Backflow Prevention
Backflow Prevention | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Apison
When water systems criss-cross through restaurants, warehouses, and multifamily properties in Apison, even a momentary pressure change can send contaminants rushing the wrong way. HEP’s backflow prevention team installs, tests, and repairs state-approved assemblies that keep drinking water safe and code-compliant—so owners stay open for business and facility managers sleep easier. Our technicians arrive with fully stocked trucks, digital test equipment, and the certification records your inspectors need, all wrapped in the responsive service you expect from a company that’s been safeguarding Tennessee taps for decades.
Whether you’re scheduling an annual device test or scrambling after a failed inspection, our specialists handle every facet of commercial plumbing backflow protection—evaluations, retrofits, emergency shutdowns, and proactive maintenance plans. We coordinate directly with the water authority, file paperwork on your behalf, and leave the job site cleaner than we found it, minimizing downtime and liability. Call HEP today and let Apison’s most trusted water-safety partners keep your lines flowing in the right direction.
FAQs
What is backflow and why is prevention critical for commercial properties in Apison?
Backflow is the unwanted reversal of water flow that can carry contaminants from industrial equipment, irrigation systems, or chemical storage areas back into the potable water supply. In commercial settings—restaurants, manufacturing plants, medical facilities—the risk is higher because cross-connections are more complex and the potential pollutants more dangerous. Preventing backflow protects employee and customer health, avoids costly shutdowns, and keeps your business in compliance with Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC) regulations and local Apison ordinances.
Does Apison or Hamilton County require annual backflow testing for businesses?
Yes. Hamilton County, following TDEC Rule 0400-45-01-.17, mandates that all commercial properties with backflow prevention assemblies (BFPAs) have them tested at least once a year by a state-certified tester. The test results must be submitted to the county’s Cross-Connection Control Program. Failure to comply can lead to fines or water service termination. Our licensed plumbers can perform the test, handle the paperwork, and remind you of future due dates.
What types of backflow prevention devices are most commonly installed in commercial plumbing systems?
The device we recommend depends on your hazard level: • Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Assembly – Required for high-hazard uses such as medical labs, chemical plants, breweries, and lawn irrigation with chemical additives. • Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA) – Suitable for medium-hazard applications like apartment complexes, retail spaces, and standard fire sprinkler lines without chemical additives. • Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) – Often used on irrigation systems where the highest point of piping is downstream of the device. We evaluate your exact plumbing layout, water pressure, and local code requirements before specifying a unit.
How long does a backflow device installation or replacement take and will business operations be interrupted?
Most installations or replacements can be finished within 2–4 hours for easily accessible locations. Larger facilities with multiple devices or where piping modifications are needed may take a full workday. We coordinate with facility managers to schedule work during low-demand periods, and we can set up temporary bypass lines so your water service—and therefore your operations—remain largely uninterrupted. Any final shutdown to connect the device usually lasts less than 30 minutes.
What maintenance is required after installation to keep my backflow preventer reliable?
Beyond the mandated annual test, we recommend quarterly visual inspections to check for leaks, corrosion, or vandalism. Keep the device above flood level, insulated against freezing winter temperatures common in Apison, and ensure strains or debris don’t clog test ports. We provide a preventive maintenance plan that logs every inspection and repair, making compliance audits simple and predictable.
How much does commercial backflow prevention cost and what factors influence pricing?
For most small commercial properties, a standard DCVA installation starts around $450–$650, while RPZ installations average $800–$1,200 due to additional relief valve piping and drainage. Testing fees run $85–$150 per device, and repairs vary depending on part availability. Key cost factors include device type and size, pipe material (copper, PVC, galvanized), ease of access, and whether core drilling or excavation is needed. We provide upfront, itemized quotes so you can budget accurately and compare options.