If you want to keep your water supply safe at your home or office, you need a backflow preventer. The primary role of backflow preventers is to protect your water from contamination.
Most cities legally require backflow preventers for operating water systems. Even if your local water provider uses one, it’s still a wise idea to have a backflow preventer for your home. Read on to learn more about the importance of having a backflow preventer and how these systems can keep you and your family safe.
What Are Backflow Prevention Devices?
When water flows through pipes, changes in pressure can cause it to flow backward. When it does, dirty water can enter the pipes from the ground or from sewage lines. It then flows back into the main water supply, contaminating it.
A backflow prevention device prevents water from flowing backward. It ensures that water can only flow in one direction. That eliminates the possibility of contaminated water reentering the main supply.
Why Are They So Important?
If you drink contaminated, non-potable water, it can make you sick. Depending on what’s contaminating it, the water can cause severe illness or even death.
That’s why having backflow preventers is so crucial. The water entering your home passes through many different areas before reaching your taps. It starts in a water treatment plant and then travels to the main water line and your home. By law, water treatment plants will have backflow preventers installed. However, you shouldn’t rely on that to protect your water supply, as incidents and mistakes sometimes occur.
Built-in backflow preventers can protect a variety of amenities in your home, from your swimming pool to your dishwasher. Preventative measures ensure that you limit the chances of interacting with dangerous water. One of the most important things to consider as you choose a backflow device is what kind of property you have and the different ways you use water. There are different options for protecting residential and commercial properties.
Should You Perform Backflow Testing?
To ensure your prevention device is working, you need to perform regular tests. Most states mandate regular backflow prevention testing, no matter what kind of property the device is on. You’ll want to inspect the systems several times a year to ensure they’re still doing their job.
If you care about your water quality, a backflow prevention device is necessary. Installing one at home is ideal for protecting your water supply from contaminants.
