Basics of Backflow and Backflow Testing
There are many dreaded plumbing issues homeowners can experience. One of the worst is backflow. Backflow in a plumbing system can contaminate the water and put households and communities at risk of severe illnesses. Backflow occurs when wastewater that’s supposed to leave a house instead flows in the reverse direction and enters the clean water supply. This post will discuss the dangers of backflow, how professionals perform backflow testing, and why it’s essential.
Backflow Dangers
Backflow is the unwanted reverse of the water flow in the plumbing, and it can pose significant risks to public health. When backflow occurs, it can contaminate water used for drinking, cleaning, and bathing with harmful bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and other contaminants that can cause the spread of illnesses and diseases.
Backflow can be caused by various factors, like back pressure or back siphonage, which can occur when there is an issue with the pressure due to things like a broken water main or when water is used for firefighting. However, backflow can’t be prevented if there are faulty or improperly installed backflow prevention devices at the cross-connections between clean water and wastewater lines. Regular backflow testing is crucial to prevent backflow and ensure the safety and quality of clean water for communities.
What to Expect During Backflow Testing
During backflow testing, qualified plumbers will first shut off the water and then inspect and test backflow prevention devices to look for defects and ensure the backflow preventers are working correctly and can continue to prevent backflow from occurring.
If the backflow tester finds any issues with the backflow preventers or the system’s ability to prevent backflow, they can repair or replace them before a dangerous backflow event occurs. Backflow testing should typically be performed on backflow prevention once a year to keep water safe and clean.
Why Backflow Testing Is Crucial
Homeowners must schedule regular backflow testing services to ensure the safety of their plumbing system, keep contaminants out of the clean water supply, and contribute to protecting public health. While backflow testing is crucial to keeping a household’s water supply safe, it also helps keep the community’s water supply safe and clean. Backflow testing helps ensure backflow preventers can prevent backflow and the waterborne disease outbreaks and illnesses it can cause.
How severe and widespread an outbreak is depends on several factors, including the type of contaminant and how diluted it is. Preventing backflow is important to avoid the health risks associated with it. Additionally, states and municipalities often require backflow testing, so a routine backflow test will ensure homeowners comply.
About Service Experts Plumbing
Service Experts Plumbing has over ten years of experience serving the D’Iberville area. They offer flat-rate pricing, on-time service, and a satisfaction guarantee. Call them for plumbing services in D’Iberville, MS.
