Backflow Prevention: Protect Florida Water Safety
Clean, safe drinking water is something most Floridians take for granted. Hidden behind your faucets and pipes is a danger called backflow. This plumbing issue can pollute your water supply and put your health and safety at risk. If you own a home or a business in Sarasota, Bradenton, or Lakewood Ranch, you should know about backflow prevention. Understanding how it works is important. And it’s not just a good idea—it’s the law.
Let’s look at why backflow prevention is important. Griggs Plumbing keeps Florida’s water safe and your plumbing system protected.
What is Backflow and How Does It Happen?
Backflow happens when water flows the wrong way. This can let dirty water enter your clean water supply. This can happen because of back-siphonage or back pressure.
Back-siphonage occurs when water pressure drops and creates suction. Back pressure happens when the pressure downstream is higher than the supply pressure.
Real-life examples of how backflow can happen include:
Once contaminants get into your pipes, they can spread through your plumbing system. This affects every tap, faucet, and appliance connected to your water supply.
Why Backflow Prevention is Mandatory in Florida
Backflow isn’t just a plumbing issue—it’s a public health threat. Florida takes this risk seriously, which is why the state has strict regulations for backflow prevention systems.
According to the Florida Administrative Code (F.A.C.) § 62‑555.360, all public water systems must establish a cross-connection control program to protect drinking water from contaminants. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) enforces these standards to ensure that every resident and business has access to safe water.
Local utilities also enforce backflow prevention rules. For example:
If you own property in Sarasota, Bradenton, or Lakewood Ranch, you must have backflow prevention devices. We need to install, work on, and test these devices every year.
Risks of Ignoring Backflow Prevention
Failing to maintain proper backflow prevention puts you, your family, and your community at risk. Here’s what’s at stake:
Ignoring backflow prevention isn’t worth the risk. Protecting your water supply keeps your property safe. It also helps the health and safety of everyone who uses your plumbing system.
Top 3 Signs You Might Need Backflow Testing Now
Think you might have a backflow issue? Watch for these red flags:
If you notice any of these warning signs, contact Griggs Plumbing immediately for an inspection.
How Griggs Plumbing Helps
At Griggs Plumbing, we’ve been serving Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and surrounding communities since 1924. As a top-rated, family-owned company, we take water safety seriously—and we’re fully equipped to help you comply with Florida’s strict backflow regulations.
Our backflow services include:
When you choose Griggs Plumbing, you can relax knowing skilled professionals protect your water supply. They care about your safety.
Explore our residential plumbing services.
Discover our commercial plumbing services.
Takeaway: Protect Your Water, Protect Your Family
Backflow prevention is not just a rule to follow. It is an important step to keep your home or business safe and ensure clean water. Don’t wait for contamination to strike. Stay proactive, protect your plumbing system, and safeguard the health of those who matter most.
Contact Griggs Plumbing today to schedule a backflow inspection or testing. Let our experienced team keep your water safe and your plumbing compliant.
