Backflow Inspection
Commercial Fire Protection Services in Houston
SCHEDULE YOUR ANNUAL BACKFLOW PREVENTER INSPECTION IN HOUSTON
One of the most important yet often overlooked parts of your business’s fire protection system is the backflow preventer. Backflow prevention devices are water supply system components that ensure that your water only flows in one direction through your commercial property’s pipes. Without a backflow preventer, your water supply may be compromised via a pressure increase or decrease, which could cause your water to flow backwards into the public water supply. The long-term health effects for the residents of Houston could be catastrophic.
At MLN Fire Protection, we provide comprehensive backflow preventer services to commercial clients throughout Houston and the surrounding areas, including Harris County, Fort Bend County, Montgomery County, Brazoria County, and Galveston County. Get in touch with our fire protection experts today to schedule your annual backflow preventer inspection.
BUSINESSES WITH ESPECIALLY HIGH RISK OF BACKFLOW CONTAMINATION
- Chemical plants
- Pest control businesses
- Metal processing plants
- Laundromats
- Mortuaries
- Car washes
- Golf courses
- Garden nurseries
- RV parks
- Agricultural/Fertilizer Facilities
- Food processing plants
- Shipyards and naval bases
- Paint manufacturers
WHAT IS BACKFLOW?
Your business’s water supply, including that used in your fire protection system, is provided by the city’s water mains. The stagnant water that fills the pipes of your fire protection systems is non-potable, i.e. unsuitable for drinking. As a result, the State of Texas requires that all commercial property owners install backflow preventers to keep that non-potable stagnant water from mixing with the city’s drinking water.
Water in your fire protection system should only flow in one direction — into your property. However, there are times when pressure changes in the pipes can cause water to seep back into the city’s main supply, for instance, via a water main break or a decrease in water pressure caused by the opening of a fire hydrant. This is known as backflow. Backflow can pollute the public drinking supply with contaminants such as fertilizers, pesticides, human waste, and toxic chemicals, leading to not only bad-tasting, odorous, and discolored water, but also widespread illness or worse.
HOW BACKFLOW PREVENTERS WORK
Backflow preventers are designed to keep water inside fire protection and other water-bases systems. There are several different types of backflow prevention devices, including double check valves, reduced pressure zones, and pressure vacuum breakers. Each has its own pros and cons, including varying levels of expense for installation, maintenance, and repair.
Backflow preventers work by relying on two one-way valves, or check valves, assembled in a particular order to prevent stagnant water from backing up into the public water supply. Backflow preventers were first invented specifically for the fire protection industry, since backflow from fire sprinkler systems can be especially alarming. Any time the water pressure on the property side exceeds that on the city side, the two check valves close, preventing any backflow. However, if both valves fail or debris in the water line prevents the valves from closing completely, backflow may occur. This is why it is so essential to ensure that your fire protection system’s backflow preventer is working properly, via a professional backflow preventer inspection.
Backflow Preventer Inspection Requirements in Texas
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality requires that all commercial and industrial properties not only have properly installed and tested backflow preventers, but also that these devices be professionally inspected annually. At MLN Fire Protection, our Houston fire protection experts can ensure that your backflow preventer is compliant with all city and state ordinances, regulations, service agreements, and plumbing codes to keep our city’s water safe for all to enjoy.
Comprehensive Backflow Preventer Inspections in Houston
- If it’s time for your business’s annual backflow preventer inspection, turn to MLN Fire Protection. We have been providing thorough backflow preventer inspections to businesses throughout Houston and the surrounding areas for years, and we can ensure that your company’s backflow preventer meets all state and city requirements. To get started, get in touch with the MLN Fire Protection team today.