Imagine having a party at your home. Your guests are all enjoying each other’s company and getting reacquainted with each other. All of a sudden, water starts backing up in your plumbing and the water smells like sewage! You get everyone out of the home and call a professional. Wondering which plumbing device helps prevent a backflow? It depends on the one that you prefer but there are air gaps, check valves, and vacuum breakers.
Let’s take a look.
What is Backflow?
Backflow is the unwanted reversal of water flow in a plumbing system. It occurs when contaminated water flows back into the clean water supply, potentially causing contamination and health risks.
What Causes Backflow?
- Back pressure – one of the causes of backflow. It happens when the water pressure in a plumbing system becomes higher than the supply pressure, forcing water to flow in the reverse direction.
- Back siphonage – another cause of backflow. It occurs when there is a sudden drop in supply pressure, creating a vacuum that pulls water from the contaminated source back into the clean water supply.
Backflow testing is an important procedure to ensure the proper functioning of backflow prevention devices. It involves checking the device for any leaks or malfunctioning parts.
Backflow Prevention Device
A plumbing device that helps prevent backflow is designed to prevent the reverse flow of water in a plumbing system. It includes various types of valves and mechanisms that stop the contaminated water from entering the clean water supply.
3 Types of Backflow Prevention Devices
These devices play a significant role in maintaining the integrity of your water supply and protecting your home from potential damage caused by backflow. Let’s look at three plumbing devices that help prevent backflow.
1. Air Gap Installation
An air gap is a vertical space between any device that connects to your plumbing system and the flood-level rim of a sink, tub, or other receptacles. It prevents cross-contamination between potable water and potentially contaminated sources, safeguarding your water supply from harmful bacteria, chemicals, and pollutants. Furthermore, this type of device can be installed without a plumber.
Improper installation of an air gap can compromise the integrity of your water supply, putting you at risk of consuming contaminated water. By ensuring a correct air gap installation, you can maintain the purity of your drinking water and protect yourself and your family from potential health hazards.
How to Install An Air Gap Properly?
To install an air gap effectively, follow these steps:
1. Identify the appropriate location for the air gap, ideally adjacent to the faucet or appliance.
2. Cut the necessary holes in the countertop or sink to accommodate the air gap assembly.
3. Insert the air gap body into the selected location, ensuring it sits securely.
4. Connect the necessary pipes from the air gap to the drainage system and the water supply.
5. Test the air gap by running water through the faucet or appliance, ensuring proper functioning and no leakages.
By adhering to these installation steps, homeowners can ensure the air gap functions optimally and contributes to the overall safety of their water supply.
2. Check Valve Installation
A check valve, also known as a non-return valve or one-way valve, is designed to allow the flow of fluid in one direction while preventing reverse flow or backflow. By installing a check valve correctly, homeowners can safeguard their plumbing system against potential contamination and damage caused by backflow incidents. Homeowners can usually install these on their own, but more complex ones might need the help of a master plumber.
Improperly installed check valves can lead to various issues, including water contamination, flooding, and damage to appliances and fixtures. Furthermore, it is essential to ensure correct installation to prevent backflow incidents that can compromise your water supply and cause extensive damage to your home.
How to Install a Check Valve Properly?
Follow these steps to install a check valve effectively:
1. Identify the appropriate location for the check valve along the plumbing line.
2. Shut off the water supply to the affected area and drain any excess water.
3. Prepare the pipe ends by cleaning and removing any debris or contaminants.
4. Connect the check valve to the pipe ends securely, ensuring the arrow on the valve aligns with the desired fluid flow direction.
5. Tighten all fittings and connections, ensuring they are leak-proof.
6. Turn on the water supply and test the check valve for proper functionality.
Properly installed check valves provide homeowners with peace of mind, knowing that their plumbing system is protected from potential backflow incidents.
3. Vacuum Breaker Installation
A vacuum breaker is a device installed on faucets, hose bibs, or other outlets to prevent siphonage, which occurs when water is drawn out of the fixture and back into the plumbing system. Additionally, it protects the water supply from contamination and ensures the integrity of your plumbing system.
Without a properly installed vacuum breaker, the risk of siphonage increases, potentially compromising the quality of your water supply. Also, by installing a vacuum breaker correctly, homeowners can enjoy clean and uncontaminated water, free from potential pollutants or harmful substances.
How to Install a Vacuum Breaker Properly?
To install a vacuum breaker effectively, follow these steps:
1. Identify the appropriate location for the vacuum breaker near the faucet or outlet.
2. Shut off the water supply to the affected area and drain any excess water.
3. Clean and prepare the pipe ends for installation.
4. Connect the vacuum breaker to the pipe ends securely, ensuring it aligns with the designated direction of flow.
5. Tighten all fittings and connections, ensuring there are no leaks.
6. Restore the water supply and test the vacuum breaker to ensure its functionality.
By following these installation steps, homeowners can rely on a functional vacuum breaker that provides unparalleled protection against siphonage and maintains the purity of their water supply.
What Causes Backflow Leaks?
Backflow leaks can be caused by various factors, including damaged or worn-out components in the backflow prevention device, incorrect installation, or high water pressure. To fix backflow leaks, you can:
- Inspect the backflow prevention device for any visible damage or signs of wear.
- Replace any faulty components or seals that may be causing the leak.
- Ensure the device is installed correctly and securely.
- Adjust the water pressure if it is too high, as excessive pressure can lead to leaks.
- Regularly maintain and service the backflow prevention device to prevent future leaks.
Backflow testing is an important procedure to ensure the proper functioning of backflow prevention devices. Additionally, it involves checking the device for any leaks or malfunctioning parts.
Take a look at the video below on how these backflow preventers work.
Other Recommended Maintenance
Now that you know about plumbing devices that help prevent backflow, let’s look at other areas of recommended maintenance. One of those is clearing roots from drain pipes. To do this, you need copper sulfate, rock salt, auger, hydro-jetting, or reroute or repair.
Next, if your toilet overflows, you may be wondering what is going on. It can be a clogged drain, blocked vent pipe, or higher float.
Lastly, if you rent a home and find mold, you can sue your landlord. However, this is only if the landlord is notified about the mold and doesn’t do anything about it. Make sure to have patience and give the landlord the chance to correct the problem.
When Do I Call a Professional?
If you are unsure about installing or repairing a backflow prevention device, it is recommended to call a professional plumber or a certified backflow specialist. They have the expertise and knowledge to ensure proper installation, testing, and maintenance of backflow prevention devices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, preventing backflow is crucial to safeguarding our clean water supply from contamination. Understanding the causes of backflow, installing proper prevention devices, and conducting regular testing are essential steps in ensuring the safety of our water systems. If in doubt, always consult a professional for assistance. Call on House Inspection Associates to conduct a check on the plumbing during a full home inspection in the Virginia, D.C., and Maryland areas.
