Backflow Prevention & Testing in Central Maryland

Keeping drinking water clean and healthy is essential for any municipal water system. That’s why many jurisdictions in Maryland require backflow preventers for commercial properties and certain residential applications. These devices must be tested annually to ensure they’re working properly.

When you need backflow specialists to install or test backflow prevention devices, turn to our experts at Prime Plumbing. We serve Silver Spring, Severna Park, Carroll County, and Ann Arundel County and offer complete backflow prevention and testing services for both commercial and residential properties. Our company has exceptional customer service, upfront pricing, and great reviews, and we will go out of our way to ensure your complete satisfaction.

Contact Prime Plumbing today to schedule backflow testing for your home or business in the Baltimore area.

What Is Backflow Prevention?

Backflow happens when water from exterior sources is forced backward into potable water systems. This process can contaminate the water and make it unsafe to drink.

One of the most common ways backflow can occur is if an exterior pressurized system, such as a chemical tank at a car wash, develops higher pressure than the municipal water system, forcing chemicals into the drinking water. In a residential setting, a garden hose left in a pool, a trash can, or another container can siphon contaminated water into the potable water system if a water main breaks, causing a sudden pressure drop that lets the water start flowing away from the home through gravity.

Backflow preventers help stop the reverse flow from happening in a water system, as well as siphoning. The most basic backflow preventer is a set of check valves, while more complex devices create reduced pressure zones and feature built-in testing ports.

Residential Backflow Prevention & Testing

Not all homes in Maryland have backflow preventers, but they’re required in new homes, those with replaced plumbing, and homes with irrigation systems that are prone to backflow issues.

To test a residential backflow device, our technicians from Prime Plumbing will turn off the water supply, close the downstream shut-off valve for the plumbing system, and then open a few faucets inside your home. Under these conditions, water should try to flow backward, and if the backflow preventer allows water to pass in the reverse direction, it must be repaired or replaced. This means installing a new backflow preventer for most homes, as residential units are rarely rebuildable.

Preventing Backflow at Your Commercial Property

Most commercial properties require backflow preventers, especially those with fire sprinkler systems. Commercial backflow preventers can be large check valves that are rebuildable or repairable, or they can be more complex solutions with reduced pressure zones, pressure relief valves, and air ports.

To test a commercial backflow preventer, our technicians from Prime Plumbing will shut off the water supply, close the downstream valve, and open some taps in the plumbing system. Gauges will be connected to the test ports, and water pressure will be measured at several locations. If unusual pressures are found or the backflow preventer is leaking or allowing water to flow backward, it will need to be repaired, rebuilt, or replaced.

Why Choose Prime Plumbing?

Whether you need backflow testing, backflow preventer repairs, or a new backflow preventer installation in Central Maryland, our team at Prime Plumbing can help. We have experienced, licensed plumbers with full background checks and provide great service on every visit. We offer valuable discounts for military personnel, veterans, and seniors and excellent financing options for larger plumbing projects. Prime Plumbing also happily offers free estimates and second opinions on plumbing services and projects.

Contact us today to request a quote for backflow prevention services in Central Maryland.