Why Your Business Needs Commercial Backflow Testing

December 5, 2023
Water Pipe

In commercial property management there's an often overlooked aspect that tends to escape attention until it becomes a full-blown disaster – backflow. For businesses that heavily depend on a consistent water supply, safeguarding the integrity of their water systems becomes an absolute priority. This is where commercial backflow testing steps in as a crucial line of defense against potential health risks and regulatory breaches. In this blog post, we'll explore the ins and outs of commercial backflow testing, highlighting why it's indispensable for your business, and providing insights on how to seamlessly implement it into your commercial property management.


What is Commercial Backflow Testing?

Commercial backflow testing is a thorough check to confirm that the backflow prevention devices in a commercial water system are working correctly. These devices, such as backflow preventer valves, are specifically designed to prevent contaminated water from entering the clean water supply. During the testing process, the functionality of these devices is assessed to ensure they can effectively stop backflow.


What is Backflow?

Backflow happens when water unexpectedly flows in the wrong direction, posing a risk of contaminating the clean water supply. In complex commercial setups where water systems are interconnected, factors like changes in water pressure or unforeseen events can lead to backflow. To address this concern, commercial establishments use backflow testing.


Why Your Business Needs Commercial Backflow Testing

Here are couple reasons why businesses need backflow testing:


It Protects Public Health

Backflow poses a severe threat to public health by introducing contaminants into the potable water supply. Contaminated water can carry harmful bacteria, chemicals, and other pollutants that, when consumed, can lead to serious health issues. By investing in commercial backflow testing, businesses play a crucial role in safeguarding the health and well-being of their employees, customers, and the community at large.


Regulatory Compliance

Many local and national regulations mandate the installation of backflow prevention devices in commercial properties. Regular testing is often a legal requirement to ensure compliance with these regulations. By conducting regular commercial backflow testing, businesses demonstrate their commitment to adhering to regulatory standards and maintaining a safe environment.


Preventing Costly Repairs

Backflow incidents can lead to extensive damage to the water infrastructure within a commercial property. Repairing or replacing damaged pipes, valves, and other components can be a costly affair. Regular commercial backflow testing helps identify potential issues before they escalate, allowing businesses to address problems promptly and avoid expensive repairs.


Close up of pipe

How to Implement Commercial Backflow Testing Effectively


Establish a Testing Schedule

Businesses should create a routine schedule for commercial backflow testing. The frequency of testing may vary based on local regulations, the type of business, and the specific risks associated with the water supply. Typically backflow devices should be inspected once a year, and commercial properties are sent notice by the county. Implementing a regular testing schedule ensures that potential backflow issues are identified and addressed in a timely manner.


Invest in Quality Backflow Prevention Devices

The effectiveness of commercial backflow testing hinges on the quality of the backflow prevention devices installed in the water system. Invest in reputable and certified devices like backflow valves, and regularly inspect and maintain them to ensure optimal performance.


Maintain Detailed Records

Keep comprehensive records of all commercial backflow testing activities. Documentation should include testing dates, results, any repairs or adjustments made, and the credentials of the professionals conducting the tests. These records serve as essential documentation for regulatory compliance and can be valuable in the event of an audit.


Hire Certified Backflow Professionals

Commercial backflow testing should be conducted by qualified and certified professionals, like the commercial plumbers at Plumb Works. Our experts have the knowledge and experience to assess the backflow prevention devices accurately. 


Schedule Backflow Testing and Other Commercial Plumbing Services With Plumb Works

Commercial backflow testing is not just a regulatory obligation but a fundamental responsibility for businesses relying on water systems. By understanding the what, why, and how of commercial backflow testing, businesses can actively contribute to public health, regulatory compliance, and the overall well-being of surrounding communities. 


If you are a commercial property owner searching for “backflow testing near me”, Plumb Works has you covered! At Plumb Works, our employees are properly licensed, certified, and insured to perform backflow testing. Call 404-524-1825 to schedule a backflow testing service.


Lenz building
October 21, 2025
When Lenz, Plumb Works’s marketing agency of record, moved into its new home, an historic building on the Decatur Square, it didn’t have to look far.
Water heater inspection
October 2, 2025
October is the perfect time for seasonal plumbing maintenance to make sure your water heater is ready to bring the warmth when you need it most.
Thank you, Eric Ponder for 20 years of service!
October 2, 2025
Eric, thank you—for your 20 years of service, for the integrity you bring to your work, and for being a core part of the Plumb Works family.
September 16, 2025
The arrival of football season often inspires many to create a backyard retreat custom made for game day celebration. Sure, our imaginations can run wild when it comes to adding an outdoor kitchen or gas lines for that dream fire pit or grill. However, before kicking off the big play, the experts at Plumb Works are here to remind you of some key elements.
August 1, 2025
If your home is 30, 40, or even 50 years old, there’s a good chance your gas piping system hasn’t been updated since it was installed. Unfortunately, aging gas pipes can put your home and family at serious risk. Gas lines naturally degrade over time, and older materials are much more likely to develop leaks, corrosion, or even sudden failures. In metro Atlanta, soil conditions and humid weather can speed up deterioration, making it even more important to have your system inspected if your home is decades old. At Plumb Works, we’ve seen firsthand the dangers of outdated gas lines in Atlanta-area homes. Here’s why you shouldn’t wait to have yours evaluated. Why Old Gas Pipes Are a Serious Hazard Gas lines may last for decades, but they don’t last forever. Many Atlanta homes built between 1975-1995 used black iron or galvanized steel gas piping. These older materials are prone to: Corrosion and rust: Atlanta’s humid summers and occasional flooding can accelerate corrosion, especially in crawl spaces or underground lines. Loose connections: Changes in temperature between the hot southern summers and colder winters can weaken threaded connections, leading to leaks. Outdated materials: Galvanized steel pipes used in the past can flake apart internally, causing dangerous blockages. Lack of protective coating: Modern gas lines are coated with fusion-bonded epoxie (FBEs) to resist corrosion, but older pipes generally don’t have that protection. Even small leaks are dangerous because there is no safe level of exposure to natural gas. Natural gas is highly flammable, and any exposure can also lead to serious health issues, including headaches, dizziness, nausea, or even suffocation at high levels. Warning Signs Your Gas Piping Needs Repair or Replacement Because most gas piping runs behind walls or underground, spotting problems isn’t always easy. Here are a few red flags to watch for: A rotten egg smell (the odorant added to natural gas) Hissing or whistling sounds near gas appliances or lines Dead patches of grass above buried gas lines Visible rust or corrosion on any exposed pipes A sudden or unexplained increase in your gas bill If you notice any of these, call a licensed plumber right away. Gas leaks are an emergency and should NEVER be handled as a DIY repair. What Atlanta Homeowners Should Do If Your Gas Piping Is 30-50 Years Old If your home’s gas lines are decades old, schedule a professional inspection even if you haven’t noticed issues. Licensed plumbers in Atlanta, like Plumb Works, can evaluate your system, locate leaks, and determine if repairs or a full replacement are necessary. Modern gas piping materials like CSST (corrugated stainless steel tubing) or polyethylene piping last longer, resist corrosion, and are more flexible for installations around Georgia’s clay-heavy soil. Upgrading your system will not only make your home safer but also more efficient. Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late Delaying repairs or replacement of old gas pipes can have devastating consequences, including fires, explosions, or carbon monoxide exposure. Addressing the problem now can keep your family safe while protecting your property (and your wallet) from major damage. It’s also crucial to bring your home up to Georgia’s current safety codes. Call Atlanta’s Trusted Gas Line Repair Experts If your Atlanta home was built from 1975-1995 and you’ve never had the gas piping inspected, now is the time. Plumb Works, Inc. specializes in Atlanta gas line repair and gas line replacement . We understand the unique challenges of Georgia’s climate and soil conditions and follow all City of Atlanta and Georgia state codes for gas line safety. Don’t wait until a small leak turns into a dangerous emergency. Call us today or schedule an appointment online using our self-scheduler. Our licensed plumbers will perform a thorough inspection and give you peace of mind knowing your home’s gas piping is safe.
June 16, 2025
Plumbing can be intimidating. But not every plumbing fix requires a call to the pros. In fact, there are a handful of simple plumbing tasks that just about anyone can tackle with a little patience and the right guidance. Whether you’re a new homeowner, a renter, or just tired of paying for every minor leak or clog, this one’s for you.
May 1, 2025
Here’s a closer look at the most common summer sewer concerns and how to stay ahead of them before they become major (and messy) problems.
April 1, 2025
Thinking about a career in plumbing? Here’s a breakdown of the journey from apprentice to master plumber, and why Plumb Works is a great place to get started.
March 4, 2025
If you're thinking about stepping up your home’s plumbing game, here are a few 'want, not need' additions that can bring a touch of luxury to your space.
March 1, 2025
A little spring cleaning now can prevent major headaches later, especially as the warmer months bring increased water usage and the potential for hidden winter damage to show up. Here’s how to give your plumbing a seasonal refresh and keep things flowing smoothly.
Show More