Lawrenceville Backflow Prevention Services

We understand that backflow can be a complex, confusing topic. That’s why we offer our customers professional consultations. Our licensed and insured plumbers can answer your questions, assess your home or business’s specific needs (including whether you are required to install a backflow preventer), and help you choose the right device for your property.

Serving our community is what we do, so we are confident we can help you meet regulatory requirements and protect your water supply from contamination. We put your needs first, and earning your trust is our top priority. Check out our reviews, and ask about our satisfaction guarantee and warranties.

When you need professional backflow prevention services in Lawrenceville, call (770) 589-0977 or contact us online to request a free estimate. We offer financing options and payment plans.

Does My Home Need a Backflow Prevention Device?

Whether your home needs a backflow prevention device depends on your plumbing layout and any potential hazards that could create a cross-connection between your potable water and a non-potable source. Certain features on a property increase the risk of contamination and often require a backflow preventer under local plumbing codes.

You may need a backflow prevention device if your home has any of the following:

• In-ground irrigation or sprinkler systems
• Fire suppression systems
• Swimming pools or decorative water features
• Private wells
• Any system that connects non-potable water to the main line

These systems can create points where contaminated water could flow backward into the clean water supply, making a backflow preventer essential for protecting both your home and the public water system.

If you're unsure whether your home requires this protection, we recommend scheduling a professional consultation. Our team can inspect your plumbing setup, identify any cross-connection risks, and ensure your system meets all local regulations.

How Do I Know If My Home Needs a Backflow Prevention Device?

You may need a device if your home has features that connect potable and non-potable water. Common indicators include:

• A lawn irrigation or sprinkler system
• A backyard pool or spa
• A private well or secondary water source
• A boiler, radiant heating, or fire sprinkler system
• Hose bibs used for chemical treatments, fertilizers, or cleaning solutions

If you’re unsure, Rapid Response Plumbing can perform a quick assessment to determine your home’s risk level.

Where Are Residential Backflow Prevention Devices Typically Installed?

Residential backflow prevention devices are usually installed at the point of greatest potential contamination, typically where a separate line branches off the main domestic water supply to a non-potable source. The device is generally installed immediately after the water meter or where the main water line enters the home, typically outside or in a basement or utility room. 

These devices may also be installed on the specific line creating the cross-connection. For homes with an in-ground irrigation system, for example, the backflow preventer tends to be installed on the outdoor line feeding the sprinklers, often in an accessible location above ground near the foundation.

Why Is Commercial Backflow a Problem?

Commercial businesses are especially at risk of backflow contamination. This is because they often use a variety of chemicals and other fluids that can contaminate the water supply if they backflow. For example, restaurants use cleaning chemicals, laundromats use laundry detergent, and hospitals use medical fluids. Most businesses are required to install and regularly test backflow prevention devices.

How Often Do I Need to Schedule Backflow Prevention Testing?

Local codes generally require annual testing of your backflow prevention device to protect both your property and the public water supply. Testing must be performed by a certified professional.

At Rapid Response Plumbing, we aim to make backflow prevention testing as easy as possible. During testing, our plumbers connect a differential pressure gauge to your device’s valves. We can then shut off your property’s water system, isolate the device, and measure the pressure drops across its internal check and relief valves to determine if the device is holding pressure properly and preventing backflow. 

The process typically takes anywhere from 15 minutes to one hour, depending on the size and complexity of your device. If we discover problems, we will need more time to complete the appropriate repairs. Upon completion, we can document the results on an official report and submit it directly to the local water department so that your property stays compliant. 

Common Causes of Residential Backflow

Dangerous backflow happens when a water pressure imbalance occurs, causing water to move in the wrong direction through an unprotected cross-connection. There are two primary mechanisms that cause this pressure imbalance: backsiphonage and backpressure.

Backsiphonage occurs when the pressure in the clean municipal water main unexpectedly drops to zero or becomes negative (like a vacuum effect). This is often caused by high-volume water use on the main (such as a water main break), firefighting operations drawing heavily from a nearby hydrant, or a main line being temporarily shut off for repairs. If a hose is submerged in a bucket of fertilizer or a swimming pool when this occurs, for example, the negative pressure can literally suck the contaminated water into your home's potable lines.

Backpressure happens when the pressure on the house side of the plumbing system becomes greater than the incoming pressure from the public water supply. The higher internal pressure then pushes water backward. Common residential sources that create this pressure include a booster pump used for an irrigation system, pressure build-up from a closed system's water heater, or even pressure created by an elevated water source like a storage tank or an upper-story plumbing connection.

Why Choose Rapid Response Plumbing?

Lawrenceville homeowners trust us for our:

• Fast response times
• Certified and highly trained technicians
• Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
• Reliable testing and annual reminders
• Commitment to safety, quality, and long-term water protection

If you need to schedule backflow preventer testing or are looking to get a new device installed, call (770) 589-0977 or contact us online.