T&H Plumbing & Drains Services Inc.: When Is Backflow Preventer Installation Needed?
Pickerington, United States – February 9, 2026 / T&H Plumbing & Drains Services Inc. /
For homeowners and business owners, understanding when backflow preventer installation in Pickerington, OH, is required helps protect both your property and the community’s water supply. At T&H Plumbing & Drains Services Inc., the team explains how local regulations and state codes dictate when these critical devices must be installed, tested, and maintained to comply with safety standards and avoid service interruptions.
What Is a Backflow Preventer and Why Does It Matter
A backflow preventer is a specialized plumbing device designed to stop water from flowing backward into the public water system. Backflow can occur when pressure changes cause water to reverse direction, potentially pulling contaminants from irrigation systems, pools, fire lines, or other auxiliary water systems back into the main drinking supply. Preventing this protects public health and ensures clean water for everyone in the system.
In Pickerington, the local water utility and Ohio EPA rules work together to determine when these devices are required based on potential hazards.
Common Situations That Trigger Installation
1. Lawn Irrigation and Sprinkler Systems
One of the most common instances requiring a backflow preventer is when a property installs an irrigation or lawn sprinkler system. The city’s water service requirements state that irrigation systems must have a testable backflow preventer installed, and it must be tested annually by a certified backflow tester once in place.
This rule helps stop fertilizers, soil runoff, and chemicals from entering the public water supply through your irrigation line. Annual testing ensures the device works correctly throughout the seasons.
2. Commercial and Industrial Properties
Commercial buildings often have more complex plumbing configurations, such as fire sprinkler systems, boilers, processing equipment, or other auxiliary water supplies. In these cases, a backflow device must be installed directly behind the master meter to protect the water system.
These properties pose higher risks for backpressure or contamination because of the variety of systems connected to the water supply. A properly installed device mitigates those risks and keeps the plumbing system compliant with both local and state requirements.
3. Pools, Hot Tubs, and Auxiliary Water Sources
While requirements can vary by water district, features such as swimming pools or hot tubs that automatically refill from the public water supply often trigger the need for backflow protection. Certain auxiliary water systems create potential hazards if contaminants could enter the service line.
Although not every residential property automatically needs a backflow device, installations that introduce non-potable uses (like a pool or well connection) typically must be protected.
State and Local Code Requirements
Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3745-95 mandates that backflow preventers be installed where a potential cross-connection hazard exists. This means if the water supplier or regulatory authority determines that your plumbing configuration poses any risk of contamination, a backflow preventer must be in place.
Failure to install, test, and maintain required devices can lead to water service being discontinued until compliance is achieved.
Annual Testing and Ongoing Maintenance
Once a backflow preventer is installed, whether for irrigation, commercial plumbing, or another hazard, annual inspections and tests by a state-certified technician are mandatory. Ohio regulations require that these devices be tested at installation and at least once every 12 months thereafter to ensure proper function.
T&H Plumbing & Drains Services Inc. can handle both the installation and ongoing testing you need, so you stay in compliance with local regulations and avoid service interruptions.
Trust T&H Plumbing for Your Backflow Needs
Knowing when backflow preventer installation in Pickerington, OH, is required helps you stay compliant and protects your family’s water quality. At T&H Plumbing & Drains Services Inc., residents and businesses can rely on experienced professionals for precise installation, dependable maintenance, and transparent answers.
Don’t wait until it’s too late; connect with T&H Plumbing & Drains Services Inc. to schedule your backflow preventer installation or inspection today. Your clean water is worth protecting!
Contact Information:
T&H Plumbing & Drains Services Inc.
12928 Stonecreek Dr Unit F
Pickerington, OH 43147
United States
Contact T&H Plumbing & Drains Services Inc.
(614) 858-3897
https://thplumb.com/
