Backflow is a phenomenon when water in your plumbing system flows in the wrong direction. It’s caused when the pressure in the pipes drops to the point where dirty water can flow into freshwater pipes. This drop in pressure can be the result of a flood, broken water lines, frozen or burst plumbing pipes, or open fire hydrants. Clearly, backflow can be hazardous to your health, the health of your family and guests, and even your neighbors. There are some municipalities that require a homeowner to perform a backflow test every year to make sure the backflow preventer works well. If a homeowner doesn’t have their water tested, their water supply may be cut off or they may have to pay a fine. The one thing to know is that a layperson can’t and shouldn’t try to test their backflow preventer. Backflow testing is a job left to a professional certified inspector.
Backflow is an often-overlooked issue that can have serious consequences for your home and the surrounding community. When water flows in the wrong direction in your plumbing system, it can carry contaminants from drains, toilets, and other waste sources back into your clean water supply. This dangerous reversal of flow can lead to the contamination of drinking water, putting you and your loved ones at risk of exposure to harmful bacteria, viruses, and chemicals. Understanding backflow, how it occurs, and why regular testing is essential can help you take proactive steps to protect your health and the integrity of your water supply.
Protecting the overall environment is another reason why it’s important to have backflow testing. Contaminated water from one home can backflow into the municipal water system, which can make anyone who depends on that water system sick, even if they live miles away from the source of the problem. There are at least five risk categories when it comes to water contamination. They range from the water being completely clean and drinkable to water befouled by human waste.
About Backflow Devices
To prevent backflow from happening, plumbers install backflow devices or backflow preventers. These devices are installed where a waste pipe and a freshwater pipe might cross. They force water to flow in one direction only. These devices are usually found on the floor of your basement, often near the sump pump if you have one. They’ll have a round cover much like a manhole cover.
How Backflow Is Tested
Backflow preventers are full of check valves and springs that make sure the water only flows one way, and they can wear out over time. This is why they need to be tested, and why they need to be tested by professionals. Backflow testing requires turning off and disconnecting your water even though the valves in the backflow device need to be checked while there’s still water left in them.
The tester uses a test kit to make sure that there is enough pressure for the water to flow in only one direction. If the backflow device is on the floor of the basement, the tester will need to take off the cover first, and then turn off a shut-off valve. They’ll then connect the valve to the test kit and check the pressure. They’ll then check another shut-off valve and make sure that there’s enough pressure to prevent a backflow. If all is well, the water service is turned back on. If the backflow device isn’t working the way it should, it must be repaired or replaced without delay, or the home’s water service can’t be restored.
Ensuring the proper function of your backflow preventer is crucial not only for your home’s water safety but also for the health and well-being of your community. Regular backflow testing by a certified professional helps prevent contamination of your water supply, safeguarding both your family and the broader public. With the risks of backflow including potential exposure to harmful contaminants, it’s important to stay on top of maintenance and testing requirements. By doing so, you can help protect the environment, comply with local regulations, and keep your water system running safely and efficiently. Don’t wait—schedule your backflow test today to avoid costly fines and ensure your water remains clean and safe.