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What’s So Important About Backflow Testing?

The Basics of Backflow

In most places (including Annapolis), commercial buildings and multi-family homes must have backflow prevention devices. These devices must also undergo regular testing by professional plumbers who are authorized to do it. This is a requirement because the dangers of backflow are so great that they can affect the water supply for hundreds or thousands of people if a backflow preventer fails. 

But it’s not just commercial and apartment buildings that need backflow preventers. Homes with sprinkler systems also need this maintenance and must be tested regularly. This article will explain the dangers of backflow and how backflow testing helps to prevent this potentially disastrous situation.

Why Is Backflow Dangerous?

dirty water Backflow happens when wastewater flows backward into a plumbing system, contaminating the clean water in that system. This usually happens because of a sudden change in pressure, such as a broken water main or firefighters accessing the municipal plumbing system to fight a fire nearby.

If wastewater is allowed to flow back into a system, contaminating the clean water, it can threaten the health of anyone who comes into contact with that contaminated water. Ensuring the contamination is dealt with effectively is extremely time-consuming and costly. This is why backflow is so dangerous — and why backflow testing is so important.

What Backflow Testing Entails

backflow testingBackflow preventers need to be tested regularly to ensure they function properly. Since a single faulty backflow preventer can have such wide-ranging consequences, most local ordinances require that they’re tested annually. However, some localities require less frequent testing than this. It’s best to check local laws to see how often these devices must be tested. 

A professional plumber performs the testing process itself, and it is a relatively quick process. The plumber will test the device to ensure it will act as needed during sudden pressure changes. The specifics of these tests will depend on the type of backflow prevention device. Once signed off by a certified backflow testing plumber, the device will be good to use until the next test is required. 

The Critical Importance of Backflow Testing

Water contamination can happen in several ways. Most people think of wastewater when they think of possible contamination. However, pesticides and dangerous chemicals can also work into the water supply if backflow testing isn’t done regularly. The water may be shut off in many places if the backflow testing isn’t done on time. 

For homes, backflow testing helps ensure that contaminated water from the sprinkler system doesn’t get into the home’s plumbing. Irrigation systems are often more susceptible to wear and tear from the elements, tree roots, or breakage during landscaping or yard work. If the backflow preventer isn’t tested regularly, it could fail and allow dirty water into the system, threatening the health of those who live in the house. 

So backflow testing is important whether it’s a commercial building, an apartment building, or a single-family home with a sprinkler system. It can help ensure drinking water stays clean, preventing a public health emergency. 

About Heidler, Inc. 

The friendly professionals at Heidler, Inc. have been serving Annapolis, MD, with dedication and honor since 1947! As a family-owned-and-operated business, they pride themselves on expert workmanship and efficient service. They also provide flat-rate pricing, so there are no surprises! Contact them today for backflow testing in Annapolis, MD.

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What’s Different Between Residential and Commercial Plumbing?

Residential Vs. Commercial Plumbing

During the education of plumbers, they must undergo training and testing to be able to perform the various aspects of plumbing regardless of whether it is residential or commercial. After their master’s certifications are complete, many plumbers choose to specialize in one or the other based on the type of work they prefer to do. Some, however,  like the variety of challenges presented by opening themselves up to both the residential and commercial plumbing sectors. 

The distinction between residential and commercial plumbing may be unclear to people looking for a good plumber, so local plumbers in Annapolis are here to provide information on the differences between the two. 

scaleThe Size of the Work

The size of the work is one of the major differences between residential and commercial plumbing jobs. This is reflected in both the size of the installation and the size of the material used. In a typical residential dwelling, freshwater lines rarely exceed one inch in diameter. Sewer lines are typically three to four inches. These sizes are all that is necessary to carry out normal residential plumbing requirements. 

When commercial systems are installed, they can require freshwater lines up to and exceeding six inches in diameter with much higher pressure than residential systems. Sewer lines are also adequately sized to be able to handle the drainage from any industry. 

The technology and equipment necessary to install such large systems are completely different from installing residential systems. This is why many plumbers choose to stick to one or the other. 

Commercial Systems are More Complex

Residential plumbing systems only require small freshwater and gas inputs and reasonably sized sewer outputs to meet building codes. On the other hand, commercial plumbing can require massive amounts of inputs and outputs that aren’t familiar to most people. A commercial plumber, for example, that is called on to install a boiler for process steam will have to plumb huge gas lines as well as high-pressure steam and condensate lines for the boiler to be able to operate. This is highly specialized equipment and beyond the scope of work for a typical residential plumber. 

As a result, commercial plumbing systems are much more complicated than a typical residential system. 

The Stakes are Higherletters

Due to the size of commercial plumbing installations, more people are affected than would be in a residential setting. While an interruption in plumbing service in a home is an inconvenience to a couple of people, an interruption in plumbing service in a commercial setting may prevent a business from serving customers as well as causing workers to be sent home due to shutdowns. 

Because commercial plumbing is more complex, there is a higher chance for problems to occur. When problems arise in high-pressure water, gas, or chemical lines, there is a far greater chance that someone could get hurt when a problem occurs. This is why commercial plumbers take safety so seriously, and why they are so proud to advertise that they serve commercial customers. 

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. has award-winning service in Annapolis. They handle all aspects of plumbing in residential and commercial settings. With years of experience and highly qualified technicians, they’re a top choice among commercial plumbing contractors.

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