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The water entering your home from a municipal system should only flow one way. When water flows in the opposite direction, it’s known as backflow. Backflow issues result in potable drinking water getting mixed with a non-potable liquid that features fertilizer, human waste, chlorine, soap, and other contaminants. Below is a guide to what causes this serious health issue and how a backflow preventer will help.

What Causes Plumbing Backflow Issues?

Backflow generally occurs for two reasons: backpressure and back-siphonage. Backpressure happens when there’s a drop in pressure, such as from an open fire hydrant or a broken water main. Pipe pressure changes will force water back into the system, resulting in non-potable water mixing with clean water lines. Contaminated water from crossed lines flows back into your municipality’s clean water supply instead of draining correctly. It presents serious health problems from water-borne illnesses and bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli.backflow preventer

Back-sigphonage also causes backflow issues. When there’s a water main break or if too much water gets used at one time, water moving forward flows back to its source. If the water system pressure is greater than the tank or trough pressure in back-siphonage situations, it pulls polluted water into the system.

How a Backflow Preventer Helps

Some of the most common cross-connections in a household water system that result in backflow issues include dishwashers and garbage disposals, toilets and handheld shower heads, as well as swimming pools and irrigation systems.

Avoid water contamination problems by scheduling backflow testing every year with your local plumbers. Get a backflow preventer device installed as well to maintain a healthy home. The check valve product creates a barrier or gate that ensures clean municipal water flows into your home only. If non-potable water attempts to flow backward into the city water supply, the barrier activates. It also prevents contaminated liquid from infiltrating your home’s drinking water. 

 

If you need a backflow preventer installed in your home, contact K & G Plumbing & Heating Inc. The plumbing company has served Adams County, NE, since 1992 and installs water tanks and septic systems in addition to backflow preventers. Call (402) 463-4470 today to make an appointment or visit the plumbers online for a full service list. Get more plumbing tips on Facebook.

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