Water systems are not always straightforward. They're often interwoven and linked between sections, with cross-connections providing a path for the possible mixture of drinkable water and water that isn't safe to drink. When pressure adjustments or failures cause the normal water flow to change directions, that mix can occur, tainting and contaminating water and leading to significant problems. Fortunately, there are measures you can take with the help of a professional.
Devices can be installed to prevent backflow among cross-connections. These should be put in both inside and out by a licensed backflow specialist. In Idaho, prevention mechanisms are required for community and private water systems, but the mandates are different for each. For shared water systems, the experts who install the systems have to implement an entire control program for cross-connections, including an inspection program and backflow prevention systems which are tested yearly. A professional must ensure cross-connections are isolated from the larger plumbing systems for an individual's water system. This is not something you should try as a DIY project. Doing so isn't just a bad idea. It's illegal. Idaho state law requires that prevention assemblies have to be installed by a licensed backflow tester, then checked yearly by a professional.
There are two main ways to prevent backflow: prevention assemblies and prevention devices. The two are not created equal. The prevention assemblies category includes double-check valves, pressure adjusters, and vacuum breakers. That last option includes spill-resistant and pressure vacuum breaker assemblies.
Those who opt for assembly as their backflow prevention option use mechanisms that can be tested and repaired by adjusting the line. The devices to prevent backflow cannot be tested because they don't have inlet and outlet valve shutoffs or test valves. These include single-check or residential meter valves, dual-check preventers, hose bibb vacuum breakers, and atmospheric vacuum breakers. The final option on the list can be approved by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials or the American Society of Sanitation Engineers.
It's imperative that your backflow prevention is at its highest performance level possible. It is an insurance policy against the mix of potable and non-potable water, protecting you from drinking bacteria and viruses that can cause significant health issues. The adverse health effects can be short-term, like vomiting and diarrhea, or long-term, like polio and typhoid. And it isn't just your family you have to worry about; if your water system is contaminated, it can affect outside water lines as well if your plumbing is hooked up to allow fluid out to public systems.
Idaho Backflow Professionals is a locally owned company operating out of
Meridian, Idaho. The backflow testers with our company are members of your community. We have ties and interests here and genuinely want the best for the people we serve. That's why we offer a guarantee that we complete every job we do in a timely, professional, and thorough manner. Moreover, our testers are fully licensed and come with countless hours of experience to ensure your water system has the protection it needs to prevent backflow. Your drinking water is not something to take chances on.
Contact Idaho Backflow Professionals today to have your water system tested.
