First, let’s start with what backflow is. Whether we’re talking about a residential building or a business, backflow is the undesirable reversal of flow in a potable water distribution through a cross-connection. Essentially, an outgoing faucet like a sprinkler head or drinking fountain can suck water back up and into the public potable water supply. It’s easy to understand how this can be a problem, as it can be very unhygienic and can make people ill.
Backflow prevention is a service that is sometimes helpful for homeowners—for instance, if you have an irrigation system in place—but is particularly necessary for businesses and commercial buildings. In fact, in most jurisdictions, it is legally required that commercial buildings have a backflow prevention system in place. According to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), our area is no exception.