In schools, water is required for drinking and cleaning purposes. Water use is more prevalent in the pantry, washrooms, restrooms, and science labs, to meet the requirements and maintain overall hygiene. Clean water determines the health of the students, teachers, and staff members in the schools. Sometimes, water supply lines get damaged and the pumps start malfunctioning, which worsens the situation in schools. 

This blog covers most of the essential information on the importance of backflow device inspection in schools. We will also discuss the inspection process in detail and the signs that a device needs repair services. 

Top 5 Benefits of Backflow Device Inspections in Schools

The sole reason why backflow device inspection is mandatory in schools is the presence of young students who are vulnerable to germs and bacteria, leading to various diseases. Some of the key benefits are given below:

1. Access to clean drinking water: The installation of backflow devices is essential to prevent the clean water from being contaminated by toxic substances and chemicals. These devices help provide clean drinking water to the children and staff at school.
2. Protection from diseases: Tainted water can cause gastrointestinal disease, fever, nausea, and other water-related diseases. The presence of metal in the contaminated water can also poison children. Therefore, regular backflow device inspections are important for children’s safety.
3. Regulatory compliance: Public properties like schools must follow specific regulations to maintain industrial standards. Non-compliance with these regulations can lead to questions about the integrity of the school water supply. 
4. Reducing legal and financial liabilities: The presence of contaminated water in school premises often leads to legal and financial liabilities. The higher authorities may have to fight legal battles which affect their reputation amongst the masses. Subsequently, backflow device inspections reduce any incidents that affect the educational activities in schools. 
5. Protect your school premises: Backflow device inspections protect school properties from the beginning. Failure of such devices may lead to wastewater flooding, damaging the walls and gardens. At the same time, the efficiency of the heating and cooling system is affected, leading to frequent, costly repairs. 

Process of Backflow Device Inspection 

Backflow device inspection is designed to ensure efficient working of the systems. Here’s how inspection takes place:

1: Scheduling 

The use of water in schools is prevalent. Therefore, annual inspection of the backflow device is a must to avoid compliance issues. Schedule your inspection with a verified tester to meet local requirements. 

2: Visual Examination

The plumber inspects essential parts of the device for rust, leaks, or any possible signs of damage. This helps the plumber find the leading causes of problems with your backflow prevention device. 

3: Functional Testing 

The plumbers at Guru Plumbing also test a backflow prevention device under stimulated conditions. Pressure changes, water flow behaviour and differential measurements are evaluated to ensure the proper functioning. 

4: Repairs and Maintenance 

Based on backflow device testing, the plumbers take appropriate measures. They lubricate those parts of the machine that are subjected to wear and tear. The seals, springs, and membranes are replaced as and when they are replaced. The plumbers ensure the backflow prevention device operates under correct pressure. 

5: Certification and Reporting 

After inspection, the plumber provides detailed information about test results, repair completion, and compliance certificate. This report is essential to meet up with local compliance and maintain your records. 

Signs Your School Need Backflow Device Repair 

It is difficult to make the children understand about the backflow device repair. However, the school staff can make the children aware by observing the following points: 

1. Water leakage: Frequent water leaks are one of the signs of faulty backflow prevention devices. This indicates that the water in the school has a high chance of contamination. Therefore, you need to book an appointment with the plumber to fix the problem. 
2. Weird Taste: When your drinking water tastes weird, your backflow prevention device needs repairing services. The water’s high sulphur content may cause diarrhea, cholera, and other water-borne diseases. 
3. Water Discolouration: If you notice pink, yellow, or, in some cases, brown water while using your sink, you need a plumber immediately. This indicates that your school’s backflow prevention device is malfunctioning. Clean water is transparent in colour. Teach your students, especially the young learners, to avoid using such water and to immediately inform their teachers about it. 
4. Odd Smell: As discussed earlier, using water with high sulphur content is contagious. Its taste and colour are affected. If you open the faucet, the foul smell that builds up inside the pipes is released. 
5. Visible Particles: The surest signs of contaminated water are when you see debris floating on its surface. Avoid using the water for drinking and cleaning purposes immediately. It shows that your backflow prevention device needs repair services. 

Conclusion 

A backflow device is essential for schools to have access to clean and safe water. Excessive water usage increases the chances of contamination, which can affect the health of schoolchildren and staff members. This can also tarnish the educational institute’s reputation, resulting in legal and financial liabilities. Thus, backflow device testing should be done on time to avoid serious complications. 

Book an appointment with us for your backflow prevention device inspection. We provide you with the most accurate device and efficient plumbing services under the supervision of our expert professionals.