Backflow prevention in plumbing systems is very important for homeowners and businesses as it is an essential part of wastewater management. Backflow is essentially the unwanted reversal of water flow into the plumbing system, where the water flows back into the public water supply. This can lead to an increase in pollution and contamination within the water supply, among other issues. We work with businesses and homes to ensure that there are backflow prevention methods in place to avoid any potential issues that could cause contamination.
What Are Common Causes of Backflow?
Understanding what backflow prevention options there are starts with understanding what causes backflow to begin with. There are a few different things that commonly cause backflow issues.
Back Pressure
Back pressure is a common cause for backflow, and it happens when the pressure in the system is higher than the pressure in the water supply line. Heating water in a closed system like a boiler could cause thermal expansion, which can result in back pressure. Another way this is caused is with pump systems that are high-pressure pumps or fire suppression systems that can cause back pressure. Multi-story buildings also have a higher potential of having issues with this because of the gravity, causing higher pressure at lower levels, which can exceed the supply pressure.
Back Siphonage
Back siphonage is another common cause for backflow. This is caused when the water supply pressure drops below the pressure in the building’s plumbing system. This can be caused by water main breaks, which can be common, and it occurs when a water line breaks, significantly reducing the pressure. Large demand for water, which causes high water usage, can also lower the pressure. Under-sized pipes that are too small for the water flow can also cause back siphonage.
Why Is Backflow Prevention Necessary?
There are many reasons why backflow prevention matters, and it is a huge need for any water systems that people are using on an ongoing basis, which is essentially all of them. The first main reason why backflow prevention is necessary is for health and safety reasons. Without backflow prevention, there is an increased risk of contaminated drinking water, which can lead to a multitude of health issues for those who are drinking the water. There is a potential for the water to be exposed to human waste, chemicals, and pesticides, which can make people sick and cause many other life-threatening risks if they’re not addressed properly.
For properties, having backflow prevention helps to protect the property from damage to the pipes, appliances, and HVAC systems that use the water in them. Compliance issues are also something to remember when it comes to wastewater systems. Backflow prevention is essential for many cities, as they require backflow prevention devices. Because of this, there is a potential for fines or shutdowns if you are not in compliance with backflow prevention.
How Do Backflow Prevention Devices Work?
There are many different types of backflow prevention devices and which one you decide on can depend on the type of residence or building the water is in. Here’s a look at some of the most common backflow prevention devices and how they work.
Air Gap: This is the process of leaving about a 1 to 2 inch gap between the water outlet and the flood level of a fixture. This prevents the contaminated water from siphoning back into the clean water and causing contamination. They’re typically used in sinks, dishwashers, and water tanks.
Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB): This uses atmospheric pressure to prevent back siphonage. When water stops flowing, an air vent will open, which breaks the vacuum and prevents backflow from happening. These are used in lab faucets or irrigation systems.
Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB): This method uses a pressurized device that includes two different valves that open to let air in if the pressure drops, preventing backflow. These are typically used in lawn sprinkler systems and lawn irrigation.
Check Valve: This is a simple system that uses a valve to allow only one-way water passage, avoiding backflow. These are used in low-risk systems like sump pumps or simple irrigation.
Double Check Value Assembly (DCVA): This is a simple system that uses two values, so that if one goes out for some reason, it can still handle the backflow and prevent both back pressure and back siphonage. These are used in fire sprinkler systems and commercial boilers.
What Are the Signs You Have a Backflow Issue?
- Discolored or foul-smelling water
- Slow drainage
- Unusual noises like gurgling
- Leaks or water pooling
- Health symptoms
- High water bills
- Water flowing in reverse
- A sudden drop in water pressure
Backflow Prevention is a Necessity for Residents and Businesses
Backflow prevention is a huge safety and health prevention method that keeps those within the walls of your home or building healthy. With backflow issues, there come a multitude of other issues that include health issues due to contaminated drinking water. Staying within compliance is also necessary for a business or if you own residences, due to the contamination factor of backflow. When it comes to choosing a prevention method, it’s important to consider the type of residence you’re in and where this method will be at. As we went over the different methods, there are many different ones to choose from, and at All Year Cooling & Plumbing, we are able to choose the right method for you based on where it’s being installed.
Regardless of what method you choose, it’s important to recognize that this is a nonnegotiable and should be implemented to keep yourself and your family or residents healthy and safe. Backflow problems can be common, but they can also make for a nasty cleanup if they aren’t properly prevented or addressed as soon as possible. If you’re in need of implementing a backflow prevention method or if you think you have signs of potential backflow problems, contact us, and we can get you a consultation to figure out what the best method is to get your backflow prevention up and running.