Backflow refers to the issue of water flowing in the wrong direction in plumbing. It can lead to contaminated water mixing with what's intended to be potable water. If this happens, the water is no longer drinkable. It can sometimes be hard to tell whether there's backflow within your water system. You may see slower drainage or slower water flow, but people often don't think much about those issues. Other times, the water has more noticeable signs like particles, discoloration, and odor.
Backflow can happen for several reasons. Hydraulics within water distribution systems can be disturbed and cause water to flow in the opposite direction that it usually would. When that switch happens, contaminated water is pulled into the system. Pressure is another issue. The water pressure from the tank is supposed to be higher than that of the water system; if the pressure falls to lower, it causes backflow. A higher-than-normal force could also cause a pressure issue from a fire protection system, which forces contaminated liquid into the public water system.
If water is contaminated, it can have significant health implications. Those most often discussed include stomach pain, diarrhea, and more due to exposure to viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Depending on the level of contamination and what has made its way into the water, the EPA can warn that drinking non-potable liquid can lead to gastrointestinal issues, reproductive problems, damage to the nervous system, or even chronic diseases such as cancer. Since the average person drinks between one and two liters of water daily, exposure to contaminants can add up quickly.
That's why it's essential to have a certified professional perform backflow testing. That remains true for residential properties, businesses, and larger commercial buildings. It's a good idea to have this test carried out yearly. Valves are used to close and open the water flow through the plumbing to check for leaks and other irregularities in the movement of the water. The whole process can take about half an hour to complete. As a result, follow-ups or repairs may be necessary.
Another significant portion of the inquiry looks into the backflow preventers themselves. That includes ensuring they're functioning at their highest capability, and their functionality should be tested regularly. It's better to do consistent maintenance than try to repair things after an emergency.
There are specific criteria that have to be met for a full backflow test. At Idaho Backflow Professionals, our testers are fully certified in backflow assembly. The Backflow Assembly Tester license and certification are different from simply being compliant. The certification confirms testers have been taught how to correctly identify what's causing backflow, how to fix it, assembly for approved prevention and repair, and how to document test results. Certified testers ensure that the problem is fixed, that the customer fully understands what caused the issue, and that steps are taken to prevent backflow from happening in the future.
If you have doubts about drinking water, contact Idaho Backflow Professionals. In
Meridian and the surrounding areas, we are the leading backflow specialists. We know how important clean drinking water is and take what we do seriously.
