A backflow preventer is a device that prevents the water in your home from flowing backwards into the water supply. If you are on a municipal water supply line, a backflow prevention device protects the municipal water supply from being contaminated and if you are on a well, it protects your well from contamination.
Normally, water pressure from the municipal system or your well pump keeps the water in your home flowing in the right direction. However, there can be a drop in the water pressure due to a break in the water line, heavy sudden usage, or a variety of other reasons. When this happens, it is possible that water in the water lines in your home or business can flow backwards into the municipal system or into your well. A backflow prevention device stops this from happening.
There are many federal, state and local regulations that require backflow preventers to be installed. These are primarily directed at businesses, but in some circumstances homeowners are required to install backflow preventers. Check with your local government or water authority to see if a backflow prevention device is required for your home or business and avoid costly fines and penalties.
If you are on a well, a backflow preventer is an excellent way to prevent contamination of the well. Once a well is contaminated it can be expensive and difficult to get it cleaned up. Sometimes drilling a new well is required.
If you have a sprinkler system, you need a backflow preventer. Yards are full of pesticides, fertilizers, and other chemicals that can easily get into your sprinkler system. In the event of a backflow, these chemicals will flow into your water supply line and the municipal system or your well. No only is there a possibility of contaminating the well or municipal water supply, but when the flow returns to the normal direction all that contaminated water in your water supply line will flow into your home.
If you need a backflow prevention device installed at your home, call a reputable local plumber who handles backflow testing and installation.
