Backflow and Why Backflow Testing is So Important

If you’re experiencing backflow, you’ve got something that can cause big problems in your home’s plumbing. To put it very simply, backflow occurs when water flows the wrong way in your pipes. Water going the wrong way brings dirty water from outside into clean water lines. Backflow can be dangerous to you and your family by exposing you to germs and chemicals.

To keep your home’s water safe for cooking and cleaning, it’s important to understand backflow, how to spot it, and how to prevent it.

The Basic Types of Backflow

There are two main types of backflow that homes experience:

• Backpressure is when the pressure in your plumbing system gets higher than the pressure in the clean water supply. This pushes dirty water backward into your pipes. Backpressure can be more common in systems like boilers or pumps that build up a lot of pressure.
• Backsiphonage is when the water supply pressure drops, causing dirty water to be sucked into the clean water supply. This can be happen when a water main breaks or there’s heavy use of fire hydrants.

Backflow exposes homes to serious health risks, which is why it’s important to catch these issues early.

Common Signs of Backflow

There are several warning signs that you might have a backflow problem.

• Stinky or strange smells coming from your faucets or drains
• Discolored water that looks brown, yellow, or cloudy
• Slow drainage
• Water coming up through drains
• A rapid change in the taste of your water

If you notice any of these problems, don’t wait. Schedule a visit with one of our plumbers right away to get your system tested.

What Is Indoor and Outdoor Backflow Testing?

When one of our plumbers tests for backflow, we check your plumbing system to make sure water flows the right way. We use a special tool to test the backflow prevention device in your system. We check pressure levels and make sure your device is working correctly.

The test usually takes less than an hour. If our plumber finds a problem, they fix it or replace your backflow preventer to keep your water safe.

Backflow testing is important for both indoor and outdoor plumbing systems. At Tumya Plumbing Services, we do both.

Indoor testing often focuses on devices connected to things like boilers, sinks, or appliances that could cause backpressure. Outdoor testing is common things like sprinkler systems, hose bibs, and irrigation lines that can create backsiphonage. No matter where the device is located, regular testing helps make sure contaminated water doesn’t flow into your clean water supply.

Scheduling an appointment to have your system backflow tested once a year is a smart way to protect your family’s health and avoid expensive repairs later.

Backflow Prevention

Having a backflow prevention device installed is the best way to stop backflow from happening. These devices are designed to keep dirty water from mixing with your clean supply. There are different types, such as:

• Air gaps
• Double check valves
• Reduced pressure zone devices

We can make the best recommendation for you depending on the kind of plumbing system you have.

Ensure your backflow prevention device is properly maintained and regularly tested. Keeping your backflow preventer in good shape means it will work properly when you need it.

If you’re building a new home, adding a sprinkler system, or remodeling, make sure to ask your plumber about installing backflow protection.