What to Know About Backflow Testing

Backflow is a condition in which the flow of any water in your home reverses directions. Why is this a problem? Consider an irrigation system that is watering your lawn from the same plumbing as your drinking water, as most domestic sprinklers systems are designed.

If a backflow condition occurs, groundwater, debris, and lawn chemicals could all be pulled back into the freshwater side of your plumbing where your drinking water is stored.

If backflow does occur in your house, it means that all the water in your pipes will become polluted water. In this article, you will learn the risks associated with backflow and how to prevent it. You will also learn what to do in case you find yourself experiencing this issue.

Health Risks of Not Having Backflow Protection

Clean water is a mainstay in modern society. It is very easy to take for granted your access to potable water. When a backflow condition occurs, foreign matter, chemical contaminants, and biological contaminants can infect your water supply and leave you vulnerable.

Backflow often results in sewage or surface water being pulled back into your home’s plumbing where dangerous bacteria and viruses can live in your drinking water and infect or harm you. Backflow can be an issue on a municipal scale from businesses and water distribution systems.

When flooding occurs, if backflow prevention devices aren’t in place, contaminated surface water can be pulled into freshwater piping. Additionally, pipes serving industrial customers have been known to siphon products back into residential freshwater piping.

Prevent Backflow Conditions

Fortunately, devices and methods exist to prevent backflow conditions from occurring. Chances are, your home is equipped with a backflow prevention device. Municipal water supplies also have industrial-scale backflow preventers in place strategically to prevent contamination as well.

Preventing backflow is one of the most important steps to take to protect the safety of your water supply. Backflow preventers should be inspected and tested at least yearly to ensure that they are protecting your water supply. Municipalities and large industrial customers are required to have theirs tested annually as well.

If you suspect that your backflow preventer has become compromised and might be contaminating your water supply, it may be wise to have it certified. In the certification process, an authorized backflow prevention certifier will sample your freshwater system and look for potential contaminants. Once the technician tests for chemical and biological contamination, they will certify that your backflow preventer is working and that your water supply is safe.

What to Do If You Have a Backflow Problem

If you find that backflow is happening in your system, it is important to know what to do. First, find your water valve in order to turn off the supply to your house. This will isolate your water system and help you figure out where the backflow is happening.

Next, locate the source of the backflow. Common culprits are pools, irrigation systems, booster pumps, and even dishwashers. Finally, have the problem repaired, restore water service, and flush the lines by turning on all faucets and spigots.

Letting lots of water flow through your plumbing will remove all of the potential contaminants. Having your water certified by a backflow preventer certified inspector will ensure that your water is safe and the job is complete.

About Falcon Plumbing

Falcon Plumbing has been committed to customer satisfaction in the Miami, FL area since 1986. Their plumbers are certified for backflow testing and certification for residential and commercial customers. Offering a full line of plumbing services, they can help with anything from garbage disposal installation to hot water tank replacement.

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