The Critical Importance of Backflow Prevention for Commercial Properties

Proper backflow prevention at commercial locations is a critical safety measure to protect both people and property. Taking the time to ensure that your commercial plumbing system has proper safeguards and equipment can prevent a disastrous incident that can have long term impacts on your business.

In this post we’ll explore more about some of the root causes of backflow and how you can proactively avoid them:

What Is Backflow and Why Does It Happen?

Backflow is, as the name implies, when the water in a plumbing system flows in the opposite direction as intended.

This can be caused by unexpected pressure changes or oversights, especially when dealing with large and complex plumbing systems that tend to be used at commercial properties.

Pressure changes in the system can occur if there is a water main break, a requirement for firefighters to use the system, or system maintenance without proper safety controls.

There are two main types of backflow to understand:

• Backpressure: This occurs when downstream pressure exceeds the supply pressure, pushing water (potentially contaminated) back into the main system.
• Backsiphonage: This occurs when there is a drop in supply pressure, which creates a vacuum that draws water backward.

The reason these issues are so dangerous is that contaminants such as chemicals, fertilizers, bacteria, or industrial waste can be drawn backwards into the potable water system and end up being consumed.

The Risks of Neglecting Backflow Prevention

There are a handful of quite severe risks associated with failure to install and maintain proper backflow prevention devices at commercial properties.

Dangers to Health

A massive concern is the health risks that come from visitors to the business being made sick by a contaminated water supply. This is especially true for business in the restaurant, healthcare and food processing industries.

Legal Liabilities

Even if an incident does not occur, there can be significant legal fines given out if a company doesn’t take proper measures to prevent backflow. Where severe, this can also lead to lawsuits or even shutdown of the business.

Property Damage

Repairs after an incident involving backflow will most likely be much more costly than a relatively simple initial backflow prevention plan and regular maintenance.

Damage to Business Reputation

A business labelled as unsafe will struggle to recover in the long run. Once again, this is especially true in the restaurant, food and healthcare industries where sanitary systems are critical and consumer trust will need to be reestablished.

How Commercial Backflow Prevention Works

In order to prevent backflow at a commercial property, the plumbing system will be installed with specialized backflow preventers. These are much stronger than ones used in residential homes.

These prevention devices will be integrated with many of the plumbing systems including:

• Boilers & HVAC systems
• Outdoor sprinkler & indoor fire suppression systems
• Food processing facilities

There are several types of backflow prevention techniques or devices which can be recommended to you by your commercial plumbing specialist, depending on your infrastructure and risk level.

• Air gaps use physical separation to prevent backflow.
• Check valves allow water to only go one way.
• Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) valves provide strong protection in high-risk scenarios.
• Double-check valves use two check valves in series for extra security.

Proper Maintenance and Ongoing Backflow Prevention Program

Regardless of which approach is used, regular testing and plumbing maintenance programs are key to ensure that your commercial property is prepared for any situation.

A maintenance program will likely involve:

• Annual inspections: Many areas require certified professionals to test devices every year.
  
• Detailed recordkeeping: Document everything — test results, repairs, replacements — to show compliance during inspections.
  
• Repairs as needed: If tests reveal problems, prompt repairs maintain system integrity and protect health.
  
• A partner with plumbing experts: Work with licensed plumbers or backflow specialists. Their expertise is important for installation, testing, and choosing the right device.
  
• Developing a safety culture: Train your operations or maintenance team on why backflow matters. Encourage regular reporting of issues and proactive inspections.

Are You Prepared?

Commercial property owners need to know the potential risks and solutions when dealing with backflow prevention. An oversight can lead to devastating consequences for the business, while getting it right the first time around and establishing a consistent maintenance program gives peace of mind.

For more information about the risks of backflow or to learn more about how you can ensure your commercial facilities are prepared, reach out to ABC Plumbing & HVAC in Ottawa today.