Backflow Testing
Backflow Testing | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Pelham
From bustling restaurants on Cahaba Valley Road to busy industrial parks off Interstate 65, Pelham businesses rely on a pristine water supply to keep customers safe and operations running smoothly. HEP’s certified technicians specialize in backflow testing that pinpoints potential cross-connections before they threaten your building, inventory, or reputation. We handle every detail—testing, documentation, repairs, and coordination with local water authorities—so you stay compliant without lifting a wrench.
Our expertise in commercial plumbing means we understand the pressures of downtown lunch rushes, 24-hour production schedules, and strict municipal deadlines. We arrive when you need us, work quickly to minimize downtime, and leave you with clear reports that satisfy inspectors and insurance carriers alike. Trust HEP to protect your water lines today, and get back to focusing on what your Pelham business does best tomorrow.
FAQs
What is backflow and why is testing required for commercial properties in Pelham?
Backflow is the unwanted reversal of water flow that can allow contaminants—such as chemicals, bacteria, or industrial waste—to enter the public drinking-water supply. Because commercial buildings often have complex plumbing systems, cross-connections, and higher water pressures, they pose a greater risk of backflow. Pelham’s local plumbing code and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) require annual testing of backflow prevention assemblies on all commercial properties to ensure these devices are working properly and to protect the municipal water system from contamination.
How often does my business need to have backflow assemblies tested?
In Pelham, all commercial, industrial, and multi-family properties must have each backflow prevention device tested at least once every 12 months. Certain high-hazard facilities—such as medical centers, laboratories, and food-processing plants—may be required by the water authority to schedule more frequent tests. If you install a new device or replace an existing one, an initial test must also be completed and filed with the city within 10 days of installation.
What types of backflow prevention devices do you test and service?
Our licensed backflow technicians are certified to test, repair, and replace every major type of assembly, including Reduced Pressure Principle (RP) devices, Double Check Valve (DC) assemblies, Pressure Vacuum Breakers (PVBs), Spill-Resistant PVBs (SVBs), and Dual Check valves. We service all leading manufacturers—Watts, Febco, Wilkins, Apollo, Ames, and others—and can handle sizes from ½-inch devices in small retail suites up to 8-inch assemblies on large industrial fire lines.
What happens during a commercial backflow test, and will it disrupt our operations?
A standard test takes 15–30 minutes per device. Our technician will: 1. Shut off downstream water momentarily and attach calibrated test gauges. 2. Measure differential pressures across each check valve and relief valve to confirm they meet manufacturer and city specifications. 3. Inspect for leaks, corrosion, or missing parts. 4. Restore normal water service and complete the required test form. Most businesses experience just a brief water shutoff; we can schedule testing before or after normal business hours, or coordinate with on-site facility staff to minimize downtime.
Are test results submitted to the City of Pelham, and will you handle the paperwork?
Yes. After each test we complete the official ADEM/Pelham Backflow Test & Maintenance Report, sign it with the tester’s certification number, and submit it electronically or in hard copy to the Pelham Water Works division within the mandated 10-day window. We keep digital records for at least five years and provide you with a copy for your compliance files, helping you avoid fines or service interruptions.
What are the consequences of failing a backflow test, and how quickly can you perform repairs or replacements?
If a device fails, the water authority typically allows 10–30 days for corrective action. During that time an unprotected cross-connection could jeopardize public health, so prompt repairs are essential. Our stocked service trucks carry common repair kits, springs, rubbers, and check assemblies, allowing us to resolve most failures on the same visit. If a full replacement is required, we can usually obtain a new assembly and complete installation within 24–48 hours. After repairs, a retest is performed and the passing results are filed with the city to restore compliance.