SERVICES / FAQ
Ensure the safety of your drinking water supply with the help of Backflow Prevention Services, Michigan’s experts in cross-connection control. Our team of Journeyman and Master Plumbers is ASSE 5110-certified and use state-of-the-art tools and equipment specially designed for backflow prevention purposes. We offer services for commercial, heavy industrial, municipal, military, and residential facilities throughout the state of Michigan.
WE SERVE THE ENTIRE STATE OF MICHIGAN
Testing & Certification
We will test your backflow prevention systems to ensure they comply with local codes and regulations. We will also provide certification documentation so that your system is on record as compliant with the appropriate authority having jurisdiction.
Repair
Our team is factory-authorized to repair backflow prevention assemblies from the following manufacturers: Watts, Wilkins, Conbraco, Ames, Apollo, and Febco. Our trucks are equipped with tools that allow us to repair all assemblies, so we can provide urgent and emergency repair services.
Installation
We install piping and backflow prevention assemblies that are custom-designed for your jobsite’s unique needs and specifications. We follow local plumbing codes and regulations with every installation.
System Design
Our Master Plumbers will design, size, place, and install any required backflow prevention assemblies and systems to create the best results in protecting your drinking water from contamination.
FAQ'S
What is Backflow?
Backflow is the undesirable reversal of the flow of water. Backflow may contain non-potable, harmful substances that are transferred into a public or individual water system, causing serious health and safety hazards.
What is a cross-connection?
A cross-connection is any connection, temporary or permanent, between potable water and non-potable water or substances. A cross-connection can occur in a public or consumer’s water system.
What causes backflow?
Backflow is caused by either backsiphonage or backpressure.
What is backsiphonage?
Backsiphonage is a sudden decrease in water pressure in the water distribution system, such as that caused by a water main break. The decrease in pressure can lead to a suction effect, which reverses water flow and pulls non-potable substances into potable water systems.
What is backpressue?
When pressure in a non-potable system is greater than the pressure in the potable system that provides replacement water to the system, backpressure is created. The potable water may then be forced into a reverse flow through the cross-connection, allowing non-potable substances to contaminate the potable water system.
How can backflow be prevented?
Backflow prevention devices include:
- Air Gap
- Double Check Valve Assembly
- Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly
- Pressure Vacuum Breaker Assembly
Backflow prevention devices are required, based on the severity of the hazard posed to potable water supplies.
What is a backflow prevention assembly (BFPA) and why do I have one on my property?
A BFPA is an automatic valve that will only allow water flow in one direction. This helps prevent non-potable substances from entering public water supplies. Home appliances (washing machines, dishwashers, water fountains, pools, etc.) that are directly attached to your water line may contain water that doesn’t meet potable water specifications. These appliances should be protected with backflow prevention systems, which will isolate them from the public network.
Why does my device need to be tested every year?
BFPA devices have rubber components that may be damaged or deteriorate over time. Usually, valves fail about once every five years. That’s why BFPA manufacturers and most cities, counties, and states require yearly device testing, to ensure the device is working properly and is compliant with regulations.