Backflow Prevention
Backflow Prevention | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Hixson
When a restaurant, hospital, or office park in Hixson suffers a back-pressure or back-siphonage event, contaminants can flow straight into the potable water line—and straight onto the wrong side of the health inspector’s report. HEP’s licensed backflow specialists protect your reputation and your bottom line with precise testing, repair, and installation services that meet all state and local codes. Because backflow assemblies must be inspected annually, we keep detailed records, send timely reminders, and handle every scrap of paperwork for you.
Our technicians arrive in fully stocked vans, ready to isolate the problem, swap out relief valves, or rebuild an entire RPZ device without shutting your business down for long. From 24/7 emergency response to scheduled maintenance, HEP delivers the fast, code-compliant solution Hixson businesses expect from true commercial plumbing experts.
Safeguard your customers, employees, and water supply—schedule your backflow prevention service with HEP today and enjoy crystal-clear compliance all year long.
FAQs
What is backflow and why is it a concern for commercial properties in Hixson?
Backflow is the unwanted reversal of water flow in a plumbing system, allowing contaminated or non-potable water to enter the clean water supply. Commercial buildings—restaurants, medical offices, manufacturing plants, apartment complexes, etc.—often have complex plumbing that can create cross-connections (points where potable and non-potable water can meet). If a pressure change occurs (from a water-main break, fire-hydrant use, or high demand inside the building), pollutants such as chemicals, bacteria, or industrial fluids can be siphoned backward into the drinking water system. For businesses in Hixson, this not only violates state and local codes but also poses serious health risks to employees, customers, and the surrounding community.
Am I legally required to install and test a backflow prevention assembly for my commercial facility?
Yes. The Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC) and the Chattanooga/Hixson Utility District require all commercial and industrial facilities with potential cross-connections to install an approved backflow prevention assembly. These include RPZs (Reduced Pressure Zone assemblies), double-check valves, or pressure vacuum breakers, depending on the hazard level. Additionally, assemblies must be tested at installation and re-tested annually by a state-certified tester. Failure to comply can result in fines, water-service termination, or business-license complications.
What types of backflow prevention devices are most common for commercial plumbing systems?
1. Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Assemblies: Recommended for high-hazard environments (car washes, chemical processing, medical facilities) because they provide the highest level of protection. 2. Double-Check Valve Assemblies (DCVAs): Used for medium-hazard applications such as apartment complexes, office buildings, or irrigation systems that do not handle toxic substances. 3. Pressure Vacuum Breakers (PVBs) and Spill-Resistant Vacuum Breakers (SVBs): Often installed on dedicated irrigation lines or fire-sprinkler systems where back-pressure is unlikely but back-siphonage could occur.
How often does my backflow device need to be tested and who can perform the test?
In Hixson, commercial backflow prevention assemblies must be tested: • Upon installation or relocation • Annually thereafter • After repairs, rebuilding, or any change to surrounding piping Only testers certified by TDEC and registered with your local water utility are authorized to perform these tests. They use calibrated gauges to measure pressure differentials and ensure internal check valves and relief ports operate correctly. After testing, the technician submits a signed report to the utility and gives you a copy for your records.
What should I expect during a commercial backflow test and maintenance visit?
1. Water Shut-Off: The technician will temporarily shut off the water to isolate the assembly—typically 10–30 minutes per device. 2. Visual Inspection: Checking for leaks, corrosion, or damage to the assembly and surrounding piping. 3. Functional Testing: Attaching a differential-pressure gauge and opening/closing test cocks to verify each check valve and relief valve operates within specification. 4. Documentation: Completing the official TDEC test form, listing results, gauge serial number, and any corrective actions. 5. Repairs (if needed): If the assembly fails, the technician will clean internal components, replace faulty parts, or swap out the entire device. A passing retest is then performed and documented.
How much does backflow prevention testing or installation cost for a commercial property in Hixson?
Pricing depends on device type, size, and accessibility, but typical ranges are: • Annual Test: $85–$150 for most ¾"–2" devices; $175–$450 for 2 ½"–10" or specialty assemblies. • Repairs: Simple part replacements (springs, seals) run $40–$150 plus labor; extensive rebuild kits or full replacements can cost $200–$800. • New Installation: $450–$1,200 for small-diameter assemblies (including labor, valves, fittings, permits); $2,000–$5,000+ for large commercial or fire-line units. Investing in proper backflow protection avoids fines, business interruptions, liability lawsuits, and possible contamination clean-up costs, making it a cost-effective safeguard for any commercial operation.