Common Backflow Problems in Commercial Buildings

When it comes to water safety, it’s about more than safe recreational activities. It also includes water usage and consumption. In commercial buildings, water safety also encompasses backflow prevention, which helps safeguard the public water supply. That’s because backflow is more than just a plumbing issue—it’s a serious risk to the health of your water supply, your tenants or staff, and your building’s overall safety. In commercial buildings, where plumbing systems are typically more complex, common backflow problems can become both financially costly and liability-prone. Understanding the signs, causes, and consequences of backflow is essential for any property manager, building owner, or facility maintenance team.

Why Do Backflow Problems Happen?

Backflow is as simple as it sounds - it is when the normal flow of water is reversed, allowing non-potable water or contaminated water to enter your clean water supply. It can happen in two main ways:

• Backsiphonage: A sudden drop in water pressure, like a pipe burst or heavy water usage nearby, causes water from an external source (often contaminated) to be sucked back into your system.

• Backpressure occurs when pressure from a non-potable source (such as a boiler or irrigation system) exceeds the pressure in your clean water supply lines. This pushes contaminants back into the potable water system.

  
  

In commercial buildings, these problems often stem from improperly installed valves, aging pipes, or outdated plumbing systems that lack proper backflow prevention devices.

Don’t Ignore These Signs When It Comes to Backflow Problems

As a building owner, property manager, or maintenance team, there are signs of backflow or cross-connection problems that just should not be ignored. Understanding the early signs of backflow can save you from a larger issue down the line. These signs include: 

• Water that appears discoloured, cloudy, or has an unusual taste or odour

• Complaints of waterborne illnesses among tenants or staff

• A noticeable drop in water pressure throughout the building

• Frequent issues with water testing or failed water quality inspections

• Unexpected wet spots or corrosion around your building's plumbing connections

  
  

Any changes in your water quality, even the subtle ones, could indicate an issue that needs to be taken seriously. Small abnormalities can lead to significant problems with backflow issues. The sooner you act, the better.

What To Do If You Notice Something Wrong With the Water

While regular inspection (visual on your part) is important, doing something when you see something wrong is essential. Calling a certified technician at the first sign of trouble will ensure you don't have to contend with backflow issues. If there are abnormalities with water appearance, odour, pressure, or you notice any leaks, this is what to do:

1. Stop using the water in the affected area until the issue is diagnosed.

2. Notify your building maintenance team or a licensed plumber to inspect the backflow prevention devices.

3. Schedule a backflow test. You need to do this annually, and it helps determine whether your valves are working correctly.

4. Report it to your local water authority, especially if there’s a risk of contaminated water entering the municipal system.

5. Consider a backflow prevention upgrade if your current system is outdated or non-compliant.

   
   

Consequences for Your Business or Building If You Do Not Address Backflow

Ignoring backflow problems can lead to far more than plumbing repairs. The consequences can be severe:

• Health risks to employees, tenants, or customers due to contaminated drinking water

• Legal liability or fines from local water authorities for non-compliance

• Business disruption due to mandatory shutdowns or required plumbing work

• Reputation damage if your building becomes associated with water quality issues

• Potential property damage from internal pipe corrosion or flooding

  
  

In short, failing to deal with common backflow problems can snowball into a major operational and financial headache.