Water plays an essential part in any commercial property, and ensuring a safe and uncontaminated water supply is critical, especially for the food, healthcare, and hospitality industries. One major threat to water safety is backflow, which can introduce harmful contaminants into a property’s water system. Property owners should ensure that a proper backflow prevention system has been implemented to maintain water quality and comply with health regulations.

What is Backflow?

Blackflow occurs when water flows in the wrong direction than intended, allowing contaminated water or chemicals to enter the clean water supply instead of properly leaving it. This can happen due to back siphonage or back pressure, both of which can be caused by changes in water pressure within a plumbing system.

Back Siphonage — Back siphonage occurs when water pressure drops, creating a vacuum that sucks water backward into the system. This can happen due to water main breaks or repairs that cause a loss of pressure, a sudden increase in water demand, or submerged inlets, like a hose submerged in a bucket of water. 

Back Pressure — Back pressure happens when increased pressure from a connected system (downstream) becomes higher than the pressure of the water supply (upstream), forcing contaminated water back into the main supply.

Why is Backflow Prevention Important?

Health and Safety — Contaminated water can introduce harmful bacteria, chemicals, and other harmful substances into drinking water that can lead to health risks, such as bacterial infections or lead poisoning, for employees, customers, and residents.

Regulatory Compliance — Many state and local regulations require businesses to install backflow prevention devices to ensure public water safety. Failing to comply can result in fines and legal consequences.

Protecting Business Reputation — If your water becomes contaminated, you may have to close your business, deal with liability claims, and repair a damaged reputation that can be difficult to recover from. 

Avoiding Costly Repairs —  Backflow can damage your plumbing system, leading to leaks, pipe bursts, and other costly repairs. You may also have to play to get parts replaced. 

Common Causes of Backflow in Commercial Properties

While backflow can occur in any water system, certain factors can increase the risk, particularly in commercial properties with large or complex plumbing setups. Some common causes include:

Cross-Connections — If your property has improperly connected potable and non-potable water sources, there is an increased risk of contamination. 

High-Demand Usage — Facilities that use large amounts of water, such as restaurants, hotels, or manufacturing plants, may experience fluctuating water pressure, increasing the risk of backflow.

Defective or Missing Backflow Prevention Devices — Without properly installed and maintained backflow preventers, contaminants can easily enter the water supply.

Plumbing System Alterations — Renovations and system modifications, not properly evaluated for backflow risks, can introduce potential hazards.

How to Prevent Backflow

To safeguard commercial properties from backflow incidents, businesses should take the following steps:

Install Backflow Prevention Devices 

• Air Gap — The most effective type of backflow prevention is an air gap. This non-mechanical method includes a physical air space between the potable and non-potable systems, such as a faucet and a sink. 

• Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA) —  This assembly is very common for underground or in-line usage, and it protects against backsiphonage and backpressure. It can be installed vertically or horizontally. This assembly is great because if one valve fails, the other can take over. 

• Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) —  This assembly can be used under continuous pressure and is designed to protect against backflow caused by a negative pressure condition. It includes an air inlet valve that opens when the internal pressure system is higher than the external pressure system. 

• Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) — This device provides the highest level of backflow protection, using two check valves and a relief valve to prevent backflow due to both backpressure and back-siphonage. 

Schedule Regular Testing and Maintenance — Make sure you get your backflow prevention devices tested annually by certified professionals to ensure they are functioning properly. This is an important step and may even be required by local jurisdictions. 

Educate Staff and Facility Managers — It’s important to educate employees on potential backflow risks and the importance of maintaining water safety.

Work with Certified Plumbers — Always consult experienced and licensed plumbers for installation, repairs, and compliance inspections.

Protect Your Business with Backflow Prevention

Backflow prevention plays a critical role in maintaining a safe and compliant commercial property. By taking proactive measures to prevent backflow, businesses can continue to have a safe and clean water supply, ensure regulatory compliance, and safeguard their reputation. Investing in backflow prevention is not just a legal requirement — it’s a responsibility to your employees, your customers, and the community.