Is it time to have your Houston commercial plumber test your backflow preventer? Learn when and why you need backflow testing for your apartment building.

Backflow is what happens when water in your plumbing flows the opposite way as it’s intended. It can happen anywhere clean and waste water lines connect. Usually, backflow happens when there’s a change in pressure, such as a water main break.

Testing generally takes between 20 and 30 minutes to complete and is important to help keep your tenants healthy and also stay on the right side of the law. 

What is Backflow Testing from Your Houston Commercial Plumber?

Backflow testing is a test that makes sure your backflow preventer is working properly. Backflow preventers are devices installed at cross-connections between clean water lines and dirty water lines. Your Houston commercial plumber tests these devices to make sure they work properly to prevent backflow. 

In most cases, your apartment building’s backflow preventers need testing as a preventative measure. Like any other mechanical device, they can fail or break. Testing helps detect these issues before backflow happens. 

Also, if you notice signs of backflow, then we may recommend a backflow test to determine if it’s present. Then, your Houston commercial plumber will determine the cause and take appropriate steps to fix the issue. 

Some signs of backflow include:

• Discolored water
• Bad tasting water
• Water pressure changes
• Illness outbreaks

Types of Backflow Preventers

There are many different types of backflow preventers, but the three most common are reduced pressure zone preventers, pressure vacuum breakers, and double check valves. 

Reduced pressure zones have a chamber that maintains a lower pressure than the water lines to keep each line separated. 

Pressure vacuum breakers are similar to reduced pressure zones, but they use a drop in pressure to suck dirty water back into the system before it can reach the clean water line. Your Houston commercial plumber sees a lot of these because they’re some of the most inexpensive devices commercial buildings can use. 

Double check valves use a series of valves to keep clean and dirty water separate to prevent backflow. 

When you need backflow preventer testing, your plumber looks for signs of wear or leakage and then tests the device according to the type of preventer you have. 

Why Get Backflow Testing for your Apartment Buildings?

First and foremost, in most cases it’s the law to get regular backflow preventer testing. In most places, building code states you’ll need an annual inspection and test from a certified tester, such as your Houston commercial plumber. Not complying with these regulations can mean a heavy fine or even having your water supply shut off by the municipal water company. 

Also, it’s important for keeping your residents healthy. Backflow can be dangerous and cause a whole host of health problems.

In some cases you’ll need to have the preventer tested after Houston commercial plumbing repair services. This is to help ensure that everything is working properly. Your plumber can help you determine when and why you should schedule backflow testing. 

Our team at AAA Plumbers is here to help you with all your multifamily plumbing needs. As a leading Houston commercial plumbing company, we provide cost-effective, convenient, and comprehensive services. We’re available 24/7 and can help with phone support, emergency services, or routine maintenance and repairs. Call us today at (713) 462-4753 to learn more and talk to one of our professionals!

The post Houston Commercial Plumber: Apartment Backflow Testing appeared first on AAA Plumbers.

What does a Backflow Preventer Do?

Backflow is where water flows opposite of the intended direction. For example, used bathroom water going back into the clean supply line. This can cause major environmental and health impacts. That is where backflow preventers come to the rescue. Basically, the device blocks the unclean water from going back into and contaminating the clean water. As you can see, these are important gadgets. If they fail, there can be disastrous consequences.

Why Have your Houston Commercial Plumber Check it?

Since backflow preventers are so important, make sure to schedule appointments with your Houston commercial plumber to check and maintain the device. How often you need service depends on the type of preventer you have. There are two basic types of backflow preventers: double check valve assembly (DCV) and reduced pressure zone assembly (RPZ). You should test DVC assemblies at least once every three years. By contrast, you need to test RPZ assemblies every year and replace them every 5 years.

Additionally, if you notice a change in your water pressure or in its color, taste, or smell, you could have a malfunctioning backflow preventer. You should call your Houston commercial plumbing repair company immediately if you suspect that your backflow preventer isn’t working properly.

AAA Plumbers is a Houston commercial plumbing company with a proven reputation for quality and reliability. If you need a Houston commercial plumber for your backflow preventer or any other plumbing service or repair, our expert technicians can help you. We offer 24 hour emergency plumbing services to ensure that you are never left in a bind. Call us today at (713) 462-4753 to schedule a service appointment or request emergency repair. We look forward to the opportunity to serve your company.

The post Maintaining Your Backflow Preventer appeared first on AAA Plumbers.

Blackwater

Blackwater refers to wastewater that includes human feces, urine and other materials from toilets, urinals or bidets. This untreated sewage is routed from bathrooms or usage sites to containment areas. This type of water may also contain harmful chemicals, runoff or toxic materials. Blackwater contains bacteria, protozoa, viruses and other pathogens that can cause disease or illness by contact with skin or by ingesting the water.

If the sewage system of your establishment backs up or floods, do not try to clean the area yourself. A licensed Houston commercial plumbing company has the expertise and tools to clean the waste, contain the water and restore the system to working condition.

Greywater

Greywater refers to non-hazardous water discharge from domestic and commercial sites, including homes, apartment buildings, hospitals and office buildings. This water typically comes from showers, sinks, dishwashers and other sources that have not come into contact with human waste. Greywater may contain oils from cooking or human skin, hair, soap or bits of food. It usually does not contain the concentration of pathogens that blackwater has. However, it can contain small amounts of contaminants and cause illness if swallowed.

If the greywater removal system of your establishment backs up, it must be treated quickly because greywater can turn into blackwater within 48 hours. A trained Houston commercial plumber at AAA Plumbers follows industry best practices for greywater system repairs. Overflows and flooding can affect the building shell, carpets, furniture and other materials. Our plumbing professionals have the equipment and expertise to determine the extent of damage, such as behind walls, under flooring or in foundations.

AAA Plumbers

AAA Plumbers provides Houston commercial plumbing repair and remodeling services. Sewage and wastewater leaks are dangerous and must be dealt with immediately to protect occupants and customers. We offer 24-hour emergency services for commercial entities, including schools, shopping malls, healthcare facilities and public buildings.

If the wastewater removal system of your Houston commercial establishment is sluggish, overflowing or inadequate, call a Houston commercial plumber at AAA Plumbers at 713-462-4753. Real people answer the phone 24 hours a day to take care of plumbing emergencies quickly.

The post Types of Wastewater appeared first on AAA Plumbers.

What Is Backflow?

Plumbing backflow occurs when a loss of pressure allows wastewater to flow back into the pipes used to deliver fresh water to your building or business. Pressure loss can occur because of issues with your municipal water supply and sewer system or because of problems with your plumbing. This can cause contamination of your fresh water supplies and damage to property and structural elements inside your building. Making sure these issues are taken care of quickly and effectively requires the help of a qualified Houston commercial plumbing company to ensure that all contributing factors are identified and resolved promptly.

What Are the Effects of Backflow?

If potable water is contaminated by wastewater during a backflow event, drinking that water or using it for cleaning and washing could result in serious illnesses for people and animals. Chemicals sometimes found in wastewater could be toxic or could trigger allergic responses in sensitive individuals. The growth of microorganisms in wastewater could also cause illnesses among your staff members, customers and clients. These events typically require professional cleaning to remove traces of contaminants and pollutants from pipes, surfaces and indoor areas.

How Can Backflow Be Prevented?

Backflow prevention devices are designed to prevent water from reversing its course in pipes designed for potable water or wastewater transfer. Air gaps are the most commonly used backflow preventers in residential applications. For commercial buildings, however, specialized backflow preventer valves are necessary to provide the most effective protection for multi-story buildings and facilities with numerous plumbing connections. Some of the most commonly used types of active backflow prevention devices include hydrostatic loops, reduced pressure zones and atmospheric vacuum breaker devices.

At AAA Plumbers, we are a leading Houston commercial plumber. Out team of experienced technicians can provide you with the most advanced and practical backflow prevention solutions to ensure that your water supply is protected against these serious plumbing issues. We work with you at every stage of the process to identify problems, propose solutions and to test your backflow prevention systems to ensure ongoing protection for your property. Call us today at 713-462-4753 to schedule an appointment or to request emergency service. We look forward to serving your company and your tenants now and in the future.

The post What Business Owners Need to Know About Plumbing Backflow appeared first on AAA Plumbers.