Backflow Is:

The undesirable reversal of flow of water or mixtures of water and other liquids, gases or other substances into the distribution pipes of the potable supply of water from any source or sources.

When water enters your home or business from the main water supply line, it should only ever flow in one direction: into your home or business. But sometimes, due to pressure changes in the pipes, water flows backwards and seeps back into the main water supply line.

Examples:

Backflow  occurs when there’s a break in the main water line, or when a fire hydrant is opened for use. Because pressure is lost during these events, water is no longer pushed forward into your home and flows backwards into the city water lines.

Under these circumstances backflow contaminates the public drinking supply with:

• Fertilizers and pesticides from irrigation sprinklers
• Stagnant and possibly toxic water, including antifreeze liquids, in your fire sprinkler pipes
• Toxic chemicals from mechanical or food process lines
• Food and detergent waste from commercial soap dispensers and dishwashers

Backflow prevention systems are installed onto a pipe to ensure water only flows in one direction.

Think of it as a one-way gate allowing water from the city’s public water supply to flow into your home; but, stopping water if it ever tries to flow back into the main water supply.

State Law requires backflow preventers to be tested annually by an EPA certified plumber as well as NFPA 13.7.1.

Mechanical backflow preventers have internal seals, springs, and moving parts that are subject to fouling, wear, or fatigue. Also, mechanical backflow preventers and air gaps can be bypassed. Therefore, all backflow preventers must be tested annually to ensure that they are functioning properly. A visual check of air gaps is acceptable, but mechanical backflow preventers must be tested with properly calibrated gauge equipment.

Causes of backflow failures:

Failure in backflow preventers is due to the dirt and debris that flows through the pipeline. The check valve fouls when the debris gets caught between the disc and seat. Each backflow assembly has internal components that experience normal wear and require service from time to time.

The check valve is a major component within any backflow assembly. It consists of a poppet, spring, guide, seat and seating surface (rubber disc). The rubber sealing surface and guide mechanisms get the most wear and typically require regular cleaning or replacement. If the seat of the check valve is damaged in any way, it needs to be replaced. Check valve springs normally only need to be replaced if they are broken or damaged.

Valley Fire Protection and Plumbing is staffed with well-trained and extremely knowledgeable Cross Connection Control Device Certified Plumbers. Valley offers competitive pricing for backflow testing as well as any repairs.

Request a quote today! We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, should any emergency arise. Valley Fire is also a full-service plumbing shop staffed with reliable and professional plumbers to service any plumbing issues in your home or business. Please feel free to call or email us for information.

For a more in depth discussion of Backflow issues check out this article HERE!

Related Topics: backflow \/\/ Commercial Plumbing \/\/ Plumbing Problems \/\/ Residential Plumbing