Commercial Backflow Assembly
BACKFLOW INFORMATION
What is Backflow?
Backflow is the reversal of the flow of fluids, chemicals, or any other foreign material into the public drinking water system, causing the drinking water to become polluted or contaminated.
There are two forms of backflow:
Backsiphonage - usually caused by a loss of pressure in the drinking water system.
Backpressure - caused by pumps, piping systems elevation, or thermal expansion from a heat source.
A backflow device is a physical dis-connect between the water supply and any source of possible pollution or contamination and it most commonly consists of a pair of mechanical check values that prevent dirty water from flowing back into the clean water supply in the event of an unexpected or drastic change in water pressure..
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) holds local water suppliers responsible for maintaining a certain level of purity in the potable water supply. Therefore, the State of Oregon has required water suppliers to develop and implement backflow/cross-connection programs that meet the minimum requirements set forth by the Oregon Health Authority.
Backflow devices are commonly placed at each cross-connection point found within the plumbing systems of most commercial properties including; apartments, condominiums, food establishments, and most public places. Additionally, backflow assembly testing is required by Oregon law to keep your property in compliance with the water supplier requirements.