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Backflow Prevention and Testing

7/21/2021

Water pressure is generally maintained at a high level in water supply systems to allow water to flow from the tap, shower, or other devices. When a water main explodes, pipes freeze, or there is an unexpectedly strong demand on the water system, water pressure may fail or be lowered (for example, when several fire hydrants are opened). Reduced pipe pressure may allow polluted water to be brought up into the system from the soil, storage, or other sources.

What is Backflow?

Due to back-siphonage or backpressure, backflow is the reverse of normal flow in a system. Backflow from back-siphonage happens when a vacuum is created in a pipe system, similar to when you drink from a glass with a straw. A garden hose or a hose connected to a washing tub can be used as a "drinking straw," drawing unwanted liquids through it via back-siphonage. Back-siphonage occurs in a variety of conditions, including:

• Water main breakdowns or repairs occur at a lower elevation than your service point in the system.
• Booster pumps sucking directly from potable water supply piping; or piping that is too small.
• Due to firefighting, hydrant flushing, large system demands, or catastrophic piping breaches, high water flow rates are forced on the water main.

Backflow Testing Services

Aaron Swift is licensed and accredited to test and certify several different types of backflow prevention systems. The testing of these devices is encouraged and enforced in most localities. We recommend annual tests and certifications for most commercial devices; tests and certifications are required for residential devices every three years.

Some places that are regularly tested and certified are as follows:

• Dental manufacturing facilities
• Schools
• Hospitals
• Car washes
• Marijuana dispensaries
• Auto body shops
• Doctor and city offices
• Gas stations
• Electroplating
• Pavement facilities
• Chemical and industrial plants
• Homes, apartment buildings, and more

Unfortunately, some tests fail, as they do in life. When that happens, you can count on our highly educated and experienced professionals at Aaron Swift to undertake any necessary repairs and/or code compliance inspections.

Trust Aaron Swift Plumbing to Replace or Repair Backflow Prevention

Our Cross Connection licensed plumbers to have the tools and skills to inspect backflow preventers and, if necessary, repair or replace them. If you have any questions about our processes or procedures, you may always phone us or contact us through the contact form on our website. Our Backflow Prevention Professionals at Aaron Swift Plumbing are ASSE certified.

Aaron Swift Michigan Plumbers provides emergency plumbing and sewer service in Washington, Michigan 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you have any other questions or concerns concerning your business or residential plumbing, please contact us. This includes services such as parking lot jetting or other hydro-jetting, sewage servicing and repairs, gas pipe, and drain services such as drain snaking for residential and commercial plumbing.

For economically priced plumbing services in Washington, Michigan, contact Aaron Swift Plumbing today! You can reach us by phone at (586) 315-4595 or by completing our online contact form. We take pride in offering the best residential and business plumbing services in the Washington, MI area.

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