You are most likely aware that annual backflow testing is required by your city, but many people are unaware why. In 1974, the US Congress created the Safe Drinking Water Act to shield citizens from potentially harmful contaminants in ground water. Then, in 1986 and 1996, additional measures were passed that required facilities to install and maintain backflow prevention devices where cross-connection could contaminate lines. Backflow prevention devices protect potable water from becoming contaminated. This is crucial, not just because it is required, but because there are potentially serious health risks involved if contamination occurs! As many as 10,000 + cases of backflow contamination are reported each year.
Bacteria and pollutants present a real risk to humans, and exposure must be limited. This is especially crucial for facilities that use large amounts of potable water for bathing, cooking, and consumption. Long term care facilities, apartment complexes, health & fitness facilities, and others have a responsibility to ensure safe water standards at all times. The worst-case scenario could be exposure and infection from something like Legionnaires’ Disease, a bacteria that spreads through mist. If backflow is not prevented properly, the bacteria may be able to enter the water supply, or be dispersed via the HVAC system to the facilities population. One way to efficiently, cost-effectively ensure this does not happen is to schedule regular backflow device testing.
During a backflow prevention device test, trained technicians will physically inspect and stress components to determine that the integrity of the backflow device is intact, and that the internal valves pressurize properly, thus not allowing water to flow backwards into the supply. Whether the system is active, or dormant, this is a crucial test. Although most cities require one backflow device test per year, some facilities may want to perform them even more frequently. This is especially true for hospitals, long term care facilities, gyms, apartment complexes, and other facilities where water usage is high. By performing bi-annual or quarterly tests, potential issues can be remedied quickly before damage can be done.
Diversified Piping & Mechanical has highly-trained staff that perform hundreds of backflow tests per year in Northeast Ohio. Our team prides itself on efficiency and integrity. We work with clients to schedule backflow tests as frequently as they deem necessary. If your facility is currently in need of a backflow test, or you simply want to know more about them and other fire protection services we offer, please give us a call!
Bacteria and pollutants present a real risk to humans, and exposure must be limited. This is especially crucial for facilities that use large amounts of potable water for bathing, cooking, and consumption. Long term care facilities, apartment complexes, health & fitness facilities, and others have a responsibility to ensure safe water standards at all times. The worst-case scenario could be exposure and infection from something like Legionnaires’ Disease, a bacteria that spreads through mist. If backflow is not prevented properly, the bacteria may be able to enter the water supply, or be dispersed via the HVAC system to the facilities population. One way to efficiently, cost-effectively ensure this does not happen is to schedule regular backflow device testing.
During a backflow prevention device test, trained technicians will physically inspect and stress components to determine that the integrity of the backflow device is intact, and that the internal valves pressurize properly, thus not allowing water to flow backwards into the supply. Whether the system is active, or dormant, this is a crucial test. Although most cities require one backflow device test per year, some facilities may want to perform them even more frequently. This is especially true for hospitals, long term care facilities, gyms, apartment complexes, and other facilities where water usage is high. By performing bi-annual or quarterly tests, potential issues can be remedied quickly before damage can be done.
Diversified Piping & Mechanical has highly-trained staff that perform hundreds of backflow tests per year in Northeast Ohio. Our team prides itself on efficiency and integrity. We work with clients to schedule backflow tests as frequently as they deem necessary. If your facility is currently in need of a backflow test, or you simply want to know more about them and other fire protection services we offer, please give us a call!
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