Are you a business owner currently undertaking a new construction project or ongoing renovations to existing plumbing infrastructure? When building a new structure or redesigning a building, it’s important to understand the difference between residential and commercial backflow prevention. Comparing the two types of water treatment can guarantee better protection for you, your building, other occupants, and the surrounding community as a whole!
The Key Differences
Most obviously, the key difference between residential and commercial backflow prevention is scale. In nearly all instances, commercial buildings require plumbing infrastructure and, subsequently, backflow prevention equipment much larger and more robust than residential alternatives. Furthermore, many commercial backflow preventers feature advanced assemblies, such as double-check or reduced pressure zone assemblies.
Both of these assemblies enhance specific performance and protection factors relative to your business’s needs. For example, an RPZ assembly effectively prevents chemical and disease contamination, making it ideal for hospitals or industrial companies. Conversely, most residential backflow systems are more basic (single valve, air gap, etc.) and boast moderate overall capacities. Residential devices are typically smaller, significantly impacting their performance and effectiveness.
The Importance of Widespread Backflow Prevention
Regardless of whether you manage a massive commercial building or simply own a quaint home in a residential neighborhood, widespread backflow prevention throughout entire communities is essential for the well-being of everyone! Without proper backflow prevention equipment, contaminated water has free access to potable water supplies. That means faucets, sinks, and hoses throughout entire towns can spew pollutants, agricultural run-off, chemical toxins, waste, disease, and more. Notably, all municipalities enforce backflow prevention regulations, ensuring protection for their citizens.
Ensuring Quality Backflow Prevention
Now that you know the key difference between residential and commercial backflow systems and the overall importance of prevention equipment, it’s time to ensure your building has the proper protections in place to reduce the risk of backflowing pipeline conditions. First, determine the application of your potential backflow preventer. Will it be used to service apartments, an office space, an industrial refinery, or an agricultural operation?
You must secure the proper preventer assembly depending on your specific application. We highly recommend that you consult with a licensed master plumber or plumbing business when determining this information to ensure the best possible results. Furthermore, consider investing in higher-quality parts and backflow components, such as 100-percent stainless steel elements, to guarantee better performance and longevity.
Comparing residential and commercial backflow prevention methods, equipment, and more can give you a better understanding of the proper requirements of your existing plumbing infrastructure. Ensure you install the ideal parts and components to protect potable water supplies and the well-being of your community.
