Learning About Backflow
All of the water in a plumbing system is intended to only flow in one direction. Once the water is treated at the local treatment facility, it should flow into homes through a sophisticated piping network without ever flowing backward. Why is this detail important? For starters, once water is treated, it must be used as soon as possible to avoid recontamination. In some pipes, there is a small chance that treated water can become a host for bacteria again if treatment chemicals degrade naturally over time. In this article, plumbers discuss that water flowing backward through piping is bad for health at home.
When water flows backward through piping, it is called backflow. When backflow occurs, a powerful suction is created at the points of use in a plumbing system. If any faucets or fixtures are open, air and other materials can be siphoned into the piping. If the materials that enter the piping during backflow are contaminated, all the water in the piping becomes contaminated. This is why regular backflow testing is crucial for safety.
Risks of Backflow
Backflow is a major concern for both commercial and residential water systems. In cases such as manufacturing and hospitals, it is easy to see how water from certain sources in these locations could contaminate water with chemicals and pathogens that could spread through the water grid, but it can also occur in homes.
Backflow is prevented by backflow preventers and plumbing codes that require air gaps between water sources and basins. However, these backflow prevention devices can fail and cause water contamination and waterborne illnesses. For example, without proper backflow prevention, irrigation systems could allow groundwater and fertilizers to be pulled into piping and contaminate the clean water. So, it's crucial to prevent backflow.
Understanding Backflow Testing
In commercial and residential settings, backflow is prevented by special devices appropriately named backflow prevention devices. These are methods and devices that allow water only to flow in one direction. When slight pressure changes are sensed in the water, valves can shut to prevent siphoning that occurs during backflow.
However, these devices can eventually fail. Codes require that professional backflow testing be done, typically annually, to prevent failure and possible contamination of water resources. In addition, testing can only be done by licensed plumbers who have experience in backflow testing and certification.
Importance of Backflow Testing
Backflow testing is vital to public health. In the last century, tainted water has been a source of disease outbreaks, even in developed countries. With easy access to safe drinking water, it can be easy to forget how vital it is to society. Backflow prevention devices and professional backflow testing are necessary for the water in every home and business to be as safe and reliable. To protect public health and water resources, every home and business owner should do their part to ensure their home and business’s backflow preventers are working correctly with backflow testing.
About Green Hills Plumbing
Green Hills Plumbing is a locally owned and operated company serving the Nashville area. They provide 24/7 emergency service and upfront pricing. Call them for backflow testing and certification in Nashville, TN.
