Backflow preventers are saving lives across the United States. Sound dramatic? Not really when you think about the potential danger of consuming water not suitable for drinking. Arizona requires the installation of a backflow preventer when:
- "a substance harmful to public health" could enter the water system
- a source of water "that is not accepted" enters the water system
- when an "unprotected cross-contamination exists" or
- when there is the possibility that it could exist.”
Typically, that includes all commercial buildings and certain residential homes. A Phoenix backflow preventer that is properly installed by a Phoenix plumber protects a building’s pure drinking water supply by stopping contaminated water from mixing with the drinking water. Understanding what backflow is, how it occurs, and how to stop potentially dangerous backflow situations will help to avoid problems in your building’s drinking water.
What is Backflow and how does it occur?
When non potable water or other substances flow through a cross-connection and into the piping of a public water system or consumer's potable water system, it is called backflow. Backflow can be caused by a downstream pressure that is greater than the supply pressure, or by negative pressure (a vacuum). Increases in downstream pressure can be created by pumps, temperature increases in boilers, etc. Reductions in potable water supply pressure occur whenever the amount of water being used exceeds the amount of water being supplied, such as during water line flushing, fire fighting, or breaks in water mains. Back siphonage (a vacuum) can occur when there is a stoppage of water supply due to nearby fire fighting, a break in a water main, etc.
How can I stop potentially dangerous backflow situations, or avoid them all together?
Irrigation systems make watering lawns and gardens easier and save time, BUT, water that may be contaminated by weed killers and/or fertilizers can flow back into the home’s drinking water. Irrigation systems not protected by approved backflow prevention assemblies could endanger the health of a household, neighborhood, or community. Steps can be taken to prevent this dangerous situation.
First, ensure that a proper backflow preventer is installed and maintained. A backflow preventer is a mechanism to prevent backflow, which provides a physical barrier to backflow. The principal types of mechanical backflow preventers are the reduced-pressure principle assembly, the pressure vacuum breaker assembly, and the double check valve assembly. A secondary type of mechanical backflow preventer is the residential dual check valve. Make sure you have a licensed and approved plumbing company install your backflow device to assure it is installed properly and according to building code.
Also remember that Code requires the backflow assembly to be tested annually by a licensed and approved professional. Valleywide Plumbing services the backflow assembly installation, testing, repairs, and replacement needs for many properties and property management companies around Arizona and have an impeccable reputation among all municipalities.
