A backflow preventer keeps water from your building, including stagnant water in fire sprinkler lines, from flowing back into the public water supply. Louisiana's plumbing code and local water utilities require commercial backflow assemblies to be tested at least once a year.
Most commercial properties have at least one assembly, and many have two: one on the domestic water line and one on the fire sprinkler supply. Both need testing by a certified tester, and the results are reported to your water provider.
During the test, the technician connects a calibrated gauge, checks each check valve and relief valve for proper closing and pressure differential, and records the readings. A failed assembly must be repaired or rebuilt and retested.
For fire lines, NFPA 25 also requires an annual forward flow test of the backflow preventer at the system demand, which confirms the assembly isn't restricting water to your sprinklers.
In Baton Rouge, Gonzales, and surrounding parishes, InspectBlaze bundles backflow testing with your annual sprinkler inspection, so one visit covers both requirements and both reports.
Need help? See our backflow testing in Baton Rouge.