If you have one or more backflow prevention valves installed on the piping system at your facility, then you are typically required by State regulations to have backflow preventer testing or backflow prevention certification performed on an annual basis, in order to ensure that your valves are working properly. Sander Mechanical Service provides commercial building owners with comprehensive backflow prevention testing and backflow preventer certification services in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, including backflow preventer valve installation and repairs.

What is Backflow?

Backflow occurs when used or non-potable water moves back into a clean or potable water piping system rather than moving according to its normal flow. Backflow can be caused by the increase of pressure on the building side or at the “point of use” resulting in the flow of water back toward the source. In most water systems, since water is intended to flow only in a certain direction (usually from the source in the street to the fixture or appliance in your facility), the reverse flow of non-potable water into a potable water source can lead to contamination of our public drinking water supplies.

Backflow Prevention – When is a Backflow Preventer Required?

Not every facility needs a backflow prevention device and backflow testing, but those with “cross connections” are required by building codes to have a working backflow valve. Cross connections between potable and non-potable water supplies occur anytime the domestic potable water supply is connected to any device that contains contaminated, stagnant, or treated water, such as makeup water to your building’s hydronic heating or chilled water cooling equipment. If backflow occurs in any of these situations, it can create a hazardous situation for the occupants of the building.

Backflow preventers are available from manufacturers like Watts, Flomatic, and Apollo Valves. These valves safely divert water when, for example, there’s a sudden pressure drop in the water mains, preventing contaminated water from flowing back into the public water supply.

How Does a Backflow Preventer Work?

As the name implies, a backflow preventer is a mechanical device that is installed in a plumbing system to prevent contaminated water from flowing backwards into the system. When installed correctly, a backflow preventer will provide either an air gap or a physical barrier against the backflow.

Annual Backflow Prevention Certification Testing

Backflow preventers should be tested and certified annually by a licensed professional who can document that your devices were working properly on the date of certification. In addition, it is recommended that the backflow prevention device should be rebuilt or replaced as often as every 5 years. While this practice does not guarantee that devices won’t fail in-between certifications, it does show proactive prevention and can help mitigate liability for the building owner.

When a backflow preventer is tested, it’s determined whether or not the check valves of the device leak and if the relief valve opens at the required pressure range. If the device passes testing, it is certified for the year and will not require any further action. If the device fails, it will need to be repaired and retested to ensure that it passes for certification.

Sander Mechanical works closely with its clients to keep you up-to-date on your backflow preventer certifications. We track your backflow preventer maintenance and provide reminders to schedule your annual certifications. When you receive your electronic notification, either give us a call to schedule the preventer testing; or (if preferred) we can roll this into an ongoing preventative maintenance agreement to ensure your backflow certification doesn’t slip through the cracks.

Why Choose Sander for Backflow Prevention Certification?

Sander Mechanical has skilled technicians available to test and certify your backflow preventers. Our highly trained staff offers the following advantages:

• Certified plumbers with cross connection control testing (backflow testing) licenses
• We utilize the latest backflow prevention certification tools and testing equipment.
• Technicians can provide solutions to issues outside of just backflow preventer testing
• We provide formal documentation & certification tags for all backflow preventer devices tested
• We provide pricing to complete any necessary repairs for backflow prevention devices that fail testing
• Notification is given to the facility upon the approach of next year’s certification due date

Rely on Sander Mechanical for Your Backflow Prevention Needs

Backflow preventer testing and certification is required by law and important for keeping our drinking water supplies clean, free from contaminants, and safe for consumption. If you haven’t had backflow prevention certification performed this year, you could be subject to violations and fines. For more information or to schedule your backflow testing, please contact Sander Mechanical today.