Prevent Backflow with Commercial Plumbing Support from Howe
Prevent Backflow with Commercial Plumbing Support from Howe
What is a Backflow Preventer?
Safety and hygiene are top priorities when it comes to our potable water supply, especially for commercial use. In fact, many regulations are in place to prevent commercial plumbing systems from using contaminated water. A large part of that is through backflow prevention.
Backflow is when contaminated water flows in the reverse direction and reaches the main water supply. To keep this from happening, backflow prevention devices are required to be installed on commercial plumbing systems. If you need backflow preventer testing or backflow prevention services in Sioux Falls, SD, choose Howe for fast service from certified plumbers. Call or text Howe today at 605-339-2020 to get started.
What Does a Backflow Preventer Do?
Commercial plumbing systems need backflow prevention because many industries use water at some point or another, often for a specific manufacturing process or the final product itself. When this water is contaminated with backflow, the pollutants could end up making people sick.
Backflow preventers stop this from happening. By detecting when the flow of water changes, it can then automatically shut down the plumbing before backflow reaches the main water lines. To make sure these devices stay in working condition, annual backflow preventer testing is required.
During backflow testing, we check the device’s internal assemblies. The parameters for passing these tests differ depending on the specific device you have installed. And because backflow can be caused by changes in pressure at cross connections, many instances of backflow are traced back to these connections where the potable water supply meets the non-potable source. Howe’s commercial plumbers are certified by the American Backflow Prevention Association (ABPA), demonstrating our commitment to protecting your water supply from contamination.
You can count on Howe for the following backflow prevention services:
- Annual backflow preventer testing on all backflow devices
- Routine maintenance to keep devices in good shape
- Prompt repairs including 24/7 emergency support
- Seamless installation when your devices start to fail
Why Backflow Prevention Matters for Commercial Sprinkler Systems
Depending on municipal laws, backflow prevention devices are also required for commercial sprinkler systems. As part of our fire protection services, Howe can test, install or repair these backflow preventers.
Did you know that sprinkler systems are at a higher risk of backflow? In order to respond quickly when a fire starts, fire protection systems keep their water supply within the sprinklers themselves. This water can remain stagnant for months or even years before it is used to put out a fire. And when it is, the time it takes to refill the sprinklers is enough time to introduce air into the piping. This can spur rust corrosion or mold growth inside the sprinklers. If you’re concerned with contamination inside the pipes, call or text Howe at 605-339-2020 for sprinkler inspection.
Without a backflow preventer, this contaminated water could end up in your main water supply and put staff at risk. Howe can keep these devices in good condition, helping to protect your commercial building and everything inside.
