Backflow servicing and testing

Backflow Servicing & Testing

Certified backflow prevention device testing and servicing to protect your drinking water supply in Cleveland, Ohio.

What Is a Backflow Prevention Device?

A backflow prevention device is a critical component of your plumbing system designed to prevent contaminated water from flowing backward into your clean drinking water supply. When water pressure changes due to a water main break, heavy usage, or system failure, water can flow in reverse, potentially bringing harmful contaminants, chemicals, or sewage into your potable water lines.

Backflow preventer device

Why Backflow Prevention Matters

Backflow prevention is essential for protecting the health and safety of everyone who uses your water supply. Without a properly functioning backflow prevention device, contaminants such as pesticides, fertilizers, human waste, and industrial chemicals can enter your drinking water. This poses serious health risks to you, your family, your employees, and your customers.

Municipalities require annual backflow testing to ensure these devices are working properly. Failing to test can result in fines, water service disconnection, or liability in the event of contamination.

How Backflow Prevention Works

There are several types of backflow prevention devices, each suited to different applications:

  • Check Valve — A one-way valve that allows water to flow in only one direction. When water tries to reverse, the valve closes automatically.
  • Air Gap — A physical separation between the water supply and a potential source of contamination. This is the simplest and most reliable form of backflow prevention.
  • Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Assembly — The most advanced type of backflow preventer, an RPZ uses two check valves with a pressure-monitored relief valve between them. If either check valve fails, the relief valve opens and dumps the water, preventing contamination.
How a backflow preventer works diagram

Where Backflow Devices Are Used

Backflow prevention devices are required in a wide range of applications:

  • Residential properties connected to municipal water
  • Commercial buildings and offices
  • Industrial facilities
  • Irrigation and sprinkler systems
  • Fire sprinkler systems

If you are unsure whether your property has a backflow prevention device or when it was last tested, contact us for an assessment. We service and test all types of backflow preventers to keep your water supply safe and your property in compliance.

Frequently Asked Questions

A backflow prevention device protects your drinking water from contamination. Without one, changes in water pressure can cause contaminated water to flow backward into your clean water supply. Most municipalities require backflow prevention devices on commercial, industrial, and certain residential properties to protect public health.

Signs that your backflow preventer may be malfunctioning include: discolored or foul-smelling water, visible leaking from the device, a noticeable drop in water pressure, and irregular water flow patterns. If you notice any of these signs, contact us immediately for inspection and repair.

Backflow testing is performed by a certified technician who uses specialized gauges to test the check valves and relief valves within your backflow prevention assembly. The technician verifies that each component is operating within acceptable parameters and that the device will prevent contaminated water from entering your water supply. The entire process typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Yes. Most municipalities in Ohio require annual backflow testing for commercial, industrial, and certain residential properties. Failure to comply can result in fines, water service disconnection, and liability in the event of a contamination incident. Our team handles the testing and submits the required documentation to your local water authority.

It is not recommended to install a backflow preventer yourself. Improper installation can result in device failure, code violations, and potential contamination of your water supply. A licensed plumber has the training and tools to install the correct device for your application, ensure it meets local code requirements, and certify that it is functioning properly.

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