In the United States, there are over 295,000 water supply systems that are both publicly and privately owned. Without these supply systems, about 85% of Americans won’t have access to safe and clean water. Needless to say, there are mechanisms in place to ensure that safe water is being supplied to the population.
One of the most important mechanisms that residential or commercial property should have is a backflow preventer. What is a “backflow” and how does it happen? Are backflow preventer systems important for commercial buildings?
Don’t worry because we’ll answer these questions and more.
What is Backflow?
When water enters your commercial building from the supply line, it should flow in one direction only: into your building. However, some unfortunate things can happen like a pressure change which results in the water flowing backward and seep back into the supply.
This occurrence is called a backflow.
For instance, when there’s a break in the supply line or a fire pump system is used, backflow can occur due to lost pressure. In this case, water is not being pushed towards your building and will flow in the opposite direction. This is one reason why Fire Pump Testing is critical
When backflow happens, the water supply is at risk of contamination with things like human waste, fertilizers, pesticide, soaps, chlorine, and more. This undesirable scenario is remedied with backflow preventer systems.
How Do Backflow Fire Protection Services Work?
A backflow preventer system is a simple mechanism with an ingenious design. The system only allows the flow of water one way and when there’s pressure coming back through, the system shuts down. When you turn on the tap or start a load of laundry, water is pulled through from the main supply to your water system. The water brings in whatever it is on the supply line including waste, weed killer, fertilizing, etc.
Without a backflow preventer system, the water system can inadvertently bring those contaminants into your building’s water supply. This system is your first line of defense against backflow.
The Importance of Backflow Preventer Systems
If you own a commercial building, a backflow preventer system is a must as it’s usually a municipal requirement. Other than complying with municipal regulations, installing backflow preventer systems is important for having clean and safe water to drink.
If backflow occurs, your water supply is highly susceptible to contamination. We’d like to guess that your idea of clean and safe water is free from harmful chemicals and bacteria. Most commercial buildings and fire protection services depend on backflow preventers when it comes to safe, clean water.
In addition, a backflow valve may also be installed if your water supply has an unusual taste, color, and smell. A backflow system is fairly reasonable in terms of price, so there’s virtually no reason not to have it.
Effectively Prevent Backflow
With backflow preventer systems installed, you will have a peace of mind of having clean and safe water for your commercial space. Remember that these systems come in all shapes and forms, so make sure that you research your options before the final installation. Reach out to the experts at APFE for any questions or concerns.
