Imagine this: a customer visits your business and later ends up hospitalized from an infection traced back to your water system. This isn’t just a hypothetical horror story. It's a real risk that threatens restaurants, dry cleaners, spas, medical facilities, car washes, and even churches — basically, any business with water fixtures, even if it’s just a bathroom for customers.
At Ken’s Plumbing, we are not lawyers and cannot offer legal advice, but it is clear that the consequences of such an incident are bad, both for the affected individuals and your business. However, as plumbing professionals, we definitely have some insights to offer, and this time, we will focus on backflow testing.
Understanding Backflow
Your business’s water system consists of designated pipes that bring in clean water and separate pipes that remove wastewater, directing it into the public wastewater system. However, when there is a sudden drop in water pressure — caused by events like a burst pipe, heavy water usage, or a disruption in the main water supply — the normal flow can be reversed.
This reversal, known as backflow, allows contaminated water, chemicals, and other pollutants to enter the clean water supply, posing serious health risks to employees, customers, and the public. Without proper backflow prevention measures (most commonly a backflow preventer device), businesses could unknowingly expose people to unsafe water and potential regulatory violations.
So, What Is Backflow Testing?
Backflow testing is a plumbing service performed by a certified tester approved by the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES). The purpose of the test is to determine whether backflow is occurring and identify the cause if an issue is detected.
During the backflow test, the plumber attaches a specialized backflow testing gauge to the backflow prevention device and simulates conditions that could lead to backflow. This involves opening and closing the device’s valves while monitoring pressure levels for any irregularities. In an optimal scenario, the test should take between 20 to 30 minutes and reveal no issues. However, if the test does reveal a problem, the plumber will recommend and implement the necessary corrective measures to prevent potential contamination.
Why Should You Even Care about Backflow Testing? Here’s What SC Business Owners Need to Know
As a South Carolina business owner, backflow testing might seem like just another item on your checklist. However, you may be surprised at how essential it actually is for your business.
Protecting Your Customers and Reputation
Your customers trust that when they turn on a faucet or use water at your establishment, it's safe. Contaminated water from backflow can cause serious illness, potentially damaging not only customer health but also your business reputation. By maintaining proper backflow prevention, you demonstrate your commitment to customer care.
Preventing Costly Property Damage
Beyond health concerns, backflow incidents can cause significant property damage. When contaminated water flows back into your plumbing system, it can damage pipes, fixtures, and equipment. These damages often lead to unexpected closures and operational disruptions — a financial burden no business owner wants to face.
Meeting Legal Requirements in South Carolina
Regardless of your personal concern level, backflow testing isn’t optional for SC businesses — it’s the law. South Carolina authorities mandate backflow testing as part of public health protection measures. As a business owner, you share responsibility with local water suppliers to maintain safe water systems.
Specifically, South Carolina businesses with potential backflow hazards must:
- Install an approved backflow prevention device as part of the business’s private plumbing system.
- Conduct annual commercial backflow testing performed by a certified tester approved by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC).
- Schedule additional inspections or tests whenever the system is repaired, replaced, or relocated.
Non-compliance with these requirements exposes your business to serious liability issues. If contaminated water from your property enters the public water supply or harms individuals, you could face:
- Regulatory penalties and fines
- Legal action from affected parties
- Increased insurance costs
- Potential business closure until violations are remedied
One Tip Before Scheduling a Backflow Testing for Your Business
As it turns out, backflow testing isn't just about checking a box — it's about protecting your business, your customers, and your community from preventable harm while meeting your legal obligations.
Before you go ahead and schedule your backflow testing, here's one thing to keep in mind:
Proper backflow testing typically requires temporarily disconnecting your water service, meaning no one on the property will have access to water until the test is complete. This is one of the reasons why backflow testing must be conducted by a certified plumber. Given this, it's best to schedule the backflow test at a time when temporarily shutting off the water will cause minimal disruption to your business operations.
Be Proactive to Prevent Backflow Incidents
Protect your business, its customers and your employees by being proactive with required testing and maintenance of your commercial plumbing system. Failing to comply with state and local mandates can lead to fines or other legal ramifications.
Ken’s Plumbing can help you maintain your reputation and the safety of your customers and workers with commercial plumbing services by one of our SCDES-certified plumbers who specialize in commercial backflow testing and repairs. Call us at (864) 397-8473, contact us online, or schedule a service. We are here to ensure your peace of mind.
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