Installing a Backflow Preventer

Running water is one of the greatest inventions in all of history. Thousands of years ago, the Romans created vast plumbing systems to serve their empire with running water, many of which are still in use today. Today we have professionally designed plumbing and sewage systems to help our homes and businesses with fresh water for drinking and bathing.

While our modern plumbing systems are more advanced than Roman aqueducts, they have their challenges. Rather than relying solely on gravity to move water, as the Romans did, we rely on pressure to push water through our plumbing pipes. It is this modern reliance on the weight and pressure that opens up the dangers of backflow.

What Is Backflow?

Backflow is the term we use to describe when water reverses flow in its plumbing pipes. Your plumbing system designed for water to move in one direction, but if there’s a sudden change in pressure inside the pipes, it can cause the water to flow the wrong way. If a backflow occurs, it can pose significant health and safety risk. It is because dirty wastewater from bathing and toilet can contaminate your clean drinking water, causing different illnesses—some of which are severe enough to kill you!
Thankfully, almost all homes are fitted with backflow prevention devices to protect against this kind of water contamination.

What Is Backflow Prevention?

Backflow prevention devices are installed at cross-connections in your plumbing system to ensure that backflow-causing pressure changes don’t lead to contamination of your drinking water.

There are several types of backflow preventer assemblies that are used to control flow direction and prevent backflow:

● Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) – the most common backflow prevention device is easy to install and maintain. However, they are known to eject water occasionally and not recommended for indoor use.

● Double Check Valve (DCV) – safe for use both indoors and underground; DCVs are a little more expensive but are also highly convenient, as they can be installed horizontally or vertically. If you find it hard to take good care of your backflow, it’s better to call a plumber in Waterford Township, MI. They will attend all your needs as fast as they can to ensure you have the right device for your plumbing system.

● Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly (RPZ) – the most expensive backflow prevention option, RPZs are also the most reliable backflow preventers. They are safe to use with landscaping chemicals, making them ideal for use with irrigation systems.

While some older homes may not have backflow preventers, all newer properties are required to have them. If you’re not sure what kind of backflow preventers are used in your home or business, you should hire a professional plumber that can help you locate and identify them. And can also perform your yearly backflow inspections.

Why Do You Need Annual Backflow Inspections?

Because water contamination could pose a severe public health risk, local laws require annual inspections to ensure your backflow prevention devices are working as they should. Backflow preventers have springs, rubber seals, and other moving parts that wear out over time, and they must receive the same regular maintenance that your car or HVAC system gets to ensure your family’s water is clean & safe.