The Best Plumbing Devices to Prevent Backflow
While public water supplies are usually safe and clean for human consumption, there are times when our municipal water supply can become polluted due to poorly connected pipes or when the tubing is joined to an impure water supply.
One way to keep our water sources clean, pure and safe is by implementing a backflow prevention device. Here, we’ll examine the best plumbing types of backflow prevention devices.
What is Backflow?
Backflow is a term used in plumbing for an unwanted flow of water in the reverse direction. It is a potentially severe health hazard when our clean, pure water mixes with contaminated water.
Building codes command high-quality standards and backflow prevention devices restrict backflow. Backflow prevention devices are applied in all types of properties, residential and industrial.
The use of backflow prevention devices can protect public safety by restricting clean water contamination in critical places like city water systems, food processing factories, medical water supplies, and many manufacturing purposes.
Air Gaps
An air gap in plumbing refers to a connection that provides back-flow prevention.
It is a vacuous upright space between the water break and the flood level of a connection.
A slightly bent pipe ensures that drain water cannot flow in reverse from the household drain system into the reverse assimilation unit.
Pressure Vacuum Breakers
A pressure vacuum breaker (PVB) is a backflow prevention device that keeps contaminated water from entering the drinking water supply.
It is usually connected near the water source. If air pressure is higher than the water pressure, the tank opens and closes the check valve which prevents backflow from entering the dwelling’s water supply.
Atmospheric vacuum breakers (AVB) are simple and affordable backflow preventers, which are fitted on the pipe immediately after every control valve.
Choosing The Right Backflow Preventer
Your plumbing system and the sewer line connected to it will determine which backflow preventer is right for your dwelling. If you live in a milder climate, a pressure vacuum breaker is a good choice.
Sometimes, backflow is drawn to the structure because of vacuum pressure in the pipe. A pressure vacuum breaker will send air into the pipe to break the suction.
Other options are adding more barriers to the backflow from inside the plumbing line. A double-check assembly preventer and a reduced pressure zone preventer both use two valves that will close when there is backflow, acting as a barrier against total breakdown.
Local building codes often require the application of a backflow prevention device on all water systems. Check with your local building authorities for the precise backflow prevention prerequisites and to inquire if a permit is needed.
Interested in knowing more about backflow preventers? Call the plumbing specialists at Colonial Plumbing & Heating Co., Inc. in Colonial Heights, VA to discuss your options. They can help you choose the right backflow preventer for your needs and assist you with other plumbing issues, such as repiping and drain cleaning.
