Wells provide homeowners with a reliable source of clean water, but the supply is at risk of contamination if periodic inspections aren’t performed. One of the most important is backflow testing, which allows well drilling contractors to determine if water is flowing in the wrong direction. Because such an event could contaminate the supply, the problem must be addressed promptly. Here’s what you need to know. 

What You Should Know About Water Well Backflow

What Causes Backflow?

Your well water system is designed to deliver your supply uninterrupted and then drain away through plumbing. Backflow happens when wastewater reverses course and enters the main supply again. It typically happens if the well shuts down unexpectedly, such as during a storm or outage. Although well drilling contractors install valves that prevent backflow, those devices sometimes leak and force water in the wrong direction. That could cause contaminated fluid to feed into your well. Cross-connecting a private well with a public water supply could also pollute your supply; it’s generally permissible to have both so long as they operate independently of each other.

Why Is It Harmful?

Contaminated water can be harmful if it’s used in any way. If you aren’t aware that there’s a backflow issue, you may unknowingly use it to cook, clean, and bathe, but this water could be polluted with anything from sewage and bacteria to fertilizer chemicals. To meet basic well maintenance standards, it’s imperative to protect the quality of your home’s supply.

How Is It Resolved?

Well drilling contractors conduct backflow inspections to detect presence of undesirable materials in your water supply. If needed, they’ll install prevention assemblies throughout your plumbing system to prevent the vacuum effect responsible for contaminating the water. These devices essentially create a gap between the faucet and the incoming supply. That space prevents polluted backflow from entering the main system.

Homeowners throughout Potosi, MO, trust in the professionals at Marshall Eye Jr. Water Well Drilling & Repair Service for all of their well inspection and installation needs. They’ve served the community since 1959 and offer a wide range of services, including water well drilling, maintenance, and hydrofracking. Visit the well drilling contractors online for more information, or give them a call at (314) 541-6239 to schedule an appointment.