Backflow Hazards: How To Protect Against Them
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Backflow Testing and Backflow Replacement Palmetto, FL Residents Rely On
Key Takeaways:
- Backflow can pose a serious health risk, contaminating the drinking water supply and leading to outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
- There are several ways to prevent backflow hazards, including installing backflow preventers and ensuring that plumbing systems are well-maintained.
- Common causes of backflow accidents include improperly installed or maintained devices, incorrect piping, and pressure surges.
- To prevent backflow accidents in your home, regularly clean your drains, install backflow prevention devices, repair leaks promptly, and test your devices regularly.
When water flows in the wrong direction, it causes backflow. This can contaminate the drinking water supply and create serious health risks for people in the area. Backflow prevention is key to preventing these hazards. Find out how you can protect your home or business from backflow accidents.
What Is A Backflow Hazard, And Why Should You Be Concerned About Them?
A backflow hazard occurs when contaminated water flows back into the clean water supply. This can happen when there is a drop in water pressure or when dirty water is released into the system. Contaminating the drinking water supply and leading to outbreaks of waterborne diseases. There are several ways to prevent backflow hazards, including installing backflow preventers and ensuring that plumbing systems are well-maintained.
It is also important to be aware of the signs of backflow hazards so that you can take action to protect yourself and your family.
How Can You Protect Your Home From Backflow Hazards?
The most common type of backflow is caused by a difference in pressure between the main supply line and the service line. This can happen when a fire hydrant or repairs are made to the main water line or a break in the main water line. If the gap is not fixed quickly, it can cause backflow. The third type of backflow can happen when there is a power outage. If the pumps that push water through the pipes are not working, the water can flow backward.
There are multiple ways to protect your home from backflow hazards. Hear us out on a few!
- You can install an air gap, a physical separation between the water source and your home.
- You can also install a backflow preventer, a device that allows water to flow in only one direction.
- You can also regularly inspect your plumbing system to ensure no leaks or other issues that could cause backflow.
By taking these precautions, you can help to protect your home from backflow hazards.
Read more about backflow preventers.
Common Causes Of Backflow Accidents
Improperly Installed Backflow Prevention Devices
Backflow prevention devices are designed to prevent contaminated water from flowing into the potable water supply. However, suppose these devices are not installed correctly. In that case, they can cause water to flow backward, potentially contaminating the potable water supply.
In some cases, backflow prevention devices may become damaged or broken, leading to contamination of the potable water supply.
Poorly Maintained Backflow Prevention Devices
Another common cause of water backflow accidents is poorly maintained backflow prevention devices. As with improperly installed or malfunctioning devices, if backflow prevention devices are not properly maintained, they can allow contaminated water to flow backward into the potable water supply.
To ensure that your backflow prevention device is properly maintained, it is important to have it serviced by a qualified professional regularly.
Pressure Surges
One final common cause of water backflow accidents is pressure surges. Pressure surges can occur for various reasons, such as when a fire hydrant is used or when there is a sudden loss of power. These pressure surges can cause contaminated water to be forced back through the piping system and into the potable water supply.
Tips For Preventing Backflow Accidents In Your Home
1. Keep Your Drains Clean
One of the best ways to prevent backflow accidents is to clean your drains. Grease, hair, and debris can build up in your drains and cause blockages. When water cannot flow freely through your gutters, it can begin to back up into your home.
Regularly flush your gutters with hot water and a drain cleaner to keep them clean. You should also avoid pouring grease down your drains.
Related: How to maintain your plumbing?
2. Install Backflow Preventers
Backflow preventers are devices installed in your plumbing system to prevent water from flowing backward into your home. There are several different types of backflow preventers, so you should consult with a plumber to determine which type is right for your home.
3. Repair Leaks Promptly
Leaking pipes and fixtures can also lead to backflow accidents. Water leaks from a pipe or fixture can create a suction that can draw contaminated water back into your home.
To prevent this from happening, ensure to repair any leaks in your plumbing system as soon as possible.
4. Disconnect Hoses When Not In Use
If you have an outdoor faucet, disconnect any attached hoses when you are not using them. Hoses left connected to an outdoor faucet can create a siphon that can draw contaminated water into your home if the water pressure in the hose is higher than the water pressure in your home’s plumbing system.
5. Know Where Your Main Shut-Off Valve Is Located
In a backflow accident, it is important to know where your main shut-off valve is located to quickly turn off the water supply to your home. The main shut-off valve is typically located near the water meter or where the main water line enters.
6. Test Your Backflow Preventer Regularly
Like any other device in your home, you must test backflow preventers regularly to ensure that they are working properly. Most manufacturers recommend that backflow preventers be tested at least once per year by a certified testing company.
Protect Your Property with Our Backflow Preventer Testing Services!
A properly functioning backflow preventer is crucial for the safety of your home or business. That’s why it’s important to have annual testing and inspections done by a qualified professional.
Accurate Backflow Testing & Plumbing, serving Palmetto, FL, knows you have many choices when choosing a plumbing company for backflow testing. We appreciate your interest in our services, and we guarantee that you won’t be disappointed with the results. Our team is dedicated to providing fast, reliable service that will keep your property in compliance with all local ordinances.
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Highest Google Rated Backflow Provider
They make it easy. You schedule your test online. They take care of the rest and even send the results to the county. Very competitive/affordable price as well. I even write in the notes when I schedule my test that if it needs a repair that costs less than $100 to please repair on the spot. Over $100, call me. Only once (when I needed a repair) did I receive an invoice for more than the typical service fee — my leak was repaired and I didn't even have to worry about it. Very please with how easy they make things.
They are awesome! This year I hired Accurate, as I have past years, but then my neighborhood hired another company. The company hired by the neighbor completely botched it, but the county only looks at the last test result done. Accurate really had my back, talked to the county for me to make sure the bad company retested. Would definitely recommend Accurate Backflow!
Have had a great experience with Accurate. We have used them for 4-5yrs running. Very simple process for us email to schedule appointment and they turn in all the paperwork for you. We have never had any issues and it’s such an easy process to pay as soon as you get the email invoice, and it’s super reasonable.
Streamline, efficient and stress free. Thank you!
Tracy was incredible in answering all my questions, great listener, was able to coordinate a backflow and I saved money by signing up for three additional years. She even managed to have replacement handles installed (original ones rusted out).
Refreshing to have real customer service.
I have used Accurate Backflow for over 10 years. I have always had prompt efficient service. They make it so easy to schedule an appointment and to pay after the work is completed.
I have used Accurate Team for years for our annual back flow testing. They have made the process seamless from the initial reminder email, allowing easy scheduling, auto report submission and autopay. Reliable company, highly recommended.
Accurate Backflow Testing & Plumbing responded quickly to my request for testing. They came out within a few days. Did the testing put their stamp of approval on our water system coming into the home. We are very satisfied with their service would highly recommend them.
I have used Accurate Backflow Testing since I moved to Lakewood Ranch. Always timely, fair pricing, great communication. I have never been let down by them.
Easy online booking, quick response to booking request, testing done within a few days, completion/pass tag left on door, easy online payment. Will definitely use this company again!
Accurate has been great! The website ordering system is so easy to use. You place the order they come out and bill you. Love how little effort ii need to make to order back flow.
When Quality Matters, Hire The Best!
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The team here at Accurate Backflow & Plumbing is standing by to serve as your trusted local plumber in Bradenton, FL. So, call us or fill out the form to book your appointment with our staff today.
