. This is why periodic testing is needed. Testing is the only way to make sure contaminated water isn't mixing with clean water in your system. Backflow may not be much of an issue unless something happens to your water main that causes a change in water pressure like could happen when a city water pipe bursts. Since plumbing problems can happen when you least expect them, your property needs to always be prepared with a functional backflow prevention system so your clean water and pipes are never contaminated.
Backflow Testing Is Usually A Quick Procedure
Backflow testing doesn't disrupt your operations too much, but during the test, the water will be turned on and off to test valves in the preventer. The test will take several minutes to complete, so you want to be aware the water may be shut off for a time and prepare in advance if you need to. The test might be prolonged if a problem is found and the plumber decides to make repairs on the spot. When parts are worn out or allow small leaks, the valves have to be repaired by replacing parts so the valves will work until time for the next test.
Backflow prevention is very important for preventing contamination of the water on your property and for protecting the municipal water supply. It's easy to prevent dangerous backflow with a preventer valve, but the valve has to be functional. Backflow testing is a routine part of plumbing maintenance, but if your city requires it along with documentation, then the work will probably need to be done by a certified commercial plumber who provides backflow testing services.