Water should always flow in one direction in your home’s plumbing system in order to protect your home’s water supply. When the flow of water changes direction and reverses, this is considered backflow. Not only can backflow cause your water to taste bad and look cloudy, but contaminated water can also make you very sick. If a professional plumber determines that backflow is a potential problem in your home, a backflow preventer can be a smart option to consider. This article will offer several ways backflow prevention can help protect a home’s water supply and why you should make it a priority in your house.
Causes of Backflow
There are several reasons why backflow can occur in a home. In many cases, this is a scenario that only occurs a couple of times over the course of many years. However, you want to avoid contaminated water at all costs. Common causes for backflow in a home include a local water main break, a change in water pressure in your home, use of a fire hydrant near your home, incorrect plumbing installation, and more.
Protecting Your Home’s Plumbing System
In addition to protecting the quality and safety of the water you use for cleaning, cooking, and bathing, backflow prevention can also protect your plumbing system. When backflow happens frequently, this can lead to premature corrosion in your pipes. This eventually turns into plumbing leaks that can cause damage to your home.
Backflow Prevention Devices
There are several types of backflow prevention devices available. The type you have installed will depend on your specific backflow situation. Pressure vacuum breakers, double-check valves, and atmospheric vacuum breakers are options. This equipment is typically installed in areas of your plumbing system that are prone to a change in water flow or pressure. This often includes cross-connection points. The goal of these devices is to keep water flowing in a single direction, so contamination doesn’t occur.
Signs of Backflow
We recommend that you have your home’s plumbing system inspected at least once per year. During this appointment, we can check for signs of backflow. However, there are some things you can watch out for as well. This includes health issues like gastrointestinal upset, nausea, or vomiting. If your water looks cloudy or dirty, this is a sign that there is contamination present. Backflow may be to blame. Do not consume water that doesn’t look clear and avoid drinking water that doesn’t taste fresh and pure.
If you’re experiencing ongoing plumbing issues that occur in the same place in your plumbing system, backflow may be to blame. The change in water direction and pressure may be causing corrosion or other issues.
Contact a knowledgeable team of professional plumbers to perform backflow testing in your home. If it is determined that backflow is a risk in your residence, strongly consider investing in backflow prevention devices to protect you and your family from contaminated water. Professional installation is important, ensuring that all work is done according to local code. It’s also important to have your backflow prevention devices inspected as part of annual routine plumbing maintenance.