Are You Following the Code for Backflow Prevention?

May 29th, 2015 Posted in Backflow Prevention
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If you are on a city water line, there is most likely a backflow prevention device in your home. These devices ensure that the water in your home lines does not backflow into the main water supply. In most cases this is not an issue. The pressure from the main water supply is usually much greater than your home water lines, preventing backflow. However, it certain circumstances, this may not be the case so a backflow preventer can stop your water from entering the city water supply. In many cities, there are codes requiring homeowners to install and maintain a backflow preventer in their home, or face a penalty.

Why is a Backflow Preventer Needed?

You may be wondering why backflow prevention is such a big deal. What difference does it make if your water goes back into the main water supply? It is a way to avoid accidental contamination. For example, if the pressure is reduced from a main line break or other situation in the water supply, a suction can occur pulling water from every area of your home, even your irrigation system. This can inadvertently pull contaminants like fertilizers and pesticides into the community water system.

Meeting Local Backflow Prevention Codes

If you are not sure what the codes are in your city regarding backflow prevention, talk to your local sewer service provider. They can educate you on what is needed to meet city codes. This can involve installing a backflow preventer, having backflow testing and annual inspections. Most experienced sewer service providers can provide the needed installation, testing and inspections to ensure that your home is following the backflow prevention codes for your city.

Posted on behalf of:
Kiddco Plumbing Inc
Sterling, VA
(703) 435-4441

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Why You Should Install a Backflow Prevention Device

December 18th, 2013 Posted in Backflow Prevention
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The idea of a lush, green lawn is an appealing one to many homeowners. If you count yourself among this group and live in an area where rainfall is a bit sparse, you know how important a role sprinklers and irrigation systems play in the health of your grass. If have or are considering a sprinkler or irrigation system to maintain your lawn, it’s wise to consider the installation of a backflow prevention device.

In the simplest terms, a backflow preventer is a piece of equipment designed to prevent water laced with pesticides, fertilizers or other hazardous waste from contaminating the water supply. There are two types of backflow to be concerned with: back-siphonage and back-pressure. Both can result in a dangerous situation in which contaminated water seeps into the supply of potable water.

A drop in water pressure from the main line due to a pipe breakage, use of fire hydrants and other heavy drains can cause the water in your lines to flow backwards briefly, draining into the public water supply or into a well on your property. If you’ve installed properly-functioning backflow preventers, you don’t have to worry about the effect contaminated water may have on the supply of drinking water in your neighborhood. When the normal level of pressure is restored to the main water line, you also won’t be saddled with a sudden flow of similarly contaminated water into the pipes in your home.

If you’re considering the installation of a sprinkler, irrigation system or live in an area where backflow prevention devices are required by municipal law, contact a licensed sewer and septic specialist in your area today. A professional can answer any questions you may have about backflow prevention devices, and ensure the proper installation in order to prevent water contamination from originating on your property.

Posted on behalf of Kiddco Plumbing

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Reasons Why You May Need A Backflow Preventer

November 16th, 2011 Posted in Backflow Prevention
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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.

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