Backflow Prevention Services in Tampa Bay
Backflow prevention is an important part of protecting the quality and safety of your property’s drinking water. When water or other substances flow backward through a plumbing system, there is a potential for non-potable water or contaminants to enter the potable water supply.
Experts Plumbing Services, LLC provides backflow preventer installation, repair, rebuilding, and replacement services for residential and commercial properties throughout the Tampa Bay area. We work with backflow prevention systems serving both potable water and irrigation systems.
Whether you need a new backflow preventer installed, an existing device repaired or rebuilt, or a failed device replaced, Experts Plumbing Services can help. We provide backflow prevention services throughout Tampa Bay, including communities in Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas counties.
What is Backflow?
Under normal conditions, water flows from the public water supply into your home or business. Backflow occurs when that flow reverses direction, allowing water or other substances from your property’s plumbing system to potentially flow back toward the potable water supply.
Backflow can occur because of changes in water pressure. Two common causes are backsiphonage, which can occur when the water supply pressure drops, and backpressure, which occurs when pressure within a property’s plumbing system becomes greater than the pressure of the incoming water supply.
While backflow may not be something most homeowners think about, preventing it is an important part of protecting the drinking water supply.
What Is a Backflow Preventer?
A backflow preventer is a plumbing device designed to prevent water from flowing backward through a water supply connection.
The type of backflow prevention device required depends on the property’s plumbing configuration and the potential hazard associated with the connection. Different types of backflow preventers are designed for different applications, which is why proper selection and installation are important.
Backflow prevention may be required for certain plumbing systems or properties, including irrigation systems, swimming pools, commercial and multifamily properties, reclaimed-water connections, and properties with secondary water supplies such as wells. Specific requirements can vary depending on the property’s water provider and plumbing configuration.
Backflow Preventer Installation & Replacement
We install backflow prevention devices for both new and existing plumbing systems. This may include installations associated with irrigation systems or potable water connections where backflow protection is required.
When a backflow preventer is damaged, deteriorated, beyond practical repair, or otherwise needs to be replaced, we can install a new device appropriate for the system.
Our goal is to provide the appropriate solution for the existing plumbing rather than automatically replacing equipment that may still be repairable.
We do not service backflow preventers associated with fire sprinkler systems.
Backflow Preventer Repair & Rebuilding
Backflow preventers contain internal components that can wear out, become fouled, or stop functioning properly over time. A device that is leaking, failing to operate correctly, or otherwise showing signs of deterioration may require service.
Depending on the condition of the device, repair may involve rebuilding the backflow preventer, including replacing worn or damaged internal components. If the existing device is beyond practical repair or replacement is otherwise necessary, we can install a new backflow preventer.
Rather than automatically replacing the entire assembly, our plumbers can evaluate the device and determine whether repair, rebuilding, or replacement is the appropriate solution.
Backflow Preventer Testing & Certification
Backflow prevention devices require periodic testing to verify that they are functioning properly. Mechanical backflow preventers contain internal components that can wear or become fouled over time, which is why regular testing is an important part of maintaining the system.
Experts Plumbing Services tests the work we perform to make sure the installation is properly connected and free of leaks or other plumbing issues. However, formal backflow certification must currently be completed by a certified backflow tester.
When certification is required, we coordinate with a qualified third-party testing professional to complete the certification process.
Testing and certification requirements can vary depending on the property’s location and water provider. For example, the City of Tampa currently requires certified testing for applicable backflow prevention devices and specifies testing schedules for residential and commercial properties.
