How Backflow Prevention Protects Your Business
As a California business owner, you juggle countless responsibilities to ensure smooth operations and the safety of your employees and customers. The integrity of your commercial plumbing system is a significant, yet sometimes overlooked, factor in your success.
At US Trenchless, we know that a seemingly minor issue like backflow can have significant and potentially hazardous consequences. We want you to understand the importance of backflow prevention for your commercial property and how our expert team can help.
What is Backflow?
When your plumbing system operates correctly, water flows into your building, and wastewater goes out. Backflow occurs when the flow reverses and potentially contaminated water or substances stream backward into your potable water supply.
Two pressure-related issues can reverse the flow. Back pressure occurs when the pressure in the wastewater plumbing system is higher than in the incoming water line. The wastewater can back up and contaminate your clean water supply.
Back siphonage occurs when the pressure drops suddenly in the water supply line, creating a vacuum and sucking the water backward.
Why would the pressure suddenly spike? Pumps and thermal expansion are among the causes of back pressure. Back siphonage results from fire hydrant use, water main breaks, or high water demand in the area.
Backflow Prevention is a Must
Backflow can pose serious risks to your business and threaten the safety and health of building occupants. Protecting public health is paramount.
Wastewater can contaminate your drinking water by introducing harmful bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and other pollutants. Even non-hazardous substances entering the drinking water supply can compromise its taste, odor, and appearance, potentially damaging your business’s reputation.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), waterborne pathogens cause an estimated 7.15 million illnesses, 118,000 hospitalizations, and 6,630 deaths annually.
Backflow can damage your plumbing system and fixtures, leading to costly repairs and disrupting your business. Non-compliance with backflow regulations may result in fines and legal repercussions.
Preventing backflow is a wise choice.
Dealing with Backflow Prevention
At US Trenchless, we take backflow prevention seriously. Our certified and experienced plumbers in Roseville provide comprehensive services to protect your commercial property. This typically involves:
Risk Assessment: We begin by thoroughly assessing your property’s plumbing system to identify potential backflow hazards based on the nature of your business and its water usage.
Device Installation: Based on risk assessments, we recommend and install appropriate backflow prevention devices. These mechanical assemblies prevent the reverse flow of water. Common types include reduced pressure zone (RPZ) assemblies, double-check valve assemblies (DCVA), and pressure vacuum breakers (PVB).
RPZs offer the highest level of protection and are used for high-hazard situations. DCVAs are best for moderate-hazard applications. PVBs are suited for low-hazard systems, such as outdoor sprinklers.
Testing and Maintenance: Backflow prevention devices are mechanical and require regular testing to ensure correct functioning. Our team provides certified testing services and can establish maintenance schedules to keep your devices in optimal condition.
Repair and Replacement: If a backflow preventer fails a test or is damaged, our skilled plumbers can efficiently repair or replace the unit to restore proper protection.
Backflow Prevention Rules
Backflow prevention is not just a matter of best practice; laws and industry codes often mandate it.
Local and State Levels: Many municipalities and states have specific ordinances and regulations requiring installing, testing, and maintaining backflow prevention devices in commercial buildings. These regulations often specify the device based on the potential hazard level.
Federal Level: Although no specific federal law addresses backflow prevention, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets standards for safe drinking water under the Safe Drinking Water Act, which indirectly emphasizes the importance of preventing contamination through backflow.
Industry Codes: Organizations like the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and the American Society of Sanitary Engineering (ASSE) 1 develop plumbing codes and standards that often include detailed requirements for backflow prevention. These codes are frequently adopted or referenced by local and state jurisdictions.
Is Prevention One-Size-Fits-All?
Backflow prevention strategies and devices differ from property to property and industry to industry. They vary significantly depending on the size and type of property and the nature of the business. Here are a few examples of how prevention may vary:
Elementary School: While drinking fountains and restrooms require protection, the potential for high-hazard contamination might be lower than at other establishments.
Small Retail Store: Basic backflow prevention at the main water meter might suffice.
Manufacturing Plant: Depending on the processes involved, manufacturing plants can pose significant backflow risks due to chemicals, industrial fluids, and complex plumbing systems. Robust backflow prevention measures, often including RPZ assemblies, are typically mandatory.
Office Building: Similar to retail stores, office buildings typically require protection at the main water supply and for equipment like coffee machines or water coolers. However, larger office complexes might have more intricate plumbing and require a more detailed assessment.
Make Backflow Prevention a Priority
At US Trenchless, we can ensure your commercial plumbing system in Roseville is safe from backflow. After assessing your property and water use, we can install backflow devices to protect your customers and employees from contaminated water. Call us at 877-916-7473 or request service online to schedule a consultation.