How Do Backflow Prevention Valves Work?

Backflow prevention and backflow testing can be a hidden world for many people, especially with the cryptic testing requirements. Let’s go over how backflow prevention works, what testing accomplishes and other important facts that all homeowners should know.

How Does a Backflow Preventer Work?

Backflow occurs when dirty water flows back into a clean water system, contaminating the whole system and causing major headaches. This is typically accomplished with double-check valves or reduced pressure zones. Here’s what the system does, broken down in three key stages:

Ordinary Operation of Water Systems: Water, especially water drawn from a public source, is under a lot of pressure from powerful pumps that enable the system. That high-pressure state allows water to flow quickly, providing the necessary force that keeps showers working and prevents faucets from merely trickling. However, that pressure creates risks when something goes wrong.

An Unexpected Problem Comes Up: Let’s say that a problem occurs that rapidly reduces the high pressure of the interconnected water system. This creates a sudden demand for water due to the vacuum that’s created – a vacuum that systems aren’t designed to deal with. This leads to water being pulled from any connected plumbing system, including systems filled with dirty or contaminated water, which floods the clean water system.

The Backflow Prevention Valves Do Their Job: When a vacuum in the high-pressure system occurs, the backflow valves stop water from being pulled backward where it shouldn’t be. Assemblies can range from basic air gaps to complex reduced pressure zone devices.

Where is Backflow Prevention Used?

Laws can vary from state to state, but backflow prevention valves are usually required on all public systems, groundwater wells, and most water storage tanks with pressurized systems. Chances are good you have a backflow assembly attached to your building, even if you weren’t aware of it before.

Do I Need Backflow Prevention Testing?

Yes, you do! Backflow prevention systems don’t last forever and need to be properly tested and maintained so they don’t fail. Backflow preventer testing is usually required each year. Residents will typically receive a notification letter about the test, or they will get a notification along with their water bill.

However, people must take initiative in arranging the test themselves with a licensed backflow prevention assembly tester. Testers must be certified to test systems and provide documentation that the test was completed, as well as arranging for any repairs on worn down systems.

Contact Super Terry Now!

Fortunately, there’s an easy way to deal with all this: Contact Terry’s Plumbing and arrange your backflow test today. Our licensed plumbers are also ready to make any repairs or corrections to the assembly if something comes up. We can also answer any concerns you may have about your system.