The Importance of Backflow Testing
Just think of it. You’ve worked hard outside in your yard all day. You pulled weeds, raked leaves, planted new flowers. You mulched, dug, removed common pests, and even laid down cement bricks for that raised bed garden you’ve wanted to do. After all day in the hot sun, you go inside for a cool, refreshing glass of drinking water. You pull down a glass, turn on the tap, and discolored water comes pouring out. What’s going on here?
What just happened is a symptom of backflow. Backflow prevention services are available to help avoid this very thing and keep your water clean and pure. In this article, readers can learn about what backflow is and how to prevent it. You will also learn what to do if you're dealing with backflow problems.
Health Risks of Backflow
Backflow occurs when you have water coming back up through your pipes rather than solely exiting. When water flows back up your piping, you can end up with dirty, discolored, contaminated water. There are a number of times when this can occur.A common time when you could experience backflow is when a water main breaks. Because the pressure is lost and water isn’t being pushed forward into your pipes, it can flow backward, instead. Backflow can present serious health risks to anyone who is exposed to or drinks the water that is contaminated.
Backflow is not only dirty water, but it can be mixed with sewage, as well. Because of this, harmful diseases, bacteria, and viruses can make a person seriously ill when exposed. This is why backflow testing is so important.
How to Prevent Backflow
If you’re concerned about backflow issues, the best thing you can do is have testing done. When a plumber comes to backflow test your home, several things will occur. First, there will be a backflow testing device hooked up to your water system. Next, using a system of valves and gauges, they’ll be able to tell which direction the water is flowing and whether the pressure remains consistent.
In order to stop backflow, you can use a backflow prevention system. These systems let water into your home but stop water from flowing back out when the pressure reduces. The device is installed on your home’s pipes and prevents any backflow from occurring.
Know What to Do
If you think backflow has occurred at your home, the most important thing to do is shut off the water valve. If you believe this has occurred because of a broken city water pipe, call the water office right away so they can send someone out to look at the area that may be broken.If it is a problem with your own piping, call a plumber, and make it an emergency. Until you get the backflow problem fixed, you won’t be able to turn your water on again.
The common areas for this to happen will be the pipes that connect your home to the water main as well as pipes within your home. Any time you lose pressure, you’re at risk for backflow and your water pressure should be professionally examined before you go back to normal.
Local, Professional Plumbers
Force Plumbing and Heating LLC proudly serves Holmdel, NJ for all their plumbing and heating needs. They offer full-service plumbing solutions, helping you protect your home from the dangers of backflow with their VIP Comfort Club maintenance plan. They pride themselves in offering on-time arrivals, friendly technicians, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
