Backflow Preventers, Roof Drains & Code Compliance: What Inspectors Look For

Whether you oversee a commercial property, manage facility operations, or simply help keep your company’s building running smoothly, code compliance isn’t just a box to check — it’s essential for protecting your people, your business, and your investment. Systems like backflow preventers and roof drainage infrastructure may seem routine, but they’re high on inspectors’ priority lists and critical to ensuring your building is safe, functional, and up to code.

This article breaks down what inspectors look for when assessing backflow prevention systems and roof drains, explains key code requirements in Wisconsin and Michigan, and offers tips to help you work proactively with your plumbing contractor to avoid costly violations and downtime.

Backflow Prevention: Protecting Your Water Supply

Backflow preventers are devices designed to stop contaminated water from flowing backward into your potable water system. In commercial and industrial buildings, we see these especially with irrigation systems, restaurant plumbing, or process equipment. Backflow prevention protects both your water supply and public health. These devices are specifically engineered to prevent backpressure and back siphonage, which can cause pollutants or hazardous substances to enter the clean water supply.

You may find yourself asking, ‘Do I need a backflow preventer?’ In many cases, the answer is yes. Backflow preventers are required by law in a wide range of applications. Wisconsin’s plumbing code (SPS 382) and the Michigan Plumbing Code both outline when and where they must be installed. For example, businesses that use equipment like gas water heaters, tankless water heaters, or any system with cross-connections need appropriate backflow devices in place.

Inspectors focus on several things when they review backflow preventers:

• Proper installation: Is the device the correct type for the hazard level? Common backflow device types include check valves, double-check assemblies, and reduced pressure zone (RPZ) devices.
• Accessibility: Inspectors must be able to reach the device easily for testing and maintenance.
• Certification: Annual testing is required, and records need to be kept up to date and available.
• Condition: Inspectors look for leaks, corrosion, or signs of failure.

A frequent point of confusion is the difference between a check valve vs backflow preventer. While both allow water to flow in one direction, backflow preventers are engineered specifically to protect against contamination and are held to stricter code standards.

Common issues inspectors find include missing or expired test tags, improper installation height, devices blocked by walls or enclosures and missing documentation. Another common issue is an improper air gap on the discharge side of the backflow preventer, which can lead to compliance failures and potential cross-contamination risks.

At Hurckman Mechanical, we specialize in backflow installation, testing, certification, and maintenance. Our licensed technicians can help you determine when a backflow preventer is required, select the correct backflow valve for your system, and ensure compliance with Wisconsin and Michigan regulations.

Roof Drains and Drainage Systems: Protecting Your Structure

Roof water drainage systems play a vital role in managing rainwater and snowmelt. When a roof drain fails due to clogs, missing components, or poor drainage system design the result can be roof leaks, ponding water, structural damage, and expensive repairs.

Inspectors carefully evaluate the condition and layout of commercial roof drains and related drainage components, such as a roof drain cover, deck drain, and overflow protection. They are looking to ensure:

• Drains are properly sized and placed to match the roof area and slope.
• Overflow drains or scuppers are present and correctly located to provide backup drainage.
• Drains are free from obstructions and in good condition, with intact strainers and covers.
• The roof water drainage system connects appropriately to stormwater systems and uses approved materials and methods.

A clogged roof drain may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it can quickly become a code issue. Regular cleaning, including the use of a professional drain cleaner when needed, helps keep water flowing and prevents drainage failures and sediment buildup.

Hurckman’s team provides commercial plumbing services that cover everything from roof drainage system inspection and maintenance to complete drainage system design for new or remodeled facilities. Whether you operate a small commercial building or a large industrial complex, we can help ensure your roof drains meet code and perform reliably.

Code Compliance: Avoiding Violations and Protecting Your Investment

Commercial property owners and managers face a wide range of regulatory requirements, and plumbing systems are no exception. Inspectors or code enforcement officers will look closely at these systems during routine inspections or when buildings undergo renovations or ownership changes.

Avoiding construction code violations isn’t just about meeting minimum standards. It’s about ensuring your plumbing systems are safe, reliable, and efficient. With our help, you’ll be ready when the code enforcement officer stops by and your facility won’t end up on a code violation list.

Here’s what proactive facility managers and business owners can do:

• Maintain a testing and maintenance schedule for all backflow prevention devices.
• Inspect roof drains seasonally and after major storms to ensure they are clear and operational.
• Ensure plumbing repairs or installations are performed by experienced commercial plumbing contractors who are familiar with Wisconsin SPS 382 and the Michigan Plumbing Code.
• Keep clear, accessible records of all maintenance, certifications, and repairs for reference during inspections.

At Hurckman Mechanical, we help commercial and industrial clients develop a maintenance strategy that covers all critical plumbing systems from backflow prevention to roof drain maintenance, from water heater service to full drainage system design.

Real-World Example: How Proactive Maintenance Pays Off

One recent project involved a business park where roof drains on several buildings had become clogged with debris over the winter. During a spring inspection, the inspector noted improper slope on several drainage lines, missing drain strainers, and an outdated backflow prevention system that had not been tested in three years.

Hurckman’s team was brought in to correct the issues quickly:

• We cleaned and repaired all affected roof drains, replaced missing covers, and ensured overflow drainage systems met current code.
• We removed and replaced the old backflow preventer with a properly sized and installed RPZ device.
• We scheduled annual inspections and provided backflow inspection certification documentation to help the property manager stay compliant moving forward.

The result: the property passed reinspection without delay, avoided costly penalties, and reduced the risk of future water-related damage.

Your Plumbing Partner for Compliance and Peace of Mind

Staying compliant with backflow preventer, roof drain, and plumbing code requirements can feel overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be. At Hurckman Mechanical, we help businesses across Wisconsin and Michigan protect their facilities and stay ahead of potential violations.

Our commercial plumbing services include:

• Backflow prevention installation, inspection, backflow certification, and maintenance
• Roof drainage system inspection, cleaning, repair, and design
• Support for other critical plumbing needs, including restaurant plumbing, water leak services, and sewer system replacement professionals
• Industrial plumbing services tailored for commercial facilities

The Value of Compliance-Ready Plumbing Systems

The next time your facility undergoes a plumbing inspection, you can feel confident knowing your systems are up to code if you’ve partnered with a commercial and industrial plumbing contractors who understands both the technical requirements and the business realities of maintaining a commercial property.

Whether you need advice on backflow prevention, help clearing a roof drain, or assistance designing a new drainage system for your facility, Hurckman is ready to help.

Contact us today to schedule a plumbing inspection or consultation and let’s make sure your systems are safe, compliant, and built to last.