The How-To For Preventing Backflow

When it comes to your plumbing system, there are plenty of issues you know, and more than a few you don’t. Sure we’ve all dealt with a clogged toilet or even a water leak around a faucet, but all those issues pale in comparison to backflow.

Not only can backflow damage your plumbing, but also it can pose a risk to your health and safety. Imagine opening your fixtures to get a steady stream of foul-smelling and unusable water?

Without a backflow prevention device in place, that’s exactly what you could find yourself dealing with. Read on to learn more about the types of devices you can have installed in your home, and their benefits.

What Causes Back-Flow to Happen?

Your plumbing system uses pressure to keep clean water flowing into your home and greywater flowing out into the sewer or septic system.

Backflow is essentially a reversal of that flow, which can leave your drinking water contaminated, and is often caused by a large drop in pressure. This can often stem from:

• Burst pipes
• Sewer line damage
• Open fire hydrants
• Water main issues
• Flooding

In some cases, the water may not be noticeably different, which is why having some type of backflow prevention device in place is the perfect way to have peace of mind that your plumbing is protected.

How do Air Gaps Work?

Many of your plumbing fixtures naturally have an air gap in them.

This gap creates a space between your water supply line and a fixture - so when water is flowing it isn’t a problem, but if there is a reversal or drop in pressure, water will not be able to properly flow up and out of your fixtures.

Air gaps are generally on the smaller side and work for individual faucets and fixtures in your home. With the help of a plumber, however, you can design an air gap near your main water line that can act as a basic prevention method for backflow issues.

The Benefits of Pressure Vacuum Breakers

If you want to up your prevention methods, you can have a pressure vacuum breaker installed. These breakers are spring activated and leverage the pressure in your plumbing lines to monitor any backflow.

When the system is working naturally they remain open, allowing water to flow into your home. If the pressure drops at any point, they use a spring activated “stopper” to stop the flow of water, ensuring your plumbing system is protected.

These devices are also a great help because they’re often installed in an open area where they can easily be inspected and tested on a yearly basis. Backflow testing and certification is sometimes required by your local city, and should always be performed by a licensed and qualified plumbing contractor.

A Backflow Prevention System That’s Right For You

There are more than a few backflow prevention devices you can choose for your home, and each one has its own pros and cons.

What’s more important than getting these devices installed? Working with the best plumbing company around - ensuring it gets installed properly. For homeowners in and around Sun Prairie, Oliver's Plumbing can help.

Not only do we offer backflow testing and certification, but also we can help you with all your plumbing needs. Keeping your water supply clean and free of impurities is more than just checking for backflow. Annual drain cleaning and plumbing maintenance is a simple goal you can set with your plumber to keep your home in top shape.