Backflow Prevention

Backflow Prevention by Regular Inspection through a Local Bridgewater Plumbing Expert

Our Plumbers 911 Technicians in Bridgewater NJ Can Ensure That Your Backflow Prevention Device Works to State Requirements

Backflow prevention is very important to the environment as it keeps our potable water safe from contamination. If there is a problem with the pressure of the water reducing or failing. This can be caused by a few things, and when it does the water may flow back or be drawn up into the clean water system. A backflow prevention device can help to prevent this. Calling a professional service such as Plumbers 911 Bridgewater to ensure that a prevention device is working correctly is crucial.

What is backflow and why is a backflow preventer needed?

Backflow is an unsavory reversal of a gas, solid or liquid, back into the potable water supply through a cross connection. This can be dangerous as it will make drinking water unusable and contaminated in plumbing systems. In order to keep this from happening a prevention device is installed. A well installed, tested and managed backflow preventer at the service entry to a building or property can accurately keep the backflow of water of a doubtful nature from running back into the public water structure. These devices are installed on the customer’s side of the water line to protect the community from hazards that the customer’s water system could potentially cause. The customer owns the cross connection that connects to the main water line, and not to the water utility. As the water passes beyond the meter it can be altered in which case the water utility does not want the water back and customers don’t want to use reuse water, from other users. Herein lies the help from the device, as the cross connection that is installed and maintained properly will help to keep the any problems that arise from the customers side from crossing over into the water main, and contaminating it. These devices are basic means of preventing backflow through an air gap that provides a barrier to it or eliminates the cross-connection. This is handled by a mechanical device called a backflow preventer that provides the physical barricade to the unwanted flow. These mechanisms have many parts that need to be tested, serviced and maintained in order to continue to work correctly. Having them serviced by a certified Bridgewater Plumber is important to ensure they are tested and maintained correctly. Utility companies have a responsibility to supply consumer’s with potable water which is both safe to drink and to use for other applications. Such as taking showers, washing the dishes and clothes, etc. Consumers usually have faith in their utility company that the water they are drinking and using is completely safe for them to be using. This is why the company supplying the water must take all precautions to protect the water from backflow.

Testing and Regulations of Prevention Devices by Your Licensed Plumbers in Bridgewater

When a device is installed it must follow state, and federal regulations to ensure that it is working correctly. Testing is also required regularly to ensure they are up to code. Each state has its own Cross Connection Control Program as well as having to follow EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Standards as well. These regulations follow strict standards and guidelines to ensure that the water is safe for everyone.  The owner must also have a permit to own a physical connection as well.  Testing of a device must be done by a Certified Cross Connection Tester, as well as having a backflow prevention device inspection/testing certification. This is important as incorrect testing and inspection can lead to a backflow and contamination of the potable water supply. Devices must be tested regularly as they have many internal parts such as springs, seals, and other moving parts that are subject to wear and tear, clogging and fatigue. It is for this reason that all backflow preventers must be thoroughly tested on a regular basis, as to ensure they are working properly. Air gaps can be visually inspected, but any mechanical preventers must be tested with calibrated gauge equipment, made for that particular job.

Types of Systems that Need a Backflow Preventer

Numerous systems that are linked to a home and or business can need a prevention device some that you would not even expect to need one. Some of these systems are:

• Garden hoses
• Irrigation systems
• Main Water Supplies
• Fire Sprinklers
• Pressure Vacuum Breakers
• Reduced Pressure Zone Assemblies
• Boiler/Furnace
• and more

Most people don’t think of a garden hose as a cross connection however it is as it connects for hazardous applications for fertilizer, weed killer applications and other things that can cause any reduction in the water pressure can draw the water back into the household plumbing contaminating the water.

Types of Backflow Preventer Devices Used By Bridgewater Plumbing Technicians

There are many types of devices used in backflow prevention, each handles backflow differently as well as what type of water it can handle as well. When selecting a backflow preventer building codes, landscape size, and the location of the device must be taken into consideration as to be able to select the best one. The four most common types of backflow preventers are listed below:

• Pressure vacuum breaker assembly (PVB) – most common type of device prevents back-siphonage only, cannot be used with chemigation, can’t be used with a threat of potential back pressure.
• Double check valve, or double check valve assembly (DCVA) – used for underground or indoor installations; can’t be used with chemigation, can be installed horizontally or vertically, if back-siphonage or backpressure is present then horizontally is preferred.
• Reduced pressure zone device (RPZ) – can be above or below ground installation, however above ground is preferred, Chemigation is allowed with RPZs is required to be installed horizontally unless configured by the factory otherwise, and protects against both backpressure and back-siphonage.
• Atmospheric vacuum breaker (AVB) – They must be installed directly on a irrigation pipe after the control valve. They prevent back-siphonage only, do not use if it will be under uninterrupted pressure for more than 12 hours. Do not use with Chemigation, and should not be installed where backpressure is present.

When testing to find out if a backflow preventer or cross connection is working properly a certified specialist should conduct the testing. Plumbers 911 has qualified specialists that will make sure that your backflow preventer is working as it should.