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How Does Backflow Testing Protect Water?

Understanding Backflow

In nature, water hosts various bacteria, viruses, and parasites. A bubbling river or stream may seem like the perfect place to grab a drink and commune with nature, but the results can be serious for anyone who has ever taken that risk. Many biological agents commonly found in water are serious human pathogens responsible for serious illnesses and even death. To make drinking water safe, it must undergo an extensive process. 

Once water is purified to remove pathogens, it must stay protected from the environment at the risk of recontamination. If the piping that conveys water from the treatment facility to a home is compromised, the water can play host to any threats. To prevent this from happening, plumbers and engineers have ways to prevent situations where contamination is common. 

Backflow happens in piping whenever water flows in the opposite direction than intended. This is usually due to a water main break or a large commercial customer suddenly using large volumes of water. When backflow occurs, a powerful siphon will cause air and contaminants to be pulled into the freshwater system. Backflow preventers must be installed and maintained to avoid it from happening. 

Risks of Backflow

dirty water When backflow occurs, the greatest risk of contamination is at the various points of use in the system. If a valve to a sink is open or an irrigation system is running during a backflow event, air or contaminated groundwater could be pulled into the freshwater system. In commercial facilities, any tank or plumbing hooked to the water grid could supply its contents to the freshwater piping, making the potential list of chemical contaminants almost endless. 

When chemicals or pathogens are reintroduced into freshwater plumbing, the only way to remove them is to flush the system. In some cases of backflow, millions of gallons of treated water have been wasted to flush the plumbing of entire cities. 

What Is Backflow Testing?

backflow testingBackflow prevention devices are integral to preventing backflow on the water grid. These mechanical devices must be tested annually to ensure they will work reliably in the event of backflow. Most backflow prevention devices are found in commercial settings. However, most irrigation systems have some form of backflow prevention installed, and it should be tested regularly if it is present. 

Backflow preventers are check valves that prevent water from flowing backward in piping. They can sense changes in pressure that correlate to backflow and automatically shut. During the testing procedure, professionals simulate backflow and ensure the backflow prevention device completely stops flow so water can stay protected. 

Why Is Backflow Testing Important?

A certified professional following local codes should conduct professional backflow testing to protect people against contaminants entering their drinking water. Without this vital service, drinking water could be a constant source of illness, so its importance for public health cannot be overstated. If backflow preventers are a part of a home or business, owners should make every effort to ensure these devices are reliable. 

About Pride Plumbing

Pride Plumbing has almost 60 years of service in the local community. Their teams always answer the phone, even after hours, for emergencies. Call today for backflow testing and repair service in Mt. Gilead, NC.