The City of Poway provides both water and sewer, runs its own cross-connection program requiring yearly backflow tests by a City-approved certified tester, and handles permits electronically through its Building Division. Hard water is a steady source of commercial service calls. Call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Poway.
What are Poway's backflow rules for businesses?
Poway's cross-connection program is set out in Chapter 13.14 of the Municipal Code and run by the Director of Public Works. Owners install required devices at their own expense, and every device must be tested once a year, also at the owner's cost. The tester has to hold an AWWA and/or ABPA certificate, appear on the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health tester list and be on the City's own approved list. The ordinance defines the service connection as ending at the downstream end of the water meter, so the assembly and the piping after it are the property's concern. If a test fails, a plumber repairs or replaces the parts and the device is retested.
Why do water heaters and ice machines need so much attention here?
Poway treats its own water at the Lester J. Berglund Water Treatment Plant and disinfects with both chlorine and chloramines. The City reports hardness of roughly 228 to 235 ppm as calcium carbonate, within a range of 165 to 291. That's hard water by any measure, and it shows up as scale in commercial water heaters, tankless units, ice makers, steamers and dish machines. Flushing heaters, cleaning aerators and asking about treatment for sensitive equipment all help. Poway's median home dates to about 1978, and many older commercial spaces have original piping and valves that scale and corrosion have been working on for decades.
Where do permits and utility calls go?
Permits come from the City of Poway Building Division, which contracts plan check, permitting and inspection to EsGil Corporation. Submittals are electronic only, through City of Poway Online Services. Building Services is at 858-668-4645, and inspections are scheduled at 858-668-4646. For water or sewer problems on the City side, call Customer Services at 858-668-4401; after 3:00 p.m. on business days and on weekends and holidays, call the Water Treatment Plant at 858-668-4751.
One more Poway note
SDG&E is the gas utility. If anyone smells gas in the building, get everyone outside, then call 911 and SDG&E at 1-800-611-7343 from a safe distance. For anything else, describe the property and the problem when you call, and ask how the first visit is priced.
Commercial Plumbing questions in Poway
How often does a business backflow assembly have to be tested here?
Who issues commercial plumbing permits for this address?
How does hard water affect commercial water heaters and kitchen equipment?
Can plumbing work be done before opening or after closing?
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