If your home or building connects to a boiler, irrigation system, or fire suppression system, your plumbing system requires a backflow device, also called a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) valve. This device keeps your drinking water separate from the water stored in these other systems, which can develop unsafe contaminants.

Osterwisch Company, the trusted provider of plumbing, electric, and heating and cooling services in Cincinnati, OH, explains everything you need to know about backflow and backflow testing, so you can be sure your tap water is safe for consumption:

• Contaminants: Irrigation water collects fertilizer and pesticides that make your water undrinkable, while the water in boilers and fire suppression systems remains stagnant long enough to develop bacteria or leach mineral from the pipes.
• Backflow: Contaminated water can enter your drinking water system after a break in the city water main, use of a fire hydrant, or a leak or break in your plumbing system. This occurs because the pressure from the unsafe systems becomes greater than the pressure in the building lines or drinking main. Water reverses its normal course and backflows into your water supply.
• Backflow Prevention: The RPZ valve prevents contaminated water from entering your drinking lines by dumping the backflow.
• Backflow Testing: The Ohio Plumbing Code requires RPZ valve testing yearly to verify the device is working properly. The test is simple and quick, though water downstream from the device must be turned off during the test. If the device is outdoors, then you do not even need to be home. If it is indoors, someone must be home to allow the plumbing technician access.

Osterwisch Company, the premier plumbing, electric, and heating and cooling services contractors in Cincinnati, OH, are experts in backflow testing and prevention. Whatever type of mechanical service you require, they can help. For more information on backflow testing, visit their website, or call (513) 791-3282 to speak to a friendly, knowledgeable representative.