Protecting Your Clean Water Supply: Have you ever worried about water from an outside source flowing backward into your home’s drinking water? That’s what backflow prevention is all about – stopping contaminated water from reversing flow and entering the clean water lines. In plumbing systems, backflow can occur due to changes in pressure, potentially sucking in dirty water (for example, from a garden hose in a puddle, or from a boiler or sprinkler system) into the household supply. This can pose serious health risks. Our services include installing backflow preventer devices and performing certified backflow testing to ensure those devices are functioning properly. This is especially important for commercial properties and irrigation systems, which often are required by law to have backflow preventers that must be tested annually.

What is Backflow and Why Prevent It?: Under normal conditions, your water supply is pressurized, and water flows in one direction: from the city main into your home or building’s plumbing. Backflow is the undesirable reversal of flow, which can happen if the pressure in the supply drops suddenly (causing a siphon effect) or if there’s higher pressure on the customer side pushing water backward. For example, if a water main breaks or a fire hydrant is opened nearby, the drop in pressure could suck water from your house back into the city main. If at that moment your garden hose end is submerged in a bucket of soapy water (or a fertilizer spray attachment), that contaminated water could be drawn into the drinking supply.

Backflow prevention devices (like a backflow preventer valve or vacuum breaker) are designed to automatically close or block the reverse flow, thereby protecting the clean water line. They are required in certain scenarios: irrigation systems, fire sprinkler systems, many commercial plumbing setups, and even some residential connections like boilers or secondary water sources, to prevent what’s called cross-connection contamination.

Backflow Services We Offer:

• Installation of Backflow Preventers: If your system needs a backflow preventer (or an upgrade to an existing one), we can properly install one. Common types include double check valve assemblies (DCVA) and reduced pressure zone (RPZ) assemblies for high-hazard situations. We will choose the appropriate device based on the application (e.g., irrigation vs. boiler feed vs. main water service) and ensure it’s installed at the correct location and orientation. We use valves that meet local code requirements and are approved by regulatory authorities.
• Annual Backflow Testing: Many jurisdictions require yearly testing of backflow devices by a certified tester. We are certified to perform these tests. The process involves attaching test gauges to the device and verifying that the check valves and relief valves are functioning within specs – essentially ensuring that if backflow were attempted, the device would prevent it. We then provide the necessary documentation or report to you (and the city, if required) showing that your device passed or note if any repairs are needed.
• Backflow Preventer Repair: If a device fails its test or is leaking, we can service it. Often, internal parts like seals or springs may need replacement. We carry common rebuild kits for many models. By repairing the device, we restore its function so it will pass test and keep your water safe. In some cases, if a device is very old or damaged, replacement is more cost-effective – we’ll advise you accordingly.
• Cross-Connection Inspections: For commercial properties or older homes, we can perform an inspection of your plumbing system to identify any potential cross-connections (points where non-potable water could mix with potable). We then recommend solutions, which might include adding backflow devices or simple vacuum breakers on hose spigots, etc. Prevention is key to avoiding contamination incidents.

Why This Matters to You: The safety of your drinking water is paramount. A backflow incident can introduce bacteria, chemicals, or other contaminants into the water you use for drinking, cooking, and bathing. It’s not something most people think about day-to-day, but that’s the point – you shouldn’t have to worry. Backflow preventers provide that protection quietly in the background. Many people have them (for example, on lawn sprinkler systems) and might not even realize it, but it’s doing an important job.

For businesses, being compliant with backflow regulations is not only a safety issue but a legal one. We help restaurants, apartment complexes, and industrial facilities keep their certifications up to date. Our testing service is prompt and hassle-free – we remind you when annual tests are due, schedule a convenient time, perform the test (usually a quick procedure), and take care of filing the paperwork. If repairs are needed, we often can do them on the spot or quickly schedule them, then retest and certify the device.

On a residential note, even if not required by law, installing simple backflow prevention devices on things like hose bibs (hose spigots) is a wise idea. We often include those vacuum breaker attachments when we install new outdoor faucets, as an extra layer of safety.

A plumbing article states that installing backflow prevention devices (like check valves and backflow preventers) is key to stopping unwanted reverse flow of water, and regular inspections by licensed plumbers are equally important. This aligns with our approach: proper devices + regular checks = peace of mind.

Customer Peace of Mind: After we’ve installed or tested your backflow preventer, you can trust that your water supply is guarded against contamination events. It’s one of those services that you don’t actively “feel” a benefit from day-to-day (unlike say, fixing a leak, where you immediately see a dry floor). Instead, the benefit is in what doesn’t happen – you don’t get sick from backflow, you don’t get a notice from the water authority about issues, and you remain in compliance. It’s preventative and protective, and extremely important nonetheless.

We take pride in being thorough and knowledgeable in this area, as it directly impacts health. Our friendly technicians will answer any questions you have about how your device works or why it’s needed. When we leave, you’ll have documentation in hand and confidence that your plumbing is up to the highest safety standards. In short, our backflow prevention service keeps the water flowing in the right direction – keeping clean water clean, which ultimately safeguards you, your family, or your customers.