Doctor Backflow
HISTORY
Doctor Backflow didn’t start as a business name—it started as a GI nickname.
While serving in the Air Force, owner and founder Derek Ellis became the go-to guy for testing and maintaining base backflow preventers. After endless testing and repair work, coworkers started calling him “Doctor Backflow" and the nickname stuck; eventually becoming the inspiration behind the business.
Today, Doctor Backflow is proud to bring years of experience and expertise back home to Southwest Florida, helping protect our local water supply and provide safe drinking water throughout the communities we serve.
Doctor Backflow started as a nickname among fellow servicemen but is now displayed on the side of our trucks and vans—representing trustworthy service, quality workmanship, and dependable backflow solutions.
The Origin Story
Derek Ellis, Backflow Technician
Air Force Veteran with extensive plumbing, water distribution, fire suppression and backflow prevention experience. Served as a Water and Fuels Systems Maintenance Airman (AF Plumber), RED HORSE new-con team member, water distribution manager, exterior plumbing) lead and DOD fire & backflow program manager.
Professional qualifications include certificates such as WFSM apprentice, ROWPU (reverse osmosis water purification unit), fire suppression maintenance, CPVC fire sprinkler installer with training and experience as a WFSM contracting officer representative, craftsman plumber and backflow assembly tester since 2018.
Holds an AAS in electrical & mechanical technology from the Community College of the Air Force. Specialized plumbing experience dating back to 2015 bringing a strong technical background in troubleshooting, maintenance and compliance of potable water, cross-connection control and fire protection systems.