Backflow is an unfortunate situation in which the flow of water in a plumbing system becomes reversed. Since your plumbing is designed to work in a particular way, any disruption to the natural flow through your pipes is a major cause for concern. Backflow poses health risks, no matter what type of building it is, though commercial properties pose even greater challenges. The complex plumbing systems and elevated volume of water usage mean a backflow could cause major damage to crucial components.
The easiest way to handle the situation is to call a commercial plumber with experience in installing backflow prevention measures. Preventing backflow is well worth the investment of hiring a professional.
Understanding Backflow
Plumbing systems are designed to carry contaminants out of the water supply. In a backflow situation, the direction the water travels is reversed, which often pushes contaminants and other chemicals back into the water. This effectively defeats the purpose of your filtration system and needs to be addressed immediately when it occurs.
In general, there are two main reasons why you may be experiencing backflow. The first is known as back pressure, in which the system’s pressure exceeds the pressure of the water supply. The second reason is called a back siphon. This occurs when the supply pressure drops abruptly and creates a vacuum that drags pollutants back into the liquid. No matter which cause you are dealing with, the result of backflow is largely the same. The water is dirtied by chemicals, and the plumbing equipment wears down faster than normal due to the excess buildup of grime.
Common Causes of Backflow in Commercial Buildings
Commercial property owners have additional factors to worry about when defending against backflow concerns. In addition to back siphonage and back pressure, cross-connections with external toxins should be prevented at all costs. Cross-connections occur when a public water supply comes into contact with a contaminating source.
Since there are often numerous safety measures in place to prevent cross-connections, one of the main ways they can happen is when a key piece of equipment malfunctions. When materials are not maintained, all manner of accidents and mishaps may occur. This is yet another reason to stay on top of scheduled maintenance and repair protocols for all your backflow prevention infrastructure.
Identifying Backflow Risks
Backflow can manifest anywhere in a building, but there are a few key places to check more often than others. Rooms with loads of running water, such as bathrooms and kitchens, are where you will see the biggest demands for system pressure. If your business uses a lot of water, check any areas where the flow is heaviest. Look for leaks, and listen for any unusual sounds coming from pipes or backflow prevention devices.
Inspecting your own equipment is a fine place to start, though you may wish to obtain the peace of mind that comes with an inspection from a certified backflow tester. These professionals can check all aspects of your system for debris and misaligned elements. When installing or changing any part of your system, the final step should be to get the components in question inspected by an outside source.
Preventing Backflow in Commercial Buildings
There are four main tools used to prevent backflow in commercial properties. A professional plumber will determine their ideal placement and how many devices are needed to achieve optimal efficiency.
1. Air Gap: These tools are designed to create a space between the water supply and a contaminating source. If no foreign substances can touch the water, it remains clean as it flows through the pipes.
2. Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Assemblies: These consist of two checking valves and a pressure relief valve in the middle. The dual approach means that, even if one check fails, backflow can still be prevented by quickly adjusting the pressure from the opposite valve.
3. Double Check Valve Assemblies: These simple assemblies are used when the risk of contamination is relatively small. This backup valve provides an extra layer of protection should a new contaminant emerge.
4. Pressure Vacuum Breakers: These tools nullify vacuums by introducing a gust of air into the affected area. This eliminates back siphoning before it can cause any damage.
As with all of your other plumbing equipment, backflow prevention devices require regular testing and maintenance sessions.
Best Practices for Backflow Prevention
The simplest way to avoid backflow issues is to stick with professionals for all your installations and inspections. Competent work done regularly is the best bet. With that said, offering your employees some education or training on backflow prevention is a fine strategy. If everyone can identify a basic issue, the appropriate fix can be administered in time.
Your local jurisdiction likely has a list of best practices and safety standards for commercial plumbing systems. Following local guidelines is a smart choice because you can dodge any pitfalls that have challenged similar business owners in the past. It’s also helpful to know you’re not breaking any laws or regulations when installing new equipment.
Conclusion
Backflow is a serious issue that is preventable with the proper planning and care. A proactive backflow prevention strategy will help keep your buildings and people safe from the repercussions of a reversal in your plumbing system. Due to the importance of backflow prevention, it’s highly recommended that you schedule a plumber online to perform regular maintenance throughout your property. Professional inspection and repair services are quite affordable compared to the price of replacing key pieces of your plumbing infrastructure.
Don’t let plumbing issues disrupt your business! Schedule a professional plumber online now to ensure your commercial property runs smoothly.
