Here’s How Backflow Occurs

Backflow occurs when any change in the pressure of the water supply has the potential to allow for contaminated water to move back out through the public supply. There are two ways this can happen:

Back-siphonage – This occurs when there is a vacuum in the water supply, such as a main water line break, that sucks a source of contaminated water the wrong way through the supply pipes.
Back-pressure – This occurs when the pressure of a nonpotable system reaches a higher pressure than the water supply, forcing the nonpotable liquid back through the water pipes.

Here’s an example of a potential backflow danger. A fire hydrant is used near a commercial property. A hose is connected to a faucet but is not protected by a backflow device. This hose leads into a tank full of water and chemicals. The vacuum in the water supply allows for the chemical water to get sucked back into the water supply, potentially contaminating the entire community.

How Your Backflow Preventer Helps

Thankfully, most properties and fixtures that need them are already outfitted with backflow devices, some of which are small and within the plumbing system or a specific fixture. Many backflow assemblies, however, are quite large—positioned outside of a property to allow water to flow in only one direction through the plumbing system.

It is possible that, over time, components of the backflow assembly could fail. That’s why LA County—and most areas—requires that you have a large backflow assembly tested each year. You’ll have to call certified backflow testers, and only certain plumbers carry the right certifications.

Need backflow testing in Glendora, CA? Call Ace Pelizon Plumbing today. World class service is just around the corner!