Ensuring the quality of your home’s water supply is essential. However, there are several situations beyond our control where water gets contaminated, such as backflow.
If you notice water backing up in your plumbing system due to issues like burst or frozen pipes, there is a high chance that the contaminated water will mix with the clean water supply. A great way to deal with this plumbing problem is to install two kinds of backflow devices: an air gap and a backflow preventer.
However, your task does not end at simply installing a preventer. It would be best if you got backflow testing done routinely. But why do you need to do this? In this article, we will be exploring why backflow prevention devices and their testing are essential. Let us begin!
What is a Backflow Preventer?
Backflow prevention devices are crucial in keeping your drinking water clean by stopping contaminants from entering through the plumbing systems. A backflow preventer, sometimes referred to as a backflow prevention device or assembly, serves as a barrier against this issue.
Backflow happens when water flows in the wrong direction, often due to a drop in pressure, pulling contaminants into the drinking supply. This reversal can lead to serious contamination issues. Backflow prevention devices act as a physical wall, keeping your drinking lines separate from potential pollutants.
Diverse types of backflow prevention devices exist for various needs. Their installation depends on the contamination risk level. For instance, commercial and industrial buildings usually need these systems to meet plumbing regulations.
Any backflow prevention devices or systems must be installed properly and undergo regular testing to ensure they are functioning as required. This helps ensure compliance with backflow prevention regulations, which are in place to protect public health by preventing cross-connections and water pollution into potable water supplies.
Why Are Backflow Preventers Important?
1. Safe Water Supply
Any contamination in your drinking water can directly affect your health in the worst ways possible.
Dirty water could originate from sources like a broken water main or septic tanks. When backflow takes place, dangerous microorganisms, heavy metals, and toxins journey through your plumbing and infiltrate your water supply. Therefore, it’s crucial to have backflow prevention devices in place.
Many signs indicate someone has consumed contaminated water, including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain. You are strongly advised to get your backflow preventer assemblies tested as soon as these health issues appear to ensure your home has a safe drinking water supply.
2. Cost-Efficient
Another reason why building owners should install a backflow prevention device in their plumbing system is that it is pretty cost-efficient. Additionally, these devices prevent backflow from occurring, which can help you save the money that would have otherwise been spent on dealing with a severe backflow incident.
3. Easy To Maintain
Pressed for time to maintain backflow devices? No worries; they’re pretty low maintenance! Additionally, most backflow preventers available today are quite user-friendly.
There are no hassles when it comes to their installation process either.
4. Prevents Damage To Plumbing Lines
Backflow preventers not only prevent health risks but also protect your property from potential damage caused due to backflow.
For instance, when contaminated water flows through the water mains of your home, there is a high chance that the harsh chemicals in the water will damage your plumbing pipes. A preventer protects this from happening. Backflow testing also stops structural damage, keeping the surrounding walls crack and moisture-free.
Benefits Of Getting Backflow Prevention Testing
1. Ensure The Workability Of Preventers
One of the most important reasons you should never skip the routine tests of your backflow preventers is to ensure the devices are working correctly. If the professional plumbers you hire for backflow testing find any issue with their functioning, they suggest getting them repaired or replaced.
Regular backflow testing will help you ensure that no polluted water flows through your property’s plumbing system due to a faulty preventer.
Further, getting such tests done can help you identify issues at their early stages. This will help you save up on the money that would have otherwise been spent on getting expensive repairs at a later stage.
2. Safeguard Your Community’s Health
Another important reason to always complete backflow testing is to ensure that your community can avoid the hazards of drinking dirty water. Since contaminated water quickly flows into different regions, it is likely to reach several houses in your community in a short period.
Getting backflow testing done routinely ensures that your prevention devices work as efficiently as possible to prevent backflow. This can help you avoid many water-borne diseases, such as bacterial gastroenteritis and other high-hazard situations.
3. Maintain Your Peace Of Mind
Residing near fire sprinklers or irrigation systems increases the chance of contaminated water reaching your taps. That’s why ensuring your drinking water’s safety is crucial for peace of mind.
Routine backflow testing can help you achieve the peace of mind you deserve. Once a professional confirms that your backflow preventers are working properly and the water supply system in your house is safe, you will be much more relaxed.
Keeping Your Water Supply Safe & Clean
Contaminated water can be a menace. This is why installing backflow preventers is very important, especially if you live near industrial areas, irrigation farms, or facilities that use harsh chemicals. They ensure that you receive clean water. They are also relatively cost-efficient and easy to maintain.
However, getting backflow testing is as essential as installing the preventer. It gives you peace of mind that you are not drinking polluted water.
At Woolf Plumbing & Gas, we strive to provide our clients with only the best plumbing services. Call our emergency plumbers in Perth today to have your backflow device installed and tested by local professionals!
