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by on August 30, 2020
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A backflow preventer is installed in the water pipes of your home to ensure that water flows in one direction, and never go back in the opposite direction. The sole purpose of a backflow preventer is to make sure that the drinking water remains safe from getting contaminated from backflow. Consider it as the one-way gate that lets water from the public water supply to come into the pipes, but stops water from going back in the main water supply. Here are the things to note about a backflow preventer.



The Reasons For Backflow To Occur

As water comes in your home from the main supply line, it should come straight to your home. But, pressure changes in the water pipes can make the water go back into the main supply line. A backflow prevention company helps in stopping this backflow from happening.

For instance, breaks in the main supply line or the use of a fire hydrant can cause backflow. Water stops getting pushed forward in your home because the pressure falls during these two events. Water goes back to the water lines of the city. Backflow can contaminate the public supply of drinking water with:

•Human waste

•Pesticides/fertilizers

•Chlorine from spas/pools

•Soap from showers/dishwashers/sinks

A backflow system will prevent this contamination from happening.

Mistakes To Prevent While Installing Backflow Preventers

Improper installation of the backflow preventer will create more problems than it set out to solve. The level of risk will stay the same, but the maintenance costs will go higher.

Installations Higher Than Five Feet: The installation has to be done at the height of fewer than five feet from the ground to make it safe for repair and maintenance, and field testing. Not maintaining the right height will make it a health risk for the tester.

Improper Installation Of The RP Principle Backflow Preventer: Reduced principle (RP) backflow preventer should get installed near a floor drain as the relief valve might start leaking for some reason. Connect the relief port to drain pipes to avoid any kind of water damage.

Not Putting A Wye Strainer Upstream: Debris might flow in the water system. The device can become inoperable when debris gets stuck on it. Thus, a good backflow prevention company will ask you to install a wye strainer upstream. It will protect the device, increase its efficiency, and brings down the risk of contamination.

It is important to hire a well-reputed plumbing company to install backflow preventers so that the mistakes mentioned above do not occur. Make sure to discuss the cost of installation and check the license of the company before hiring them for the job.
Posted in: Plumbing Services
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