Backflow Prevention Requirements
Backflow Prevention Requirements | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Tazewell
Safeguarding Tazewell’s water supply isn’t just good practice—it’s the law. HEP’s team understands every nuance of backflow prevention requirements, from annual device testing to fast-track repairs that keep your operation compliant and uninterrupted. Whether you manage a restaurant on Main Street or a sprawling industrial site, our certified specialists handle permitting, installation, and documentation, ensuring contaminants never reverse course into the public system.
Because every minute of downtime costs money, we tailor our services to the pace of your business, blending code expertise with the rapid response you expect from true commercial plumbing pros. Call us the moment you need a new assembly, a scheduled inspection, or an emergency fix, and we’ll keep your potable water pure, your regulators happy, and your doors open for business.
FAQs
What is backflow and why is it a concern for commercial properties in Tazewell?
Backflow is the unwanted reversal of water flow in a plumbing system, allowing contaminated or non-potable water to enter the public drinking-water supply. In commercial settings—restaurants, medical facilities, manufacturing plants, etc.—the risks are higher because chemicals, cleaners, and industrial processes can create serious health hazards if siphoned back into the municipal lines. The Tazewell Water & Sewer Department (and state regulators) therefore require approved backflow prevention assemblies to keep the public water system safe.
Does Tazewell actually require a backflow prevention device for my business?
Yes. Under both the Virginia Statewide Building Code and local Tazewell County ordinances, every commercial property that poses a potential cross-connection must install an approved backflow prevention assembly. Examples include any business with fire-sprinkler systems, irrigation systems, commercial kitchens, dental or medical equipment, boilers, or chemical feed systems. New permits won’t be finalized, and water service can be denied or discontinued, until an appropriate device is installed and tested by a certified backflow technician.
Which type of backflow preventer do I need—an RPZ, double-check, or PVB?
The required device is determined by the degree of hazard present at your site: • Reduced-Pressure Zone (RPZ) Assemblies are required for high-hazard applications—chemical processing, medical sterilizers, commercial laundries, etc. • Double-Check Valve Assemblies (DCVAs) are allowed for moderate (non-health) hazards like standard fire-sprinkler loops without additives. • Pressure Vacuum Breakers (PVBs) are often used on irrigation systems where back-pressure is unlikely. A licensed plumbing contractor will perform a cross-connection survey of your premises and submit a device selection form to the Tazewell authority for approval.
How often must my backflow device be tested in Tazewell and who can do it?
Tazewell County follows the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) guidelines: all backflow prevention assemblies on commercial properties must be tested upon installation, after repair or relocation, and at least once every 12 months thereafter. Only testers who hold a current Virginia Backflow Prevention Device Worker certification (or equivalent reciprocal license) can perform and report these tests. Our company maintains multiple certified testers and files the official test reports directly with the county’s Cross-Connection Control Program on your behalf.
What are the consequences of a failed test or non-compliance?
If your device fails, the tester will tag it as ‘failed’ and notify you and the Tazewell Water & Sewer Department immediately. You generally have 10 calendar days to repair or replace the assembly and pass a re-test. Failure to comply can lead to: • Mandatory water shut-off until compliance is achieved • Fines assessed per day of violation (set by local ordinance) • Potential suspension of occupancy permits or business licenses in severe cases Prompt action protects public health and avoids operational disruptions.
How can I schedule installation, testing, or repair, and what information should I gather first?
Contact our commercial plumbing desk by phone or through the online request form. Please have the following ready: 1. Property address and business type 2. Number and location of existing backflow assemblies (if any) 3. Last test date and a copy of the previous test report (if available) 4. Any recent plumbing modifications or new equipment added (boilers, chillers, etc.) We will verify your facility’s hazard level, recommend the proper device, provide a written estimate, and coordinate with Tazewell inspectors to ensure all paperwork is filed. Most standard tests take under 30 minutes, and new installations can often be completed in a single day with minimal downtime.