As New York City commercial plumbers, we know that the very first time many people become familiar with backflow prevention devices is when they receive a Violation notice from the NYC DEP. Certain types of properties – both commercial and residential – must have backflow prevention devices installed because they pose a potential risk to the municipal water supply.
What type of NYC Properties Require a Backflow Prevention Device?
The purpose of the backflow prevention device is to protect the water supply from drawing up contaminated water from commercial or residential properties in the event of low pressure on the municipal side of the equation. For example, the municipal water supply could experience low pressure due to a water main break.
Many commercial and industrial sites are required to have backflow prevention devices, including slaughterhouses, printers, health care facilities, nursing homes, canneries, tanneries, sewage treatment plants and funeral homes. Reviewing that list makes the potential risk to the municipal water system clear.
Multi-unit residential properties, mixed-used buildings such as those that have a restaurant downstairs and apartments upstairs, homes with swimming pools and homes with in-ground irrigation systems are all required to have backflow prevention devices.
This list is not exhaustive. Sometimes there’s a debate about whether a property does or does not meet the qualifications to require a back flow prevention device. There are lawyers and engineers who specialize in answering the question.
Our particular role begins after it has been determined that you need a backflow prevention device installed, or that the backflow prevention device that is already in place needs to be repaired to meet an acceptable standard. Not every plumber can do this type of repair. So if you need a backflow prevention device installed or worked on, make sure you choose one who has been certified to do the job.
