If you’re a commercial business owner or property manager, you may have heard the term “backflow preventer” but may not be entirely sure what it means or why it’s important. Backflow preventers are a critical component of a plumbing system, especially in commercial properties where the potential for water contamination can be higher due to complex systems and various water uses.
Ensuring that your water supply remains clean and safe is essential for the health of your occupants, and backflow prevention systems play a key role in that protection. So, what exactly is a backflow preventer, and how does it work to protect your building’s water supply?
What is Backflow?
If you have a broken water main or you’re doing major plumbing renovations throughout your building, contaminated water can flow backward into your clean water supply. This is known as “backflow”, and it poses a serious health risk.
Backflow occurs when the pressure in the water system drops, causing water to reverse direction and potentially pull contaminants like chemicals, bacteria, or sewage into the clean water supply. Whether this is due to a burst pipe, a plumbing upgrade, or any other sudden change in water pressure, the result can be harmful to both your building and the public water system.
If you suspect backflow in your property’s water supply, you must take action immediately. Backflow can introduce dangerous pollutants into drinking water, posing health risks to anyone consuming or using it.
How Do Backflow Preventers Help?
Backflow preventers, as the name suggests, are designed to prevent backflow from contaminating your clean water supply. They keep water flowing only in one direction, preventing reverse flow that could otherwise cause harmful substances to enter the water supply.
A backflow preventer provides a physical barrier that stops contaminated water from flowing back into the clean water lines. In commercial buildings, where water systems are more complex and there’s a higher risk of backflow incidents, backflow prevention devices are essential for maintaining public health and complying with local regulations.
Do All Commercial Properties Need Backflow Preventers?
The majority of commercial properties throughout New York City are required to have backflow preventers in place to protect their water supplies. Different types of businesses and commercial buildings can have different backflow preventer requirements, however, so it’s important to work with a licensed commercial plumber to ensure your building remains compliant.
How to Verify That Your Backflow Preventer is Working Properly
Having a backflow preventer installed is a great first step to take toward protecting and maintaining your building’s water quality. However, to ensure continued protection and compliance, you must have your backflow prevention device tested regularly.
In most areas, including New York City, backflow preventers in commercial properties are required to be inspected and tested annually by a certified tester. They should also be checked when any major changes occur with your plumbing systems, including upgrades and renovations.
A backflow inspection typically includes a thorough testing of the device’s functionality, while looking for signs of wear, leaks, or malfunctions. If any issues are revealed during an annual testing appointment, the backflow prevention device must be repaired or replaced immediately to ensure the system continues to function properly. Any delay in addressing malfunctions can put your water supply at risk and lead to potential health hazards.
JAM Service Company Offers Backflow Prevention Services Across the Five Boroughs of NYC
At JAM Service Company, we understand that you don’t compromise when it comes to the safety, comfort, and compliance of your commercial property. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range of backflow preventer services, including backflow testing, repair, and replacement.
Give our team a call today to schedule an appointment for backflow prevention services across the Five Boroughs of New York City, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island. Whether you’re looking to install backflow prevention devices for the first time or schedule your annual backflow prevention testing, give JAM Service Company a call today.
