- HEP Plumbing
- Backflow Prevention

Backflow Prevention
Backflow Prevention | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Rutledge
When a sudden pressure change threatens to send contaminated water racing back into your building’s potable lines, you want the assurance that HEP’s certified backflow technicians are on your side. Serving businesses across Rutledge, we install, test, and maintain state-of-the-art prevention assemblies that keep restaurants, factories, medical facilities, and multi-tenant complexes in full compliance with health department regulations. Our team handles all paperwork, schedules annual inspections, and responds around the clock so you never have to worry about surprise shutdowns or fines.
With decades of specialized experience in commercial plumbing, HEP delivers meticulous craftsmanship and transparent pricing on every backflow project. From custom retrofit solutions to large-scale system upgrades, we safeguard your water supply while minimizing downtime for your staff and customers. Call today and discover why Rutledge business owners trust HEP to keep their operations flowing clean and safe.
FAQs
What is backflow and why is it a concern for commercial properties in Rutledge?
Backflow is the unwanted reversal of water flow that can allow contaminated water, chemicals, or sewage to enter the potable (drinking) water supply. In commercial buildings—restaurants, factories, medical facilities, and multi-tenant complexes—there are often cross-connections where potable and non-potable water meet (dishwashers, irrigation systems, fire sprinklers). Without a working backflow prevention device, pressure changes in the municipal mains or within the building’s own plumbing can siphon contaminants into the public water system, compromising occupant health and violating city and state regulations.
Are backflow prevention devices required by law for businesses in Rutledge?
Yes. Rutledge follows Georgia’s State Plumbing Code and local utility ordinances, which mandate that any commercial property with a potential cross-connection must install an approved backflow prevention assembly. Businesses must also have the device tested annually by a certified tester and submit passing test reports to the city’s water department. Failure to comply can lead to fines, service termination, and liability for any contamination event.
How often must my commercial backflow preventer be tested, and who can perform the test?
Most commercial assemblies in Rutledge must be tested once every 12 months; some high-hazard occupancies (e.g., medical labs, chemical plants) may require semi-annual testing. Testing must be carried out by a state-licensed backflow prevention tester/plumber who holds current certification and calibrated test equipment. After the test, you’ll receive a signed report (often called a Form 1 or Backflow Test Certificate) that must be filed with the city within the stated deadline.
What kinds of backflow prevention devices are available for commercial use, and how do I know which one I need?
Common commercial devices include: (1) Double Check Valve Assemblies (DCVAs) for low-hazard applications like standard domestic water lines; (2) Reduced Pressure Zone Assemblies (RPZs) for high-hazard environments where chemicals or pathogens could be present; (3) Pressure Vacuum Breakers (PVBs) and Spill-Resistant Vacuum Breakers (SVBs) for lawn irrigation; and (4) Detector Check Valves for fire sprinkler systems. A licensed commercial plumber will evaluate your plumbing layout, hazard level, and local code requirements to specify the correct device size, model, and installation location.
What is involved in professional backflow device installation or replacement?
A certified commercial plumber will: 1) obtain any required permits from Rutledge’s building department; 2) shut down water service and drain lines to prevent flooding; 3) cut into the supply line at an accessible, code-approved location; 4) install the device with proper clearances, support, and orientation; 5) restore water, purge air, and conduct an initial performance test; 6) label the device with identification tags and test dates; and 7) file documentation with the city. For retrofits, old devices are removed and responsibly recycled, and the piping may be reconfigured to meet current code.
What should I budget for backflow testing, maintenance, or replacement in Rutledge?
Typical annual testing fees for a single commercial backflow preventer run $85–$150, depending on device size and location. Minor maintenance—like replacing check valve springs or rubber seals—can add $50–$200. Full device replacement, including parts, labor, and permits, generally ranges from $450 for a small 1" DCVA to $2,500 or more for a 4" RPZ. Costs rise with device size, complexity, and accessibility. Scheduling routine tests and timely repairs is far less expensive than fines or business downtime caused by water service interruptions or contamination events.