Backflow Prevention & Sump Pumps in Tampa, FL

Backflow happens when pressure in the municipal water or sewer system reverses direction. On the water supply side, this can pull non-potable water (from an irrigation system, a swimming pool fill line, or a garden hose submerged in a bucket of chemicals) back into the drinking water supply. On the sewer side, it pushes raw sewage from the city main back through your lowest drain -- usually a ground-floor shower, toilet, or laundry drain. Both scenarios are serious health hazards.

Tampa's city code requires backflow prevention assemblies on certain connections -- particularly irrigation systems, fire suppression systems, and commercial properties. Residential homes connected to reclaimed water for irrigation must have a testable backflow preventer on that line. But beyond code requirements, many Tampa homeowners in low-lying areas (South Tampa, parts of Town 'N' Country, Davis Islands, Channelside) install sewer backflow valves voluntarily after experiencing a storm-related backup.

We install two main types of backflow prevention devices. For water supply protection, we install reduced-pressure zone (RPZ) assemblies and double-check valve assemblies (DCVA) depending on the hazard level and code requirements. For sewer backflow protection, we install inline backwater valves on the sewer lateral -- these allow wastewater to flow out normally but close automatically if flow reverses. These are typically installed in the cleanout line in the yard or in the garage slab.

Hillsborough County requires annual testing and certification of RPZ and DCVA assemblies by a certified tester. We hold the required certifications and handle the testing, any needed repairs, and the paperwork submission to the county. If your backflow device fails its annual test, we diagnose and repair it on the same visit in most cases.

For sump pump service, we install both primary and battery-backup sump pump systems in Tampa homes that deal with water intrusion during heavy rains. A primary sump pump removes ground water that seeps into low points (typically a garage, utility room, or crawlspace). The battery backup kicks in during power outages -- which are common during the same storms that cause the flooding. We also service and repair existing sump pumps, including float switch replacement, check valve installation, and discharge line rerouting.

If your Tampa home has flooded during storms or you have seen sewage back up through a ground-floor drain, a backflow preventer or sump pump system is a one-time investment that prevents repeated damage. The cost of installation is a fraction of what a single sewage backup cleanup costs -- and the peace of mind during hurricane season is considerable.

Frequently asked questions