Backflow is a serious problem with your plumbing system, but luckily, it’s easily prevented with the right maintenance. As a homeowner, you might know how to unclog a drain or toilet, but backflow prevention probably isn’t your area of expertise. We don’t expect you to know these things, which is why we have the best team available to service your home. A good backflow preventer is the defining feature that separates your space from impending disaster. If you need a great plumber in Springfield, PA then contact our team today.
What Is Backflow?
Let’s start with the basics. What is backflow prevention exactly? To understand backflow prevention, you need to understand what “backflow” is. Your water pressure should only move toward the pipes, faucets, and fixtures and on your property. Backflow refers to backsiphonage created when the pressure lowers in one part of your pipe but not in another area of your pipe. Because of this imbalance, the elevated pressure pushes contaminated water into your clean pipes.
Why does Backflow happen?
The pressure in your water system can change for a multitude of reasons, the most common reasons are the following:
- If there’s an emergency near your home and an emergency service team accesses a fire hydrant near your home, it causes negative pressure which can allow water to get sucked back up through the pipes.
- If there’s a break in the main water line that changes the water pressure.
- If there’s a tank of water on your property and the pressure of the tank exceeds the pressure of the water supply, then it forces water and whatever other chemicals are in the tank back through the piping.
What’s a Backflow Preventer?
We’re a qualified team here at Murphy’s Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning, so we provide backflow testing. Backflow testing detects types of backflow so that we can install a great backflow prevention device.
A backflow preventer is a device that protects your water supply. While there are air gaps built into your plumbing system, it helps prevent siphonage but it’s not always efficient enough. If one of our expert technicians determines that you’re suffering from backflow then a backflow preventer is the right system for your home. This assembly is installed on your home’s water pipes and it allows water to flow in the right direction (toward your faucets) and prevents it from flowing in the wrong direction (toward your water supply). It keeps your drinking water clean.
If you have a commercial business or a home that’s at risk to backflow, a backflow preventer is the best system for your home. We can install this system in your home flawlessly and give you peace of mind for years to come.
When Should You Have Backflow Testing Done?
Once you have your backflow prevention device installed, your backflow prevention assembly needs to be monitored by a professional on an annual basis. This is a system that’s keeping your space from a nasty disaster so make sure it’s always up to par.
