If you’re a prospective business owner, you should know that backflow testing is not only crucial, it is a legal obligation.
Neglecting to test your business for backflow every year can endanger the health of your patrons and your employees. It can also result in a hefty legal fine or even a trip to court.
The good news is that backflow testing is a simple process. If you plan ahead, you will never have any trouble with backflow prevention.
So what is backflow testing, how does it happen, and why do we need to do it? Read on to find out the answers to these questions and more!
What Is Backflow?
Sometimes, something goes wrong in a plumbing system that causes water to flow backward through the pipes. Plumbers call this backflow.
This can be a major problem because the kind of water that should be flowing out of a plumbing system is full of dangerous waste materials. If your building has a backflow problem, you could end up with human waste in your drinking water.
The typical cause of backflow is a sudden drop in water pressure, often caused by a loose valve.
A special device monitors these valves. Backflow device testing is a key part of the overall backflow testing process. A malfunctioning backflow monitor is the usual suspect when backflow occurs.
How Do You Test for Backflow?
To meet legal obligations, a certified backflow testing service must complete a series of tests. Most professional plumbers are qualified to perform these tests.
After getting in touch with a plumber, you will have to prepare for the test. The main thing to prepare for is the fact that the water for your building will need to be shut off for the duration of the test.
In some cases, the water source to your building may be connected to a fire line. If the fire line must be shut off to complete the test, you must go through the additional step of informing the local fire authorities about this.
During the actual testing process, the builder does not have to do anything. The plumber will check all of the valves for leaks and ensure that all water is flowing in the proper direction.
The only thing the building owner might want to do is notify all occupants that the water will not be working for a while.
Why Is Annual Backflow Testing Necessary?
Because backflow poses such a dangerous health hazard, it is not enough to have a reactive solution in place. Instead of waiting for the problem to occur, annual backflow testing eliminates any problems before they pose a real threat.
Backflow testing is of critical importance, but it is also easy to schedule an appointment. Finding a trusted plumber as a preventative measure will ensure peace of mind and save you a few bucks in the long run.
If you live in or near Philadelphia and need a backflow test, get in touch with the folks at Active Plumbing and Drain Cleaning. Their team of qualified expert technicians will be happy to answer any of your questions.
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