What backflow prevention does
Water normally flows one way: from the city's mains into your building. Backflow happens when pressure changes cause water to reverse, which can pull water from irrigation systems, boilers, process equipment or a hose left in a bucket back toward the public supply. A backflow prevention assembly is a valve arrangement that stops that reverse flow.
You will often see these assemblies on irrigation systems, fire sprinkler lines and commercial buildings. Many water suppliers require certain assemblies to be tested on a schedule by a certified tester. For requirements that apply to your property, check with the City of Buena Park's water utility.
Backflow terms
- Backflow
- Water flowing in the reverse direction from the intended flow.
- Back-siphonage
- Backflow caused by a drop in supply pressure, such as during a main break.
- Back-pressure
- Backflow caused by pressure on the customer side exceeding supply pressure.
- Cross-connection
- Any connection where non-drinking water could enter the drinking water system.
- Reduced pressure assembly
- A common type of backflow preventer used where the hazard is higher.
Questions to settle with the city
- Does my property have an assembly on file with the water utility?
- Is annual or periodic testing required, and how are results submitted?
- Does the tester need a specific certification?
- What happens if an assembly fails a test?
- Is a new assembly needed if I add irrigation or equipment?
Common commercial plumbing needs
| Building type | Common issues | Questions to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurants and food service | Grease buildup in lines, grease interceptor upkeep, floor drains | What maintenance schedule does the city or sewer agency require? Check with the city. |
| Retail and offices | Restroom fixtures, water heaters, backflow assemblies | Can repairs be scheduled outside business hours? |
| Multi-unit housing | Shared sewer lines, recirculating hot water, shutoff access | Which shutoffs isolate which units? |
| Light industrial | Process water, backflow hazards, larger supply lines | Which assemblies are required for the equipment on site? |
Planning commercial plumbing work
- Map shutoffs.Know which valves isolate which areas so a repair does not close the whole building.
- Schedule around operations.Ask whether work can be done before opening, after closing or in phases.
- Confirm licensing.Check the contractor's CSLB license at cslb.ca.gov and ask whether they handle commercial work.
- Ask about permits.Commercial plumbing changes commonly need permits. Check with the city.
- Keep records.Keep test reports, camera footage and invoices together for inspections and future repairs.
Common questions
- Who can test a backflow assembly?
- Water suppliers generally require a certified tester. Check with the City of Buena Park's water utility for its specific rules and accepted certifications.
- What affects the cost of backflow work?
- The type and size of the assembly, its location and access, whether repair parts are needed, and any reporting to the water supplier. Ask for a written quote.
- Can a failed assembly be repaired?
- Often yes, with replacement parts. Sometimes an older assembly is replaced instead. The retest after repair confirms it works.
General information for Buena Park, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.