Because Big box properties are commonly treated as moderate-to-high hazard due to scale, multiple departments, frequent remodels/vendor installs, and common high-risk subsystems (irrigation, fire, chemical cleaning, food service, and sometimes auto services), it is important that you perform an extensive cross connection and backflow prevention compliance review to avoid penalties, water disruptions and civil liabilities.
As a bonded and insured licensed contractors and certified backflow testing professionals specializing in the installation, testing and repair of commercial backflow prevention assemblies, Backflow Test Pros guarantees top-tier workmanship at the most competitive rates, provides backflow repair coverage and includes 2-year installation warranty to help you meet and exceed your Big Box Retailer & Department Store backflow installation, testing, repair compliance requirements.
Call for Your Free Big Box Retailer Department Store Compliance Review to Qualify for Installation Warranty, Best Value Testing, Repair Coverage & Multi-Device Discounts
Big box retailers and department stores include warehouse clubs (e.g., Costco), supercenters (e.g., Walmart), general merchandise retailers (e.g., Target), and large-format anchors in shopping centers. These sites often include a mix of retail plus food service, pharmacies, garden centers, auto/tire centers, extensive irrigation, and significant mechanical systems.
Installing, testing and repair of backflow preventer devices in Big Box Retailers & Department Stores is a critical component of California’s commitment to water quality protection from commercial properties connected to a public potable water system. Big Box Retailer Department Store cross connection and backflow prevention responsibilities are governed by and subject to CCR Title 17 cross-connection control expectations (as administered by water purveyors), The State Water Board’s Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH) (statewide minimum program expectations), the local water purveyor cross-connection programs (hazard classification, device selection, enforcement), and California state plumbing code and equipment manufacturer requirements.
Big Box Retailer Department Store owner operators are responsible for installation, testing, repair, and ongoing compliance.
Hiring a certified backflow tester to perform Big Box Retailer & Department Store backflow prevention installation, testing and repair in a timely manner is key to ensuring compliance with state and municipal water department regulations.
Backflow Test Pros is 100% dedicated to ensuring your property meets local water authority Big Box Retailer & Department Store backflow installation, testing and repair requirements so you can avoid civil penalties and ensure your water is not turned off for noncompliance.
Ensure you're fully compliant with specific city, county and water districts backflow prevention requirements
Ensure your backflow assembly installation clears local permitting requirements and plans approvals
Ensure your installed backflow device is USC FCCCHR approved and meets hazard level requirements
Free initial backflow certification testing, same-day report submittal and backflow repair coverage
We provide the best value in Big Box Retailer & Department Store backflow prevention installations, testing and repair services by combining competitive pricing with premium service, warranty coverage and unmatched expertise.
Backflow Test Pros is an AWWA Certified Backflow Tester and Certified Backflow Tester with County Health Departments across Southern California. As a CA State licensed contractor and AWWA Certified backflow specialists, our team of experienced backflow experts work with County Health Boards and Municipal Water Departments throughout Southern California to protect our water and prevent backflow contamination.
Hazard classification is driven by departments and building systems, not just “retail.” Understanding the types of Big Box Retailers & Department Store backflow installation, testing, and maintenance requirements helps you avoid civil liabilities and ensures water safety compliance.
Backflow Risk at Big Box Retailer & Department Stores Arise from the Following Facility Features:
Common risk drivers include:
- High hose use (garden center, loading docks, trash enclosures, janitorial closets)
- Food service / deli / bakery (sanitizers, dishwashing, indirect waste/air gap requirements)
- Pharmacy / clinic space (often low hazard unless clinical/lab services exist)
- Auto / tire centers (fluids, washdown, radiator fill equipment, parts cleaning—if present)
- Garden center irrigation, pesticide/fertilizer areas (hose submergence, chemical mixing)
- Cooling towers / evaporative HVAC (chemical feed) where present
- Fire protection systems (antifreeze/additives in some systems)
- Frequent tenant improvements (department reconfigurations, equipment swaps)
Because these sites combine many potential cross-connection points and high traffic operations, purveyors often apply conservative containment.
Because these sites combine many potential cross-connection points and high traffic operations, purveyors often apply conservative containment.
Big Box Retailer & Department Stores Typically Require the Following
Minimum Level Backflow Risk Protections
In multi-tenant shopping centers, containment may be at the building meter. Big box anchors with dedicated meters commonly have their own containment requirements.
A. Domestic Potable Service (Premises Containment)
- DC (Double Check Valve Assembly) is commonly allowed/required for large retail when classified as non-health hazard.
- RP (Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly) is commonly required when the store includes higher hazard features such as:
- auto service/tire center with washdown/chemical use (purveyor-dependent)
- significant food production/dishwashing operations
- cooling towers with chemical feed
- boiler/hydronic loops with chemical additives/glycol
- chemical dispensing/proportioning systems connected to potable water
- reclaimed/nonpotable systems or auxiliary water sources
- history of cross-connection issues or purveyor’s higher hazard classification
B. Fire Protection Systems (If Present)
- DCDA/DCVA often allowed for “clean” fire sprinkler systems
- RPDA required if antifreeze or other additives exist
- Some purveyors require RPDA when the premises is classified higher hazard overall
C. Irrigation Systems (Often Present and Often Separate Meter)
- PVB commonly used/allowed for standard irrigation (if local standards allow)
- RP required if chemical injection/fertigation, booster pumps, auxiliary sources, or higher hazard determinations exist
- Large landscaped sites (parking lot islands, perimeter landscaping) often have multiple PVB/RP devices
Many Water Agencies and Plumbing Codes Require Internal (Point-of-Use) Protection
in Big Box Retailer & Department Stores
A. Garden Centers (Highest Frequency Findings at Big Box Retail)
Risk drivers:
- hoses used around fertilizers/pesticides/soil amendments
- hose submergence in mixing buckets or tanks
- hose-end sprayers and chemical injectors
- frequent seasonal set changes and temporary hose runs
Typical controls:
- Anti-siphon hose bibbs / hose bibb vacuum breakers on all hose connections
- Any chemical injection/proportioning tied to potable water must be protected per purveyor/manufacturer requirements
- Operational controls prohibiting submerged hoses and unapproved sprayers
B. Janitorial Closets / Mop Sinks / Utility Sinks
Risk drivers:
- submerged hoses in mop buckets with disinfectants/cleaners
- chemical proportioners/sprayers attached to faucets
- staff removing vacuum breakers
Typical controls:
- Vacuum breakers/anti-siphon protection at hose-capable faucets
- Approved chemical proportioner setups where used
- Policies/training and periodic inspections (vacuum breakers stay installed)
C. Food Service, Deli, Bakery, and Prepared Foods (If Present)
Risk drivers:
- dishwashers and chemical sanitizers
- food equipment drains (ice machines, prep sinks) requiring indirect waste/air gaps
- chemical dispensers/proportioners on potable lines
- floor washdown near food waste areas
Typical expectations:
- Indirect waste/air gaps where required by plumbing code/manufacturer
- Chemical dispensers installed per required protection standards
- Protected hose connections and no submerged hoses
D. Auto / Tire Centers (If Present)
Risk drivers:
- washdown hoses near oils/fluids
- coolant/radiator fill or flush equipment
- parts cleaning sinks/chemical washers
- pressure washers and booster pumps
Typical expectations:
- Often drives the site toward RP containment (purveyor-dependent)
- Hose connections protected; no submerged hoses
- Any equipment directly connected to potable supply must meet purveyor/manufacturer requirements (often higher protection for coolant/chemical exposure risks)
E. Pharmacy / Clinic Space (If Present)
Typical hazard level:
- Usually low hazard unless there are clinical/lab functions (specimen handling, dialysis-like services—rare in retail footprints)
Typical expectations:
- Standard fixture compliance; avoid any nonstandard equipment connections without review
F. Mechanical Systems (Site Dependent)
Cooling towers / evaporative HVAC (if present):
- Risk drivers: chemical feed (biocides, scale inhibitors), makeup water ties
- Typical expectations: makeup water commonly protected with RP; no bypasses; clear labeling and access
Boilers/hydronics (if present):
- Risk drivers: chemical additives/glycol, pressurized loops
- Typical expectations: makeup water protected as required (often RP on makeup connection and/or premises containment RP)
G. Loading Docks, Trash Enclosures, Exterior Washdown
Risk drivers:
- hoses submerged in dirty containers
- washdown near waste/grease/chemical storage areas
- hose splitters and sprayers
Typical controls:
- Anti-siphon hose bibbs / vacuum breakers
- Secure hose stations; avoid unapproved attachments
- Prevent submerged hose practices
Big Box Retailer & Department Store Backflow Violation Enforcement & Penalties
Large-format sites often receive stricter scrutiny because they have multiple devices and departments with recurring risk.
Local water purveyors typically may:
- issue notices and compliance deadlines
- require cross-connection surveys/inspections
- assess administrative fees/penalties (varies)
- terminate water service for failure to install/test/maintain required assemblies or unresolved cross-connections
Additional Big Box Retailer Department Store Backflow Violation Civil Liabilities
Big Box Retailer Department Store owner operators are exposed to additional civil liabilities resulting from contamination in the event of failure to prevent backflow into the potable water resources used by other parties.
Because Big box properties are commonly treated as moderate-to-high hazard due to scale, multiple departments, frequent remodels/vendor installs, and common high-risk subsystems (irrigation, fire, chemical cleaning, food service, and sometimes auto services), it is important that you perform an extensive cross connection and backflow prevention compliance review to avoid penalties, water disruptions and civil liabilities.
Many purveyors require premises containment (often DC, frequently RP when higher hazard features exist), plus point-of-use protections for department-specific equipment.
Common Big Box Retailer & Department Store Deficiencies That Trigger Enforcement
- Overdue annual testing (domestic/fire/irrigation)
- Garden center hose bibbs missing vacuum breakers; submerged hose practices
- Chemical proportioners/sprayers installed without required protection
- Auto/tire center washdown connections and coolant service equipment without proper protection
- Cooling tower/boiler makeup lines lacking required protection (where present)
- PVB irrigation installations failing clearance/elevation requirements
- RPs installed in vaults prone to flooding; inadequate RP relief drainage
- Unapproved bypass piping around containment devices
- Remodels/vendor installs without purveyor cross-connection review
Call Us for Your Big Box Retailer & Department Store Backflow Compliance Review to Ensure
You are Not in Violation of State and Local backflow Prevention Requirements
1. Confirm hazard classification with the purveyor (DC vs RP containment).
2. Inventory departments/systems: garden center, deli/bakery, auto/tire, janitorial, irrigation, fire, HVAC towers/boilers.
3. Verify containment device(s) are installed, accessible, and properly drained (if RP).
4. Ensure all hose connections have vacuum breakers; prohibit submerged hoses (especially garden center + janitorial).
5. Confirm chemical proportioners/dispensers are compliant and not “DIY” attached to faucets.
6. Verify irrigation backflow devices are correct type and installed correctly (PVB elevation/clearance).
7. Test all assemblies annually and after install/repair/relocation/modification.
8. Submit reports on time; maintain a centralized device map + testing log.
9. Re-evaluate after remodels (new food service, auto expansion, HVAC upgrades).
