Backflow Testing
Backflow Testing | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Dayton
In bustling Dayton, a reliable backflow prevention system is more than a line item on an inspection form—it’s your shield against contaminants that could jeopardize public health, shut down operations, and damage your reputation. HEP’s certified specialists test, repair, and replace backflow assemblies with the precision your facility demands, ensuring every valve meets Ohio codes and insurance requirements. From restaurants on Brown Street to manufacturing plants along I-75, we keep the water flowing safely so you can focus on what you do best.
Backed by decades of commercial plumbing experience, our team arrives when promised, files all compliance paperwork, and leaves your mechanical room cleaner than we found it. Need emergency service? We’re on-call 24/7, with stocked trucks and the know-how to get you back in service fast. Schedule your backflow test today and discover why Dayton businesses trust HEP to protect their water—and their peace of mind.
FAQs
What is backflow, and why is testing important for Dayton commercial properties?
Backflow is the unwanted reversal of water flow, which can pull contaminants (chemicals, bacteria, fertilizers, etc.) from industrial or irrigation lines back into Dayton’s public drinking-water supply. Because commercial sites often handle higher water pressures, cross-connections, and hazardous substances, the risk is greater than in residential settings. Annual testing verifies that your backflow prevention assembly—usually a Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ), Double-Check Valve Assembly (DCVA), or Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)—is operating correctly, safeguarding public health and keeping your facility in compliance with City of Dayton Water Department and Ohio EPA regulations.
How often does the City of Dayton require backflow prevention devices to be tested?
Under Ohio Administrative Code 3745-95 and the City of Dayton’s Cross-Connection Control Program, all commercial, industrial, and multi-family properties must have each backflow prevention device tested at least once every 12 months by a State of Ohio–certified backflow tester. Some high-hazard facilities—such as medical labs, food-processing plants, and chemical manufacturers—may be required to test devices twice a year or after any repair, relocation, or change in plumbing configuration. Your annual test report must be submitted to the Dayton Backflow Compliance office by the due date listed on your city notification letter; failing to do so can result in fines and even water-service termination.
What does a commercial backflow test involve and how long will the technician be on-site?
A certified tester will first review your device’s last test report and perform a walk-through to identify all cross-connection points. Using a calibrated differential-pressure gauge, the technician will: 1. Shut off downstream water temporarily. 2. Record static and differential pressure readings for each check valve and relief valve. 3. Inspect valve internals for debris, corrosion, or worn seals. 4. Clean or rebuild the device if minor repairs are allowed under your authorization. 5. Restore water service and re-test to confirm proper operation. Most RPZ or DCVA tests take 20–40 minutes per device; large-diameter or hard-to-access installations can take up to 90 minutes. The technician completes and electronically submits the official test form to the City, then provides you with a signed copy for your records.
What happens if my building fails the backflow test?
If any check valve or relief valve fails to hold the required pressure, the device is considered non-compliant. The tester will document the failure on the report and, if authorized, perform immediate maintenance—such as cleaning seats, replacing springs, or installing new rubber components. If parts are not available on-site or the assembly is damaged beyond repair, water service may need to remain off (or be restricted) until a repair or full replacement is completed. You generally have 10–30 days, per Dayton’s enforcement policy, to bring the device back into compliance and submit a passing test report. Ignoring a failed test can lead to citations, escalating fines, and potential water shutoff.
Will backflow testing disrupt my business operations?
Downtime is minimal. During testing, water to the specific zone protected by the device must be shut off—usually 5-15 minutes. In many commercial facilities, multiple devices isolate different sections, so the entire building doesn’t go dry. For critical processes (e.g., food prep lines, cooling towers, dialysis units), we can schedule tests outside normal hours or install a temporary bypass (where code allows) to ensure continuous operation. Our technicians coordinate beforehand with facility managers, providing an exact schedule and notifying staff moments before each shutoff so you can pause equipment or production safely.
How much does commercial backflow testing cost in Dayton, and what factors affect the price?
Typical pricing ranges from $85–$150 for the first device and $45–$95 for each additional device tested during the same visit. Costs vary based on: • Device type and size (¾″ PVB vs. 6″ RPZ) • Accessibility (ceiling mezzanines, pit installations, or roof-mounted units) • Urgency (after-hours or same-day service) • Quantity of devices at the property • Needed repairs or rebuild kits (parts are extra, usually $30–$250) • Filing fees charged by certain water purveyors (Dayton currently charges no electronic filing fee, but surrounding jurisdictions may) We provide upfront, itemized quotes and group pricing for multi-site commercial customers across the Miami Valley, helping you budget reliably and stay compliant year after year.