Backflow Prevention
Backflow Prevention | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Clairfield
Whether you manage a bustling restaurant on Highway 63 or oversee a multi-tenant facility near Clairfield’s industrial park, you can’t afford a contaminated water supply. HEP’s licensed specialists design, install, and maintain backflow prevention systems that keep your potable water safe and your operation compliant with state and local codes. We understand downtime costs money, so our crews arrive when promised, work cleanly, and handle testing paperwork with the utility for you.
Our roots in East Tennessee give us an insider’s knowledge of the region’s aging infrastructure—and that means faster diagnostics and smarter fixes tailored to your property. From reduced-pressure assemblies to double-check valves, we stock the right parts on every truck, minimizing return trips and saving you labor dollars. When you need rock-solid backflow solutions as part of your commercial plumbing plan, call the team that keeps Clairfield businesses flowing forward: HEP, “Happy You’ll Be—or the Service Is Free!”
FAQs
What is backflow and why is prevention critical for commercial properties in Clairfield?
Backflow is the unwanted reversal of water flow in a plumbing system, which can allow contaminants such as chemicals, fertilizers, or bacteria to enter the potable water supply. Commercial facilities often have complex piping, higher water pressures, and equipment (boilers, dishwashers, fire-sprinkler systems) that create cross-connections. Without a proper backflow prevention device, these cross-connections become pathways for contamination that can jeopardize employee and public health, violate Clairfield regulations, and expose the business to liability. Installing and maintaining certified backflow preventers protects drinking water, ensures regulatory compliance, and demonstrates a commitment to safety.
Does Clairfield’s plumbing code require my business to have a backflow prevention device?
Yes. Clairfield follows Tennessee Backflow Prevention Law and local ordinances that require any commercial, industrial, or multi-family property with potential cross-connections to install and maintain an approved backflow prevention assembly. The type of device—Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ), Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA), or Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)—is determined by the degree of hazard at your site. Annual testing by a state-certified tester and submission of test reports to the local water authority are also mandatory. Failure to comply can result in water service interruption and fines.
What types of backflow preventers are commonly used in commercial plumbing systems?
1. RPZ (Reduced Pressure Zone) Assemblies – Offer the highest level of protection and are required where severe health hazards exist (chemical plants, medical facilities, commercial kitchens). 2. DCVA (Double Check Valve Assemblies) – Suitable for low- to medium-hazard applications such as office buildings or apartment complexes without chemical connections. 3. PVB (Pressure Vacuum Breakers) – Typically installed on irrigation or sprinkler systems. 4. AVB (Atmospheric Vacuum Breakers) – Used on hose bibbs or low-hazard lawn irrigation. Our licensed plumbers assess your facility’s plumbing layout and hazard level to recommend the correct device.
How often must my backflow prevention device be tested, and who can perform the test in Clairfield?
Tennessee state regulations and Clairfield municipal code mandate that commercial backflow preventers be tested at least once every 12 months—and immediately after installation, repair, or relocation. Only a Tennessee-licensed, ASSE-certified backflow tester can perform the procedure. Our team meets these credentials, uses calibrated gauges, completes all state forms, and submits the results directly to the Clairfield Water Department on your behalf. We also keep digital copies for your compliance records.
What are common signs that a backflow preventer is failing, and what should I do if I notice them?
Warning indicators include: • Sudden drop in water pressure or unexplained pressure fluctuations • Leaking or dripping from the relief valve or test cocks • Discolored, foul-tasting, or odd-smelling water at any fixture • Visible corrosion, rust, or broken components on the device • Unexpected water hammer noises If you observe any of these issues, contact a certified backflow specialist immediately. Our emergency response team can isolate the device, perform diagnostic testing, and repair or replace the assembly to restore protection and keep you compliant.
How long does installation or replacement of a commercial backflow preventer take, and will it disrupt my operations?
A standard annual test typically requires 30–45 minutes, with minimal water shutoff. Full installation or replacement of a backflow preventer usually takes 2–6 hours, depending on pipe size, location accessibility, and whether concrete cutting or bypass piping is needed. We schedule work during off-peak hours, provide temporary water bypasses when feasible, and coordinate with facility managers to minimize downtime. After installation, we perform a certified test, restore water service, and clean the work area—so your business experiences as little disruption as possible.