Backflow and Why It Is a Problem
People here in the United States tend to take clean, potable water for granted, but even here, sometimes things go wrong with the water flow, whether it is a municipal problem or a rural water district issue. Backflow can cause serious issues for any homeowner, no matter where they are. This occurrence happens when, instead of flowing down the drain, as wastewater should, the flow comes back up, causing overflow and possibly causing water contamination. A home’s backflow device is responsible for preventing the wastewater from getting into the clean supply lines.
Why Does Backflow Happen and What Problems Arise?
Several scenarios can cause backflow. The typical reason is a clog in the drain line. Most people have experienced this with a clogged drain or toilet. If this happens throughout the home, it may be a very deep clog or something more sinister could be at work. Flooding is another common reason for backflow. If an area is saturated with rain, it can be difficult for the contents of a septic tank to be absorbed as they should be. Problems with city wastewater systems can cause backflow. This can have horrible implications for a community. The primary problem beyond the water damage to houses is that wastewater often carries disease. A problem affecting a whole area’s water can lead to a medical emergency, such as an outbreak of preventable diseases.
Testing a Home’s Backflow Preventer
This is where a backflow prevention device becomes the first line of defense. The backlog device itself is not an extremely complex apparatus. It is a set of two valves between the pipes from a municipal water supply and the pipes that supply a residence. They generally stay open but are designed to close under a fairly small fluctuation in pressure to prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the supply.
Many cities require a certificate from each home saying that their backflow preventer has been tested and found to be functional. This backflow test is usually performed annually. A certified backflow tester will come to the home in question and perform the test, which usually takes 30 minutes to an hour. The steps of this process are listed below.
- The water supply to the house must be turned off
- The plumbing professional will attach a testing device called a differential gauge
- They will check that the valves are opening and closing at the proper time and under the proper pressure
- They will turn the water supply back on if there are no problems
Why Is Backflow Testing Important?
Considering the inconvenience the backflow test causes for a typical household, why is it so often required? This preventative measure is about more than just a single household.
- Public Safety: Functional backflow preventers can keep a whole city healthy if there is a problem with the water system. It keeps germs out of the water.
- Personal Health: It keeps individuals safe from contamination as well.
About The Darville Company
Offering friendly, on-time service in Odessa, TX, and the surrounding areas, the Darville Company provides highly trained technicians for backflow service. Call today to schedule an appointment.
