Backflow System Inspection & Testing in Detroit & Southeast Michigan

We need clean, potable water to live and work. Turning on the tap and getting drinking water is a simple process, but the science behind it is complex.

Backflow systems are necessary to keep your water potable and free from contaminants. Protecting backflow systems calls for regular, professional inspection and testing.

Backflow Systems: How They Work

Clean water flows in one direction: into our buildings’ plumbing fixtures and appliances. The resulting wastewater also flows in one direction: away from the property.

If there’s a water pressure issue or some other kind of problem, wastewater and even toxic gases can be forced back into your potable water supply. That’s why we install backflow systems. A backflow preventer stops the backflow of contaminated water into our drinking water.

Types of Backflow Preventers

The type of backflow preventer device installed in your building’s plumbing depends on:

• Degree of hazard posed by cross-connection
• Pipe size(s)
• Plumbing system arrangement
• Property location

Common types of backflow (and backsiphonage) preventer systems include:

• AVB – The atmospheric vacuum breaker backflow preventer is sometimes called a “non-pressure-type vacuum breaker.” It is elbow-shaped and has a check seat, an air inlet port, and an inlet valve inside to prevent backflow. A backward water flow causes the air inlet valve to close. When the water flow stops, the valve drops and forms a “check valve” against backflow while allowing air to enter, which satisfies the vacuum.
• DCDA – Double check detector assembly backflow preventers are usually used with fire sprinkler systems. The design includes a double check valve with a metered bypass. It can also detect water loss due to leaks.
• DCV – Double check valves have two check valves: one tightly closing shut-off valve at each end, plus seated test cocks to allow normal flow.
• PVB – A pressure vacuum breaker protects against backsiphonage. It has an independent check valve and air inlet valve. It should be equipped with seated test cocks and shut-off valves at each end.
• RPZ – A reduced pressure zone device is used in especially hazardous situations. It maintains a lower pressure than the water supply pressure to prevent backflow and toxic contamination.
• SPV – a spill-resistant vacuum breaker has an internal check valve and an independent air inlet valve. It’s used to protect against backsiphonage.

Backflow Preventer System Inspection: What We Do

Even if it’s a small leak, backflow is a big problem and can cause serious health hazards. Most companies and homeowners treat a backflow occurrence as a health crisis because it is.

Backflow preventers are necessary to safeguard a water supply, but they must be tested and inspected by a Michigan-licensed, trained plumbing professional for maximum efficiency.

Fire Systems of Michigan will:

1. Turn off the downstream shut-off valve.
2. Attach test hoses.
3. Test the water pressure.
4. Examine areas where the pressure isn’t correct.

Fire Systems of Michigan: Safety Is Our Focus

Our professionals are knowledgeable about regulations and compliance, which is important. But we also care about the health and safety of our Michigan neighbors. Call 313-255-0053  or contact Fire Systems of Michigan for commercial or residential backflow preventer systems testing and inspection information or services.