When it comes to your drinking water, you expect it to be crystal Water Safe clear and free of contaminants that could harm you or your family. The plumbing system in your home helps ensure the safety and cleanliness of your drinking water. Your water supply is designed to flow in one direction, bringing clean water to your fixtures and dirty water out.
Sometimes, a blockage in the municipal sewer line or a surge causes water to flow backward from the street, up your sewer line, and into your home. And that can present an ugly and potentially harmful mess. Unless your home is equipped with a backflow prevention valve.
Read on as we discuss what a backflow preventer is, what it does, and why you might need one in your home.
What Is a Backflow Prevention Valve?
A backflow preventer, or backwater valve, is designed to prevent water from traveling in both directions by way of a large flap that blocks water from traveling into your home. As water levels in a home’s main sewer pipe rise, the flap closes off the pipe and prevents water from flowing back through the sewage system. Otherwise, sewage could fill up your basement or bathroom.
How Does a Backflow Preventer Work?
The two basic parts of a backflow preventer are the flap and cleanout. The flap only allows water to flow in one direction – out of your house, preventing city sewage from passing back through your pipes and into your home. The cleanout allows access to the line to allow for visual inspections of the valve and cleaning and maintenance of the flap and pipes.
Under normal circumstances, water and sewage pass through the backflow preventer with the flap down. However, when the city sewer drain begins to back up, the water will push back through your pipes and attempt to pass through the valve. Once the water reaches a specific level, the flap flips up and closes the pipe’s entrance, preventing the backflow from entering back into your home.
Once the flap closes, it also prevents water from going out, so you will not be able to use any drains or fixtures. Otherwise, water from your own house could back up out of floor drains or basement toilets.
Does My Home Need a Backflow Preventer?
Backflow can cause serious health concerns. It can introduce human waste and toxic chemicals into your water supply. Backflow from in-ground sprinklers can introduce pesticides, fertilizers, harmful bacteria, fungi, and other contaminants into your drinking water. Sudden changes in pressure inside your pipes caused by backflow can cause a sudden jolt to your pipes, damaging your plumbing and leaving you with water damage and expensive repairs. A backflow preventer can help prevent these and many other issues from occurring.
At Eagle Service Company, your safety is our top priority. Contact us today for a plumbing system inspection and backflow valve installation. We are your complete backflow prevention, installation, and maintenance resource. For more information on backflow prevention or any plumbing need, contact us today.
