Your home’s drinking water supply depends on pressure to flow in the right direction — from the main line into your fixtures. But when that pressure drops or reverses, contaminated water from irrigation systems, appliances, or other sources can flow backward into your clean water supply. A backflow preventer stops that from happening. Gans Plumbing is NAWSC certified for backflow testing and installation, meaning we are fully qualified to handle both residential and commercial backflow requirements. Whether you need a new device installed, an existing one tested for annual compliance, or a faulty unit repaired, our licensed technicians will get it done correctly and on record.
What Is Backflow and Why Does It Matter?
Backflow occurs when water flows in the opposite direction of its intended path — back toward the potable water supply rather than away from it. This can happen through back-pressure, where downstream pressure exceeds supply pressure, or back-siphonage, which occurs when a sudden drop in supply pressure creates a vacuum effect. Either situation can allow contaminants from irrigation systems, boilers, chemical lines, or other sources to enter your drinking water. Backflow prevention devices are designed to interrupt this reversal before it reaches the potable supply. For many residential and all commercial properties, these devices are required by code and must be tested annually.
Common sources of backflow risk:
- Lawn irrigation and sprinkler systems
- Boilers and hydronic heating systems
- Swimming pools and hot tubs
- Commercial food service and chemical lines
- Hose bibs with submerged hose ends
Installation, Testing & Compliance
Backflow preventers must be installed correctly to function as intended, and in most jurisdictions, they must be tested annually by a certified tester to confirm they are operating properly. Gans Plumbing holds NAWSC certification, which qualifies us to perform both installation and annual compliance testing. We work with homeowners, property managers, and businesses to ensure their backflow devices are installed to code, tested on schedule, and properly documented. If a device fails a test, we can repair or replace it on the spot. We handle the paperwork and reporting required by local water authorities so you do not have to.
Our backflow preventer services include:
- New backflow preventer installation
- Annual compliance testing and certification
- Repair and replacement of failed devices
- Residential and commercial applications
- Documentation and reporting to water authorities
Keep Your Water Supply Safe
Backflow compliance is not something to let slide. Contact us today to schedule an installation, annual test, or inspection with our NAWSC-certified technicians.