Backflow Prevention Testing
Backflow Prevention Testing | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Decatur
Backflow isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a genuine threat to your water quality, brand reputation, and bottom line. HEP’s certified technicians specialize in rigorous backflow prevention testing, repair, and device replacement for restaurants, medical facilities, manufacturing plants, and multi-tenant buildings throughout Decatur. We arrive on schedule with fully stocked vans, file all state-required paperwork, and leave your site spotless, so you can stay focused on running your business.
Because reliable water safety is the backbone of effective commercial plumbing, our team pairs decades of field experience with cutting-edge diagnostic tools to detect even the smallest pressure changes before they become violations or shutdowns. From annual compliance checks to emergency service 24/7, HEP delivers the responsive support and transparent pricing Decatur businesses demand—protecting your property, your patrons, and the community you serve.
FAQs
What is backflow and why is backflow prevention testing required for commercial properties in Decatur?
Backflow is the unwanted reversal of water flow that can allow contaminants—fertilizers, chemicals, bacteria, or industrial waste—to enter the public drinking-water system. Because commercial sites often use chemicals or connect to equipment such as boilers, irrigation systems, or fire-sprinklers, the City of Decatur and the State of Georgia require an approved backflow prevention assembly and annual testing to protect the municipal water supply. Regular testing verifies that check valves, relief valves, and shut-off valves are working correctly so contaminated water cannot flow backward into potable lines.
How often do I need to have my commercial backflow prevention assembly tested in Decatur?
Most commercial customers must have each backflow prevention assembly tested at least once every 12 months, as mandated by the Georgia Rules for Safe Drinking Water and enforced locally by the City of Decatur Water Division. High-hazard facilities—such as medical labs, restaurants with grease traps, or buildings with chemical feed systems—may be required to test twice a year or after any repair, relocation, or change in water service. Your renewal date appears on the previous test tag and reminder letters that Decatur issues about 30 days before the deadline.
Who is authorized to perform backflow prevention testing on my commercial property?
Testing must be completed by a Georgia-certified backflow prevention tester who also holds a current state plumbing license and carries calibrated test equipment. The City of Decatur keeps a registry of approved testers and requires each to submit proof of certification and gauge calibration annually. Hiring a qualified commercial plumbing contractor like us ensures that your test is valid, your paperwork is accepted by the city, and any repairs are performed to code.
What does the backflow testing process involve and how long does it take?
1. We schedule a convenient time and notify building occupants of a brief water shutdown. 2. The tester turns off downstream water, connects a differential pressure gauge, and records pressure at each test port. 3. Check valves, pressure relief valves, and air inlets are exercised to confirm they close and open within required pressure ranges. 4. Test results are logged on the official Backflow Prevention Assembly Test Report and the device is tagged with the date, tester ID, and next due date. 5. Water service is restored and the area is inspected for leaks. A single ¾"–2" device usually takes 20–45 minutes; larger or hard-to-access assemblies can take up to an hour.
What happens if my device fails the test?
If any component fails, the assembly is out of compliance and must be repaired or replaced within the timeframe specified by Decatur (generally 10 business days). We will provide a written estimate, obtain any needed parts, perform the repair, and immediately retest the unit at no additional administrative cost. Once it passes, we file the updated test report with the city. Failure to correct a defective backflow device can lead to water-service termination and potential fines under the Georgia Safe Drinking Water Act.
What information or paperwork will I receive and need to submit after the test?
You will receive: • A completed Backflow Prevention Assembly Test Report (Form F-21) with device details, test results, gauge calibration data, and the tester’s certification number. • A test tag attached to the assembly showing the date and pass/fail status. • A digital copy of the report for your records. We electronically submit the report to the City of Decatur Water Division within 5 business days, but you should keep a copy onsite for inspectors, insurance audits, and health-department reviews. If your property has multiple devices, maintain a logbook to track due dates and avoid compliance gaps.