Protecting Your Water Supply with Backflow Preventers
Clean, safe drinking water is something most people take for granted until a backflow event contaminates it. Backflow occurs when the normal direction of water flow reverses, allowing non-potable water, chemicals, or other hazardous substances to enter the clean water supply. At Garrett Plumbing and Heating Co., we specialize in the installation of backflow preventers for commercial, residential, and industrial properties, ensuring your water remains safe and your property stays compliant with local and state regulations throughout Jackson, TN and surrounding areas.
With over 70 years of experience in the plumbing and HVAC industry, we have built a reputation as your trusted HVAC and plumbing experts. Our reputation and quality of service are important to us, and we understand the need to look after our customers. That commitment extends to every backflow prevention service we provide, from initial assessment and device selection to installation and annual testing.
How Backflow Preventers Work
Backflow preventers are mechanical devices installed at cross-connection points in a plumbing system. These devices use check valves, air gaps, or pressure differentials to ensure water flows in only one direction. When a sudden drop in water pressure occurs, whether from a water main break, heavy fire hydrant use, or system maintenance, backflow preventers activate to block contaminated water from siphoning back into the potable supply. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that there are approximately 16,000 backflow contamination events reported annually in the United States, making prevention a critical public health concern.
There are several types of backflow prevention devices, each designed for specific risk levels and applications. Reduced Pressure Zone assemblies, commonly called RPZ valves, offer the highest level of protection and are typically required for commercial and industrial installations. Double Check Valve Assemblies provide reliable protection for moderate-hazard situations. Pressure Vacuum Breakers and Atmospheric Vacuum Breakers serve lower-risk residential applications. Our team evaluates each property individually to determine the appropriate device for your specific needs in Jackson, Oakfield, Medina, Three Way, TN & surrounding areas and surrounding communities.
Backflow Testing Services
Installing a backflow preventer is only the first step. Most municipalities require annual backflow testing to verify that devices are functioning correctly. During a backflow test, our certified technicians systematically check each component of the assembly, measuring pressure differentials and verifying that check valves seal properly. Failed tests require immediate repair or replacement to maintain compliance and protect your water supply.
We have a computer system designed specifically for companies in the heating and air conditioning business, and we use this same advanced tracking technology for our plumbing services. With this system, we are better able to track the service history and equipment information of our customers, including backflow preventer installation dates, test results, and upcoming certification deadlines. This proactive approach means you never have to worry about missing a required testing date.
Applications Across Property Types
Backflow prevention is not limited to one type of building or industry. Restaurants and food service facilities require backflow preventers to keep chemicals from commercial dishwashers and cleaning systems out of the water supply. Medical facilities need protection against laboratory chemicals and biohazards. Manufacturing plants, irrigation systems, fire suppression systems, and even residential properties with swimming pools or lawn sprinkler systems all present cross-connection risks that demand proper backflow prevention.
- Commercial properties including restaurants, office buildings, and retail spaces where chemical cleaning agents pose contamination risks
- Industrial facilities with process water systems that handle potentially hazardous substances
- Residential homes with irrigation systems, hot tubs, or boiler systems connected to the domestic water supply
- Municipal buildings and public facilities requiring compliance with strict water safety codes
- Agricultural operations where fertilizers and pesticides could enter the water system through irrigation connections
Why Choose Us for Backflow Prevention
Our operations are designed to result in better service for our customers. We stock commonly used plumbing, heating and air conditioning parts in our warehouse, and we have ten fully stocked service trucks that are mobile dispatched. This means when you need backflow preventer installation or emergency repair in Jackson, Oakfield, Medina, Three Way, TN & surrounding areas, our technicians arrive prepared with the parts and tools necessary to complete the job efficiently. We also stock heating and air conditioning equipment for immediate access, making us a comprehensive resource for all your property’s mechanical systems.
Reliable. Trustworthy. Qualified. These are the values that have guided Garrett Plumbing and Heating Co. for over seven decades. Backflow prevention is a critical component of plumbing system safety, and choosing an experienced team ensures your devices are properly sized, correctly installed, and thoroughly tested. Whether you need a new backflow preventer installed, an existing unit tested, or a failed device repaired, our certified professionals are ready to protect your water supply and keep your property in full regulatory compliance. Contact us today to schedule your backflow testing or consultation.