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Clean, safe water is essential to every commercial property — whether a restaurant, office building or manufacturing facility. Backflow, or when tainted water reverses course and enters the clean water supply, is one of your property’s worst enemies when it comes to water safety.

At Bradshaw Plumbing, we believe in the necessity of routine backflow testing for your business to stay up to code, run efficiently, and operate safely.

What Is Backflow and Why Does It Happen?

Backflow occurs when the normal direction of water flow in your plumbing system is reversed due to a sudden change or decrease in pressure. This can occur during such events as:

• A burst water main nearby
• High load on the main way of the municipal water supply
• A malfunctioning backflow preventer

When this reversal occurs, pollutants such as chemicals, bacteria and debris from appliances, irrigation systems or industrial processes can make their way into the drinking water supply. This can pose significant health risks and cause extensive damage or shut down systems.

Why Backflow Testing Matters for Commercial Properties

Protects Water Quality: Commercial buildings tend to have intricate plumbing systems. Water backflow can range from a slightly dirty or dust-filled pipe to toxic chemicals inundating the water supply. Routine testing means that your backflow prevention devices are in good working order, keeping drinkable water safe for everyone on site.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance: In many cities, commercial properties must undergo annual backflow testing. Refusers can face fines, have their water turned off or be put out of business. Your testing schedule shows that your property complies with local safety codes and public health standards.

Prevents Costly Repairs: Failure to protect against backflow can cause contamination and damage to your pipework. This can result in leaks, pressure loss, and costly pipe replacement over time. Routine testing by licensed plumbers helps you find and repair minor issues before they become expensive.

Safeguards Your Business Reputation: God forbid your customers or employees get sick from water contamination, and your entire work ethic is destroyed. Frequent testing helps keep your water clean, which, in turn, preserves the trust and safety that everyone at your facility depends on.

Early Detection of System Failures: A backflow test verifies compliance with the law and can alert to failures or fatigue in the backflow prevention device. A timely alert helps the operational team perform maintenance and prevent unexpected catastrophes.

How Often Should Backflow Testing Be Done?

Generally, local codes will mandate annual backflow testing for commercial properties. But more frequent testing could be recommended, depending on how much water your building uses, its age, and the complexity of its plumbing. Bradshaw Plumbing can advise on an appropriate schedule and provide direction on managing the testing documentation.

Keep Your Business Safe and Compliant

Backflow prevention isn’t about compliance; it’s about protecting your employees, customers, and, most of all, your reputation. With routine backflow testing, you can rest assured that the water supply to your property is clean and free of issues.

Call us at Bradshaw Plumbing today to set up backflow testing service – and keep your commercial property’s plumbing system operating safely.