How does a backflow preventer work

Have more backflow questions and need a Sarasota plumber? Just contact us. When water enters your home from the main water supply line, it should only ever flow in one direction: into your home. But sometimes, due to pressure changes in the pipes, that water can actually flow backwards and seep back into the main water supply line. Water pressure drops are common in all municipal supplies. Once a backflow preventer is installed, water is unable to flow back into the public supply lines.

This device effectively creates a closed plumbing system. The backflow preventer is a device that prevents your water system from becoming contaminated from water flowing backwards into your supply lines. A backflow preventer is installed where the water main is routed into your home.

It is also a good idea to install a backflow preventer if you have a sprinkler system. For this application, the backflow preventer would be installed where the sprinkle lines feed into the ground.

When the water in a local main water supply pipe starts to flow backwards, this issue is referred to as a backflow in the plumbing system. A backflow preventer valve is designed to prevent the water in your main water supply lines from flowing in a reverse direction. The valve will distribute the sanitary water from the main supply pipes to the water lines beneath your foundation. Double check valves are engineered to keep toxic chemicals out of the sanitary water in your pipes. It is equipped with two check valves that are designed to close to eliminate the negative consequences of a drastic change in water pressure.

In addition, the second check valve can be utilized when the other valve is stuck open. The two check valves in a double check assembly device may be connected with ball valves for troubleshooting and confinement. This type of backflow preventer valve can be integrated with test cocks that allow technicians to connect test equipment to confirm whether the double check valve is operating.

Double check valves are usually utilized to prevent water contamination in fire, lawn, and boiler systems. Reduced pressure zones are similar to double check backflow prevention devices because they are equipped with two check valves. However, reduced pressure zones feature a relief valve that is engineered to open and release contaminated water. If water is being flushed from the pipes by the relief valve, this is a sign of damage to the main water supply pipes or check valves.

Once the reduced pressure zones are fixed by a licensed technician, the valve will stop draining water. Reduced pressure backflow preventer valves are popular in cities and suburbs because they can stop contaminants such as pesticides, fertilizers, and toxic chemicals from entering the sanitary water.

Pressure vacuum breakers are engineered to be connected to lawn systems. A pressure vacuum backflow preventer valve is easy to configure and remove on small or large properties. This type of valve can be installed next to an outdoor wall or inside of a recessed box below the ground. A backflow preventer is a device designed to prevent water from flowing back into the clean water supply. The valve does not allow water to backflow even if there are water pressure changes in the plumbing.

Because of this, backflow preventer systems are required to be inspected and tested annually by plumbers who are certified to test these types of systems. There are a few different types of backflow preventer valves that are used in commercial buildings.

A business can have one or more backflow systems depending on the business. Domestic Backflow Preventer — These are standard in commercial properties and prevent any water used in the business from seeping back into the clean water supply. This includes any contaminants that may be used in the business.