Commercial Plumbing
Plumbing help for restaurants, shops, offices and multi-unit buildings.
Gas, backflow and business plumbing
Backflow Testing and Prevention in Commerce City, CO
A backflow preventer stops contaminated water from reversing into the drinking supply. You find one on sprinkler lines, fire systems and commercial plumbing, and each one needs periodic testing.
Mention it when you call if you have a letter asking you to test your device.
Serving Commerce City, CODescribe it, then decide
Ask what the visit covers before you approve any work.
Typical places for a backflow device
- Sprinkler linesLawn chemicals may be pulled back into the supply.
- Business buildingsBoilers, car washes and kitchens often need one.
- Fire and process linesAny connection that could pull non-potable water.
How backflow happens
Normally water travels from the utility main toward your taps. A drop in main pressure, such as a break or heavy fire demand, can reverse the flow and suck water from your side into the system. If your side has fertilizer, chemicals or dirty water, it can reach neighbors' taps.
A backflow preventer is a one-way valve system that stops this from happening.
Types of devices
A hose bib vacuum breaker screws onto an outdoor spigot. An atmospheric vacuum breaker or a pressure vacuum breaker is common on residential sprinkler systems. A double check valve assembly serves lower-hazard lines, and a reduced pressure zone assembly protects against high hazards such as boilers and chemical feeds.
The hazard level decides which device is required. A utility or the plumbing code states which one applies.
In Commerce City
Sprinklers, commercial customers and what to ask your utility
Many lawns in Adams County have in-ground sprinkler systems. Ask your water provider what applies to a home irrigation device, since the district's published rules focus on commercial customers.
If you are not sure whether your property needs a test, call your water provider. The South Adams County district has a backflow program with a list of certified testers.
Pricing factors
What shapes the price of backflow work
Testing and repair costs depend on the device and its condition.
Ask whether the visit includes filing the test report with your utility.
Testing
Testable assemblies must be checked on installation and at regular intervals. The South Adams County district requires commercial customers to test on installation and annually, with a tester holding ASSE or ABPA certification, and to submit reports by August 31 each year.
The tester measures the pressure drop across check valves and relief valves. A failed device is repaired or replaced and retested before the report is filed.
Irrigation and winter
The district's page names irrigation systems as a source of backflow, since water from the system can be drawn back into the distribution main. Its page says residential and commercial facilities are required to protect the potable water supply under the local plumbing code, and the Colorado code applies where there is none.
Before the first hard freeze, have the sprinkler system blown out and the backflow assembly drained. A frozen assembly can crack.
Signs of a problem
Water spurting from the relief port, a device that drips constantly, a cracked body or rust staining are warning signs. A device that was installed too low, where it can flood, is also a concern.
Keep the area around the assembly clear of mulch and soil, and protect it from lawn equipment.
Notices, deadlines and what the test is
Most backflow calls start with a notice from the water provider. The test is required so contaminated water cannot flow backward into the supply.
Annual tests and shutoffs
If a test is overdue, the provider may lock the service. Schedule the test promptly and keep the report.
Irrigation and other assemblies
Lawn sprinkler systems, fire lines and some commercial equipment have assemblies that need testing.
Repair and replacement
A failed test means the assembly needs service or replacing. The plumber can rebuild or swap it and retest.
Other outdoor water work
Spa & Hot Tub Plumbing
Track down spa water loss, fix equipment plumbing or hook up a new hot tub.
Water Line Repair & Replacement
Fix or replace the buried supply pipe running from the meter to your home.
Quick answers
Backflow questions
Testable assemblies are usually tested on installation and annually. Your water provider sets the schedule.
Only a certified tester. The district requires technicians to hold ASSE or ABPA certification.
It must be repaired or replaced and retested before the report is filed.
Most irrigation systems need backflow protection. Ask your water provider which device and test schedule apply.
The line is staffed at every hour. Routine tests are usually set for daytime, yet a failed device or one spraying water deserves an immediate report, and the dispatcher can discuss timing.
Call, share the address and the notice from your provider, and the dispatcher sets the visit. Keep the report, since the provider may ask for it.
Replacement is part of the service. Ask about the size and type so the correct part is brought.
Schedule the test right away and send the result to the provider. The provider restores service after it confirms the passing report.
Backflow device due for a test?
Phone in and tell us which device you have so a local contractor can prepare.