Does Your Home Need Backflow Testing?
Backflow can cause serious problems, not only for you and your family but for everyone around you. In this situation, the flow of water is reversed, opening your property to plumbing issues and a contaminated water supply, which is why the importance of backflow testing cannot be overstated.
In fact, most businesses are required to have backflow testing yearly. It’s just as important for homeowners to have backflow testing done. Read on to learn about the health risks involved with backflow, how to prevent it, and what to do if it happens to you.
The Health Risks of Backflow
Backflow is just what it sounds like: water flowing back the way it came. But the problem is that the water flowing back into the system can often be contaminated and unsafe to drink. This can be caused by wastewater, fertilized water from irrigation systems, chlorine water from pools, or water from storm drains.Once dirty water contaminates the clean water, it’s hard to tell if it has happened, but there are some signs. The greatest health risk associated with backflow is the contamination of drinking water. Drinking dirty water can cause sickness and spread viruses.
Backflow happens when the pressure in the water system is changed. Sometimes this can happen when a service line ruptures, or a fire hydrant is opened, the water demand is unusually high, or even during construction in the area. When the pressure that helps water flow is ceased, the water can flow where it shouldn’t go. Unless you have a way to prevent backflow.
How to Prevent Backflow
Backflow can be prevented with an air gap or a backflow prevention device. Usually, these devices are placed in specific areas where backflow is most likely to happen, like your main water line or outdoor fixtures.
They’re designed to only allow water to flow one way, effectively preventing backflow and keeping the water supply free from contamination. Backflow prevention devices should also be tested regularly to ensure that they are functioning properly.
What to Do When You Experience Backflow
There are several signs that you’re having backflow issues. The water coming out of your faucets or into your toilets should be clean and clear. Drinking water shouldn’t have any strange smell or taste.If you notice discolored water coming out of any of your faucets, you may be experiencing backflow. Another sign that your water has become contaminated is a strange smell, like sulfur when you turn on the water.
Sometimes backflow can cause your drains to malfunction, causing water to back up. Check to see if your water has rust particles in it. Also, if the water coming into your toilet is a strange color, you could have backflow issues.
If you experience one or more of the backflow signs, you should shut off your main water valve immediately and call a professional plumber. If you don’t know where your main water valve is, a plumber will be able to locate it for you. Backflow tests can be performed rather quickly, and a backflow prevention device can be installed to prevent further issues.
About Captain Rooter Emergency Plumbers Chicago
Since 1998, Captain Rooter Emergency Plumbers Chicago has been proudly serving the Chicago, Illinois, area. Their plumbing technicians are expertly trained and tested. Their customer service is stellar and their prices for services like drain cleaning and hydrojetting are highly competitive.
