Backflow is a problem in the piping system, where a nasty case means dirty water goes back into the clean water supply. It occurs when a reverse flow in water directions allows pollutant chemicals or other hazardous materials to enter the drinking water line. The change in pressure within the plumbing might cause backflow, mainly caused by broken water mains, heavy water usage, or even pump failure.
Backflow can have serious consequences, even health-threatening ones, for consumers of contaminated water. Thus, it is essential to understand backflow prevention and the measures available to protect our water supplies against contamination.
What Is Backflow?
Backflow is simply described as the flow of unwanted water and its contents in the reverse direction into the clean water supply distribution. It may occur during a sudden and severe change in the pipe pressure, say from a pipe break or the opening of a fire hydrant.
Backflow introduces toxic chemicals, bacteria, or particulate matter directly into the drink lines and, hence, involves serious health risks. It can occur in residential, commercial, and industrial settings, so it is a broad issue. Only by understanding what backflow is and how it happens can the safety and quality of our water be guaranteed.
Is Backflow Testing Required?
Backflow tests are necessary to ensure a plumbing system’s security and integrity. More importantly, many local and state rules require backflow testing to happen regularly, especially in places with high contamination risk.
This testing involves looking at the backflow prevention tools to ensure they work correctly and effectively stop dirty water from mixing with the clean water supply.
Usually, certified persons perform this test once every year to find any problems or weak points in the system. If a device fails the test, repair or replacement must be done immediately to ensure safety. Proper testing for backflow at regular intervals ensures public health protection from such risks and erases massive financial losses that may emanate from water contamination.
What Is A Backflow Prevention Device?
A backflow preventer is one of the most critical components of plumbing systems, stopping the reverse flow of water from occurring and allowing polluted water to enter your clean water supply. These assemblies are installed at points in a plumbing system that frequently mark the connection of potable water service connections to possible sources of contamination. A basic backflow preventer creates a physical barrier or one-way valve so the water can flow only in one direction.
If the water pressure changes drastically, it will block contaminated water from flowing backward to the drinking water lines, thereby preventing backflow. Installing a backflow preventer will undoubtedly play a vital role in public health by helping maintain the purity of the water supplies.
Types Of Backflow Prevention Devices
- Air Gap: A nonmechanical, simple means of backflow prevention that relies upon the physical separation between the water supply outlet and the highest point of water in a fixture to prevent any backflow of water into the supply in case of siphonage.
- Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA): Two independent, series-mounted check valves provide redundancy to prevent backflow and are typically used for low-to-medium risk applications.
- Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Valve: This relief valve is installed between two check valves. It is applicable for high-hazard situations where contaminants may introduce substantial health risks.
- Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB): This machine has a spring check and air entry valves. It is mainly used to stop back siphoning in plant water systems.
- Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB): A relatively simple device designed to prevent backflow but allows air to enter the system should a sudden pressure drop be experienced.
How Does A Backflow Preventer Work?
A backflow preventer allows the water to flow in one way, not any reverse flow that may contaminate the clean water supply. It usually works on the principle of several check valves, air gaps, or other mechanical impediments. Whenever there is a change in the water pressure—or specifically a drop in the supply pressure—these devices seal off automatically against any backward movement of water.
For example, a double-check valve assembly will use an independent, return-flow tight-closure with two check valves. In high-hazard situations, further protection is provided by an RPZ discharge whereby all polluted water in the zone of reduced pressure is discharged to waste via a relief valve. These mechanisms ensure the water supply is safe and remains intact.
Conclusion
Preventing backflow will ensure that your water is always safe and of the highest quality. Once you understand how backflow happens and why prevention devices are essential, you can take measures to protect your home or business from possible contamination. Regular testing for backflow and fitting the proper prevention devices are crucial ways to guard against health hazards.
If you need professional backflow prevention services, Blades of Glory is a trustworthy company installing, testing, and maintaining backflow prevention devices. With many years of experience in the team specializing in this particular area, rest assured that your system will be up to code and will ultimately safeguard your water supply without risks. Ensuring the safety of your water supply is crucial.
Contact Blades of Glory today to benefit from our expert water cleaning services.
