Your commercial backflow device is a complex necessity for your facility. Its vital to keeping your customers, staff, and community safe with clean or potable drinking water. When it comes to this complex device, we often hear a multitude of questions. We compiled a list of the top 6 questions we hear along with the answers.
#1 What is a commercial backflow device and what does it do?
A commercial backflow device design is to ensure water is left clean and uncontaminated. It does this by allowing water to flow from the main water line and into your facility but prevents it from going in the opposite direction. Contamination occurs if it allowed water to flow from your facility to the potable water line causing potential fines.
#2 What type of businesses or facilities need one?
Majority of businesses need to have one or more devices installed. The only time you will not have a backflow is if you do not meet requirements or receive a special exemption from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Below is a small list we compiled as a quick reference.
- If your facility has in-ground irrigation sprinklers
- Car washes
- Hospitals and Clinics – this includes veterinaries.
- Medical and Dental Offices
- Grocery stores or supermarkets
- If you have a commercial kitchen or a kitchen accessible to the public.
- Schools and Colleges
- Senior or assisted living homes
- Hair salons and barbershops
#3 I have a backflow device? Where would I find it?
As previously stated before, the majority of businesses have one or multiple commercial backflow devices. Typically, they are within 10 feet or so of your water meter. Occasionally, you will find your device inside your facility in the fire service room or the like.
#4 How many commercial backflow devices does my property need?
A general rule of thumb for commercial backflow devices is one per water service line. By having one per line, you ensure proper monitoring for any potential backflow. A fine due to contamination is the last thing your facility needs.
#5 How often should it be maintained & how do I schedule it?
Your commercial backflow device needs to have an annual test completed. The county your establishment is in will send out a letter to inform you that your inspection is almost outdated to alert you. You won’t have to maintain any other time unless a new one is installed, one is moved, it failed, or work was completed on the device and needs to be retested. Failing to have it tested can result in fines or even disconnection of your water service.
Schedule your test by contacting your facility maintenance company, such as SLM Facility Solutions, or through a certified tester. The test is very short and causes minimal disruption to your business.
#6 My device didn’t pass. What happens now?
If your device did not pass it means it’s a malfunctioning device. This means it poses a threat to the water system. A certified plumber needs to come and repair or replace the unit before it contaminates the water lines resulting in fines. Once repairs or replacement is completed then it will be retested.
We hope we answered some of your questions in regard to commercial backflow device. If you have further questions, we urge you to reach out to your local certified tester or us here at SLM Facility Solutions.
