Backflow occurs when water pressure in your home or business’ plumbing is higher than the city’s water pressure system. Certain conditions, such as a water main burst, frozen pipes, or even extreme demand on the system, can lead to failure in water pressure. As a result, water from plumbing system lines can back up into the distribution system. This is called backflow, and it can potentially contaminate the local public water supply, creating a hazardous situation. This water may be contaminated with toxic chemicals or other contaminants from fertilizers, lawn chemicals, pet waste, sewer line back-ups, or overflow from heavy rains.
Seemingly harmless, everyday actions can lead to backflow, such as:
- Leaving a hose in a bucket of dirty water or lying in a puddle
- Spraying insecticide that is attached to a hose
- Hosing down pets with an attached nozzle
By avoiding small acts such as these, backflow can be prevented.
Are you worried about cross-contamination from backflow when it comes to your drinking water? Backflow can easily be prevented by having a backflow preventer added to your plumbing system, which can immediately shut off your business or home from the city’s water line in case of a drop in pressure. This will protect your home from backflow from toilets, laundry sinks, outdoor faucets, lawn irrigation and even heating and air conditioning systems. A backflow preventer must also be used when installing irrigation, auxiliary water systems, or cooling systems. If you already have a backflow preventer installed, be sure to have it inspected and maintained annually.
Allstar Plumbing’s technicians are certified for testing, repair, and replacement of backflow prevention devices for both commercial and residential environments, and is equipped to provide you with same day service, 7 days a week.
