Backflow can impact your property and health. Preventing this problem in your irrigation system protects the area and your home from damage and hazards. Here’s a guide to dealing with this issue.

What You Should Know About Backflow & Irrigation

What is backflow?

Water is supposed to flow in one direction, either toward or away from the property. When that direction gets reversed, you have backflow. The water can be contaminated, which means your supply can become compromised with waste, gases, and chemicals.

Pressure changes can affect the direction. Water can flow in the opposite direction if the pressure isn’t high enough to force it forward.

What kind of damage can it cause?

Backflow is a common cause of an overflowing plumbing system. Leaks, cracks, and corrosion in the pipes can also occur.

In addition to property damage, there are health concerns associated with backflow. Human waste, chemicals, fertilizers, and other contaminants can enter your water supply and make you sick.

How can a backflow preventer help?

A backflow preventer ensures that the water will continue in the right direction. The valves are installed on pipes and are essentially gates that lower when water tries to reverse direction.

The device engages when it detects flow trying to go backward. Irrigation systems that use a potable, or drinkable, water source need a backflow preventer so that water filled with dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants does not flow back into your clean supply.

Does my municipality require a backflow preventer with an irrigation installation?

In Connecticut, backflow preventers are required by law. Water companies must inspect irrigation systems every five years to ensure a proper backflow device has been installed. They must also run annual tests on the device to guarantee it’s working correctly. This ensures that any contamination from landscaping isn’t entering your drinking supply.

Irrigation systems are crucial for your landscape’s health. Maxum Irrigation in Waterford, CT, offers installation and repairs for efficient lawn irrigation and sprinkler systems. Their expert team helps residential and commercial customers hydrate lawns and gardens with state-of-the-art technology that allows for maximum control over watering. Call (860) 525-7000 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to view their gallery.