Does your tap water have an unpleasant, pungent smell of sulfur? Is it a murky yellow or brown color with sediment and rust visible? If you dare drink it, does it leave a metallic aftertaste? These are all clear signs that you are consuming contaminated water.
Backflow is a serious plumbing issue, which means that your waterline has been compromised, and sewage is backing up into your water supply. This is a severe and health-threatening concern. If you have any suspicion of a backflow problem, call a plumber immediately!
Certified Plumbing of Brevard is an expert in backflow prevention and repair services. We have been a trusted business for over 33 years in Brevard County! Let us quickly and efficiently fix your plumbing problem with backflow testing to ensure safety for you and your loved ones. Call us now for a service at 321-676-0812.
What is Backflow?
Backflow occurs when there is a reversal in normal water flow due to pressure from other sources. This can happen when there are changes in the water pressure between two different sources, like a change in elevation or an increase in demand for water. When backflow happens, contaminated water can flow into the public drinking water system if measures aren’t taken to prevent it. Backflow testing is essential to prevent backflow.
What Causes Backflow?
Backflow can occur due to several different factors. It commonly occurs when a plumbing system has a sudden pressure change, such as when a hydrant line breaks or a pump fails. If the pressure drops suddenly, the water can be forced back through the pipes and eventually into homes and businesses. This can cause serious health risks because it may contain contaminants that have been drawn up from sewer lines.
Another common cause is an improper installation or malfunctioning pressure regulator. Pressure regulators are designed to keep changes in water pressure from affecting your plumbing system, but if they fail, backflow can occur.
A sudden pressure drop, which could be caused by a pipe burst or an unexpected surge of water entering the system, can cause sewage waste to backflow, polluting your clean water supply.
What Are The Dangers Of Backflow?
Backflow can have serious health consequences for those who consume contaminated water. Contaminants such as bacteria, chemicals, and even raw sewage can enter the potable water supply if not properly prevented. In addition to potential health risks, there is also a significant risk of property damage due to flooding caused by backpressure from an improperly maintained pressure regulator.
Once noticed, it’s often too late. All homeowners and businesses alike need to have their plumbing systems inspected regularly by a qualified and trusted plumbing professional who can identify any potential issues before they become dangerous problems.
How Can You Prevent Backflow?
One way to prevent backflow is by regularly inspecting all parts of your plumbing system, including your pressure regulator and cross-connections. It is essential to ensure that all pipes are correctly connected and that any modifications are done according to code requirements.
Sprinkler systems are notorious for causing backflow incidences. This is common with lawn irrigation systems. That is why it is important to have a professional install these systems and that they follow cod, which requires the installation of a backflow preventer device.
So any work must be done according to the code. Be mindful that all debris and foreign objects are kept out of the plumbing system so they cannot interfere with its proper functioning.
The best way to prevent backflow is by installing proper backflow prevention devices in your plumbing systems. Backflow prevention devices are valves that prevent wastewater from flowing backward into drinking water supply systems. They are designed to protect public health by ensuring potable water remains uncontaminated. Depending on your system type, backflow preventers could be installed in your home or commercial building.
These devices are designed to detect changes in pressure between the public water supply and your own plumbing system. It then shuts off the flow of fluid when detecting an issue. These devices are designed to alert you if there is a potential issue so that you can take action quickly before any contamination occurs.
Additional Preventative Measures:
- Installing check valves on all exterior faucets
- Regularly inspect your plumbing system for leaks or damages
- Avoiding using unapproved chemicals or fertilizers near plumbing systems
- Visual Signs: discolored, funny-tasting water, unusual odor, etc.
Devices should be inspected regularly by qualified professionals for preventative measures.
Certified Plumbing of Brevard can perform a backflow test for your property. We can help maintain your plumbing systems and reduce the likelihood of any backflow-related issues in your home or business. Call today to schedule your backflow test.
What Is Backflow Testing?
Backflow testing checks a property’s plumbing system to ensure that potentially contaminated water isn’t entering public water systems or other connected pipes. The primary purpose of backflow testing is to help maintain safe drinking water in communities by preventing cross-contamination between private and public supplies.
Backflow prevention devices are installed on residential, commercial, and industrial properties with connections to public water systems. These devices are designed to prevent contaminated or hazardous substances from flowing backward into public supplies. As previously stated, any backward flow can cause serious health risks when people drink the affected water. Additionally, each device must be tested regularly for proper functioning for these devices to work correctly.
Why Should You Test Your Backflow?
Backflow prevention is essential because it helps protect you and your family from contamination in your drinking water supply. Contaminated water can contain bacteria, viruses, parasites, sewage, chemicals, and other hazardous materials that can cause serious illnesses or diseases. By having regular backflow tests done, you can help ensure that your drinking water remains free of contaminants.
Some areas require regular backflow tests to comply with local regulations and laws.
State Regulations
Each state has its own set of laws regarding backflow prevention devices. These laws may vary depending on where you live, so be sure to research the specific regulations in your area before installing a device. Generally speaking, most states require any business or public building with a private well or municipal water system to have a backflow preventer installed on their plumbing system.
In addition to having the correct type of device installed, each state has different testing requirements. Depending on where you live, you may need to have your device tested more frequently than in other areas. Some states require testing every three years or less! Familiarize yourself with your local regulations to help protect everyone’s health!
Contact Certified Plumbing of Brevard
Backflow testing is a crucial inspection that helps protect you and your family from dangerous contaminants in your drinking water. Regularly scheduled inspections by trained professionals can help identify potential threats quickly before they become serious issues. Schedule your regular backflow tests to keep everyone safe!
Certified Plumbing of Brevard has decades of plumbing expertise and a passionate commitment to the Brevard County community. We understand what it takes to make your backflow prevention services as efficient as possible. Our team is always on hand, providing the highest quality service. For 33 years, our superior customer care has set us apart from other plumbing companies in the area. You can count on us for reliable solutions every time. Call us today at 321- 676-0812 to schedule your backflow test!
