Why is Backflow Testing in Columbus Important?

Why should you call Staats Plumbing for backflow testing? Well, certain plumbing installations pose a higher risk of contamination than others. When a hazard exists, a backflow prevention assembly must be installed. This device prevents your Columbus home’s water from flowing backward in the supply line and maintains a one-way system.

This may occur in places such as an irrigation system, commercially leased property, full service restaurants, medical facilities, convalescent homes, car washes, automotive shops, industrial sites, swimming pools or any privately owned property that has a second source of water available such as a well, pond or other auxiliary type of water storage.

You see, testing for backflow and installing the proper equipment is essential. This spring call backflow prevention experts Staats Plumbing. Brent will come out and make sure that the system is up to code. See the staatsplumbing.com website and call for a backflow check appointment at (740) 625-5284.

When is a Backflow Preventor Required?

Backflow prevention assemblies are designed to prevent contaminated water from mixing into clean municipal water supplies, which are commonly used as drinking water. Contaminants like sediments, bacteria, and fertilizer are a major public health hazard, so in Columbus, there are regulations in place that require certain structures to have backflow preventers installed.

You should be familiar with these two words…backpressure and siphonage. Backpressure a form of water backflow that results from an imbalance in water pressures. Your home or building’s plumbing system contains water at greater pressures than the municipal water mains. Back siphonage results from negative pressure, creating a partial vacuum effect.

Here at Staats Plumbing we “go with the flow!” We know the ins and outs of what back pressure and back siphonage mean to your Columbus area home or business. I hope you will call us when you suspect that you need a backflow preventor. Look us up on the web at staatsplumbing.com then call us at (740) 625-5284 and we will schedule a visit to your home or office.

What is this Backflow Anyway?

The backflow phenomena contaminate water in the reserves, which in turn poses serious health risks.  Huh?  In plainer English as it pertains to home-based settings, water reservoirs are maintained at specific internal pressure so that water flows from the tap freely when it is turned on so it protects your home from water contamination.

Where there is not any physical space available, backflow preventers are employed. Since these devices have moving parts, their testing and regular check-ups are mandatory to ensure they are adequately working. It is advised to get the preventers examined on a yearly basis. The apparatus bears a test port where a gauge is installed when testing.

This brings us to this point...when it is time to test your Columbus Ohio area home for backflow you should call Staats Plumbing. Brent and his crew have been testing backflow devices in this area for many years. Staats Plumbing is there for maintenance as well as plumbing emergencies. Just give them a call at (740) 625-5284.      

Who Needs Backflow Certification?

Let’s start with the obvious…businesses that present a potential backflow hazard are required to install the appropriate backflow prevention device and have it tested annually.  Did you catch that last part?  It said have it tested annually!  That’s right, it’s not a question of installing backflow prevention equipment and then just walking away.

Just some types of Columbus’ area businesses that are required to install a backflow preventer –

1.  Restaurants

2.  Dry Cleaners

3.  Nail salons

4.  Medical offices

5.  ANY commercial building that is three stories or taller

No and, if, or buts this will be done and then annually inspected.  For backflow installation and inspection in the Columbus Ohio area you can always count on Staats Plumbing.  Brent and his team will make sure that your business is “up to specs.”  Just call (740) 625-5284.  Count on the backflow experts of Central Ohio Staats Plumbing.

New Year…New Backflow Testing Needed.

Just a reminder…A backflow device is also known as an RPZ valve.  The letters stand for Reduced Pressure Zone.  This device is installed onto your plumbing system to protect your drinking water and the city water supply from contaminants.  Without it, contaminants can enter an irrigation system from fertilizer or pesticides that are sprayed onto lawns.

If you have a water leak in your Columbus area home, be it a house water service break, city water main break, hydrant flushing, or hydrant use due to a fire, the water pressure in the house or city water mains can drop lower than the water pressure in the systems. When this happens, it can cause water from the systems to back-up into the drinking water supply.

It simply MUST be inspected every year to make sure it is in working condition…that’s the law!  To make sure your home is in compliance, call on Staats Plumbing for a thorough inspection of your Columbus, Ohio RPZ valve.  Brent, or one of his team will be at your home in no time.  Just call (740) 625-5284.      

Testing for Backflow.

Learning how to test a backflow preventer is important because there are over 10,000 reported cases of backflow contamination each year in America! Some of them are even fatal!  Backflow prevention devices are required by law and must be installed.  A typical backflow assembly has test cocks and shut-off valves and must be checked yearly.

Some of the steps your plumber will use in testing for backflow are –

1.  Shut off the water supply and cease using water in the house while it is off.

2.  Investigate the direction of the water flow.

3.  Gather the amount of test cocks and bushings that they will need.

4.  Turn on the water and run a few taps simultaneously.

Testing for backflow in the Columbus area is an absolute annual necessity for home and business owners!  Knowing that, you should call Columbus’ professional backflow tester Brent Staats.  He, or a member of his team will come out and do the job…guaranteed.  He can also troubleshoot other plumbing problems if need be.  Just call (740) 625-5284.

Why Business Owners Need Backflow Testing.

Here’s a good reason…it’s the law that business owners have a backflow test performed every year.  A certified plumbing company needs to perform the test. The backflow testing process typically takes about 20 – 30 minutes to complete, if there are no repairs that need to be made.  Valves are opened and closed to check for any irregularities in this process.

Why is the test important and not just some money-grab?  Drinking water flows through pressurized water taps from the source to your tap.  It generally flows in one direction but on some occasions, it may flow in the opposite direction.  If it does, it may contaminate the water supply.  That should be reason enough!

Becoming a certified backflow tester in the State of Ohio and the Columbus area in general is not something that is handed out indiscriminately.  Brent Staats, owner of Staats Plumbing is just such an individual serving the needs of business and homeowners in Columbus Ohio.  Give Brent a call for professional backflow testing at (740) 625-5284.

What is a Backflow Preventer?

It sounds like something every Columbus area homeowner or landlord should get to know.  A backflow preventer is a device that’s installed on your home’s water pipes and allows water to flow in one direction but never in the opposite direction.  That sounds good.  It’s just like driving a car, you don’t want to be going in the wrong direction!

IF drinking water flows in the wrong direction it will become polluted.  So, how does backflow happen in the first place?  I can happen if there is a break in the main water line.  It even could happen if a fire hydrant has been opened.  And that my friends, is where a backflow prevention system comes in handy.

A backflow prevention system is a series of devices installed onto a pipe that allows the water to flow ONLY in one direction.  To have the system installed quickly, perfectly, and guaranteed you call on the backflow professionals in the Columbus Ohio area.  That’s Staats Plumbing.  Just call Brent and the job is as good as done.  That number is (740) 625-5284.