Backflow Preventers
Backflow Preventers | Commercial Plumbing | Plumbing | Washburn
Safeguarding your water supply in a busy facility is too important to leave to chance. HEP’s certified technicians specialize in backflow preventer testing, installation, and repair, ensuring contaminants never work their way into your potable lines. From restaurants along the lakefront to industrial sites on the outskirts of Washburn, we bring decades of field experience, state-of-the-art testing equipment, and a commitment to code compliance that keeps inspections stress-free and operations uninterrupted.
When you call HEP, you’re partnering with local experts who understand the stakes of commercial plumbing. We schedule around your business hours, provide clear cost estimates, and leave every job site cleaner than we found it. Protect your reputation, protect your patrons—book your backflow service today and keep Washburn’s water pure.
FAQs
What is a backflow preventer and why does my Washburn commercial building need one?
A backflow preventer is a mechanical device installed on your plumbing system that stops contaminated water or other substances from flowing backward into the city’s potable water supply. In Washburn—and throughout Wisconsin—state plumbing code SPS 382 and local ordinances require approved backflow protection on commercial properties to safeguard public health. Without a properly working preventer, pressure changes in the system (for example, when a fire-sprinkler activates or a main line breaks) can pull chemicals, bacteria, or industrial fluids back into the drinking water network.
How often must backflow preventers be tested in Wisconsin, and who can perform the test?
Wisconsin Administrative Code SPS 382.22 mandates that testable backflow preventers in commercial facilities be inspected and tested at least once every 12 months. The test must be completed by a Certified Cross-Connection Control Tester who holds current credentials from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). Our licensed technicians meet all state requirements and will file the official test report with both the City of Washburn and the water utility on your behalf.
What types of backflow preventers are commonly used in commercial plumbing systems?
The most common assemblies in Washburn commercial properties include: • Reduced-Pressure Principle Assembly (RP): Offers the highest level of protection for high-hazard applications such as chemical processes and medical facilities. • Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA): Suitable for low- to medium-hazard systems like domestic water service lines and irrigation. • Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) & Spill-Resistant Vacuum Breaker (SVB): Typically installed on lawn irrigation and some industrial process lines where the assembly is located above ground. • Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB): Single-use devices often found on individual fixtures or equipment. Our team will recommend the correct assembly based on hazard level, pipe size, and site conditions.
What are the signs that my backflow preventer is failing or needs service?
Warning indicators include visible leaks from the relief port, water hammer noises, fluctuation in building water pressure, continuous discharge from the vent, or unexplained changes in water quality (odors, discoloration, taste). If you notice any of these issues—or if your annual certification is past due—schedule a service call immediately. Operating a faulty assembly not only risks contamination but also exposes your business to fines and potential shutdowns by local authorities.
How long does backflow preventer testing or replacement take, and will it disrupt my business?
A routine annual test normally takes 20–45 minutes per device, depending on accessibility and size. Minor repairs (such as replacing rubber seals or springs) can add another 30–60 minutes. Full replacement of an assembly can take two to four hours, including system depressurization and re-pressurization. We offer after-hours and weekend scheduling to minimize downtime and will coordinate with your facility manager so production, food service, or tenant operations remain largely unaffected.
What paperwork or documentation will I receive after service, and how do I stay compliant?
Upon completion, you will receive a signed test report detailing gauge readings, pass/fail status, any repairs made, and the tester’s state certification number. We also provide a digital compliance record for your files and forward copies to the Washburn water utility as required. To remain compliant, mark your calendar for the next annual test, keep all reports on site for at least three years, and promptly address any corrective actions noted by the tester or city inspector.