The Importance of Having a Backflow Prevention Device Installed in Your Home

Backflow is the unintended reversal of the flow of water in a piping system. It occurs when there is a sudden change in water pressure, causing contaminated water to flow back into the clean water supply. This can happen when there is an increase or decrease in water pressure, such as during a power outage or a heavy rainstorm. While backflow can occur anywhere in a piping system, it is most likely to happen at low points, such as at a hose bibb or a floor drain. If left unaddressed, backflow can contaminate the entire water supply, making it unsafe to drink. That’s why it’s important to have a prevention device installed in your home or business. These devices are designed to prevent contamination by automatically closing off the supply of water when there is a sudden change in pressure. A prevention device can help protect yourself and your community from the dangers of contaminated water.

A backflow prevention device is a mechanical device that is installed in your plumbing system to ensure the unidirectional flow of water. This means that dirty water cannot flow in the reverse direction and mix with clean water. There are different types of prevention devices, such as Dual Check Valves, Air Gap, and Hydrostatic Loop. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to choose the right one for your needs. You can usually find backflow prevention devices in the water meter as they are responsible for maintaining the unidirectional flow of water. While you can install, repair, or test this device at home, it is highly recommended that you contact a licensed plumber to conduct this process for you. It is a complex process with various factors to consider so an experienced professional is a key to success. This will ensure that the job is done correctly and that your family remains safe from contaminated water.

Why Do you need a Backflow Prevention Device in Your Home?

The most important reason you need a backflow device in your home is to protect your family’s health. Without a backflow preventer, your water supply could become contaminated with harmful bacteria and viruses. This could lead to serious illnesses, such as cholera and dysentery. In addition, if you use city water for irrigation, you could be exposing your family to lawn chemicals that are not properly diluted. A backflow device will help to ensure that only clean, safe water enters your home.

Another reason to install a backflow device is to protect your property. If contaminated water flows back into your home, it could damage your appliances and fixtures. In addition, you could be held liable for any damages caused to neighbouring properties serviced by the same water main. A prevention device will help to avoid this from happening.

Installing a backflow device may seem like an inconvenience, but it is well worth the effort. By taking this simple precaution, you can protect your family’s health and safeguard your property.

There are various signs that indicate when backflow testing and repair is required to prevent your clean water from being contaminated. Some examples are:

• If your water tastes weird – extremely important to contact a professional plumber – contaminated water leads to a rise in sulphur content in your water system, which can lead to severe illness.
• There are visible particles such as rust particles or sediments in the water. This indicates a backflow issue – dirty water carries rust and sediments – if this occurs avoid drinking or cooking with this and contact a licensed plumber as soon as possible.
• A decrease in water pressure around your house or business – this is most likely due to backflow contamination.
• Strange smells coming out of plumbing fixtures – rotten egg like smell indicates a rise in sulphur content.

If any of these occurs do not hesitate to contact a plumber for proper backflow device installation & repairs.

How Can Fix n Flow Plumbers Help

If you are experiencing backflow in your home or business, contact our experienced plumbers. We have been helping residents install, repair and conduct backflow testing for over 20 years combined. We’re here to help you and provide a $0 call-out free for all your emergency backflow needs. We understand how important it is to respond to your inquiry quickly and effectively and that is why we will always respond to you within 60 minutes. Contact us today!