Backflow is one of the severe plumbing issues that your home and property may encounter. It is defined as the occurrence of unwanted flow wastewater into your homes instead of outward. When wastewater reverses back to your homes, it can cause a serious health risks to the people in your homes. Severe backflow issues can also cause contamination in your water supply and foul-smelling water. Backflow should always be addressed as soon as possible and with the help of a plumber that has experience in backflow prevention Sydney services.
There are two common types of backflows that you can experience in your property and homes- backpressure backflow and back-siphonage. In backpressure backflow, the downstream pressure from the non-potable water source shows greater pressure than that of your public water source. If this happens, you experience a decrease or increase in potable water pressure. It is often caused by heat expansion, line flushing, or breaks in your water line.
On the other hand, back-siphonage is caused by a vacuum or a partial vacuum in the waterline. When this type of backflow occurs, it can cause your public water pressure to get polluter or worse, contaminated with dirty and toxic water.
Both types of backflows are bad for your homes. Here are some basic practices and tips on how you can prevent these from happening in your homes.
Get your cross connections inspected
Most states require annual checks on your home piping system to prevent backflow. Ensure that cross-connections are examined to ensure that no changes in pressure are present. A qualified plumber can easily perform such type of inspection in your homes.
Determine areas that are prone to backflow risks
The cross-connections of your piping systems are the most susceptible areas for leaks as well as backflow issues. A licensed plumber will create the necessary reinforcements before opening up a system that is suspected to have backflow issues. Small changes in your plumbing system should be always overlooked by a professional plumber to prevent any addition or new issues in your plumbing system.
Install backflow preventers
Have your local plumber install backflow preventers on your plumbing system as deemed necessary. For valves, you can ask if vacuum breaker assemblies are fit for your needs. If you need to have additional backflow prevention devices on your bathroom areas and kitchen, you can install plumbing fixtures, such as faucets with air gaps as well as backflow prevention valves installed in these areas. A licensed plumbing expert can easily identify and diagnose if your plumbing systems at home require such.
Check every possible area that is susceptible to backflow
One of the most common areas in your homes that are neglected when it comes to backflow prevention is the outdoor garden house. If you have chemicals hooked up to these areas, it can cause a major issue in your home. Chemical dispensers should have built-in backflow preventers to ensure that chemicals will not travel back to your water source or penetrate your public water supply.
Have regular plumbing inspections.
To be able to ensure that your home is safe from the risks that backflow may cause your homes, have regular maintenance and check-ups with your trusted local plumber. If you suspect that your plumbing system has backflow issues, immediately shut off the main valve of your system to protect your home and your public water source from contamination. Have your pipes insulated to protect them from changes in temperature?
Taking good care of your plumbing system requires regular maintenance from your trusted local plumber. Doing so helps you save thousands of dollars in repair costs. Issues such as backflow should be always attended to immediately and with a professional to ensure the safety of your water supply as well as the rest of your community.