What is Backflow?

The short explanation is that backflow is the reverse flow of dirty water into clean water lines. Municipal water lines spread throughout developed areas to bring clean water to residential and commercial buildings. When backflow occurs, there can be serious consequences—as the dirty water may be contaminated with feces, chemicals, pesticides or fertilizers, or other hazardous materials that can cause serious harm to the public health. Backflow occurs at the cross-connections between the clean and dirty water within residential, commercial or industrial systems.

Backflow Prevention Device

Municipal codes do require that a backflow prevention device be installed at each cross connection in commercial or residential plumbing systems. Backflow prevention devices, while they do vary based on the risks posed by each commercial or residential building, are most commonly made up of two mechanical check values that keep dirty water from flowing back into the clean water supply if there is a sudden or drastic change in water pressure. Backflow prevention keeps your water safe and free of any contaminants that may be harmful to you or your family’s health.

Backflow Testing

To keep the clean water lines safe from contamination, backflow preventers must be tested annually to ensure that they are fully functional. The results of the annual backflow test must be sent to the city and placed on record. In the event that the backflow preventer fails its testing, backflow preventer repairs or replacement must be undertaken, ideally by a professional, qualified technician.

Total Service Quality offers our customers peace of mind by handling all annual testing, necessary repairs, backflow prevention installation, paperwork and certification and send out a reminder to schedule your next annual backflow test so that your property remains in good standing.

Backflow Device Services

We also offer qualified backflow preventer removal and replacement for all property types, giving you our best recommendation for your needs and budget for backflow preventers and installation. Our services include:

• Backflow preventer testing
• Backflow paperwork and certification
• Setting up annual testing scheduling
• Installation/Removal of backflow devices
• Backflow preventer repair

Not only is backflow prevention is important for the health of your family and your community, but municipality codes require annual certification to ensure your backflow prevention device is fully functioning. Total Service Quality is committed to keeping our customers’ property and water safe and offers a wide range of services to help lower your monthly utility costs, improve operating efficiency throughout your home or office, and can provide you with assistance in repairs and installations for all of your property needs.