What Is Backflow Anyway?
Backflow testing is a standard part of plumbing maintenance and is crucial in keeping the safety standard for the water supply. Before understanding what backflow testing is, it’s important to understand what backflow is. Backflow occurs when the normal flow of water flips directions, thus allowing contaminated water back into the water supply. Contaminated water can contain chemicals, medical waste, or debris, making backflow a huge public health safety hazard.
This article will break down the dangers of backflow, what backflow testing is, and the importance of regular backflow testing.
What Are the Dangers of Backflow?
Many dangers associated with backflow can lead to major health risks. Contaminated water can cause illness or infection and should never be consumed or used when showering. Contaminants can infiltrate the clean water systems through backflow, which would cause serious public health issues and require a water shut-off for an extended period.
If not dealt with over time, common forms of water contamination include irrigation systems and fire sprinkler systems. Regular backflow testing will eliminate the potential for a public health crisis.
What Is Backflow Testing?
Backflow testing is the process of testing the backflow prevention device to ensure they are functioning correctly. During a backflow test, a plumber will first shut off the water supply to visually inspect the device and record information such as model, size, and serial number. The plumber will hook the test hoses to the devices and turn the water back on with several taps running simultaneously.
The water should be trying to run backward, and if the relief valve opens during this time, the backflow preventer is faulty and needs to be replaced. There are also several other factors that a certified plumbing technician will be watching during a backflow test, so it’s important to leave this job to the professionals. A technician should be contacted annually to perform a proper backflow test.
Why Is Backflow Testing Important?
Backflow testing is crucial, and people should be aware of it. Scheduling regular backflow testing prevents water contamination from entering the clean water system. It maintains standards set by health regulators regarding what is safe to consume and put on our skin. Backflow testing also protects public health by avoiding incidents that can lead to harmful contamination events, such as exposure to chemicals or medical waste.
Keeping up with regular backflow testing is not only recommended but also a vivid duty in keeping everyone safe. Schedule a consultation with a backflow tester through a certified plumbing technician today and avoid a potential public health crisis in the future.
About Jim Wagner Plumbing, Inc.
Jim Wagner Plumbing, Inc. is a locally owned plumbing technician company in Lombard, IL, taking pride in its plumbing, heating, and cooling expertise. Its team is straightforward and friendly, taking a neighborly approach to help you understand the services that may be needed to address the problem at hand. Call Jim Wagner Plumbing today to schedule a routine plumbing maintenance consultation.
