How to Effectively Prevent Backflow from Occurring?

25 February 2022

A plumbing system is a system that can regulate the water getting in and out of a property. And to effectively carry out this specific function, it would normally maximise two subsystems.

One of the subsystems of the plumbing system caters to the entry of freshwater into the property. With enough pressure, the freshwater can be brought and transferred not only on the ground floor but also upstairs and around corners. The other subsystem, alternatively, is meant to take the wastewater out. This specific system maintains the cleanliness and sanitation of the property.

Ideally, the wastewater inside these subsystems should only move away from the property. Once it flows back into the property, a backflow has unfortunately occurred.

Backflow’s Main Causes

Backflow does not occur without any reason.

One primary cause of backflow is the presence of disparity in pressure. Normally, the supply pressure will always be greater than your plumbing system pressure, ensuring that the water will only flow in one direction. However, if the system pressure has become higher than the supply pressure, then the occurrence of backflow will be possible. This specific occurrence is known as backpressure.

Aside from back pressure, a backflow can also occur if the supply pressure has decreased. Even with minimal change in supply pressure, it can already affect the whole plumbing system and its associated property. A decrease in supply pressure that leads to backflow is known as back-siphonage.

Key Effects of Backflow

Once backflow occurs, it can easily cause negative effects on your property.

One of the effects of backflow is it can easily contaminate your freshwater supply. And once people consume the water, several of them might get sick and obtain harmful diseases. Some diseases that they can obtain are cholera, diarrhoea, dysentery, polio, and typhoid. Aside from health risks, the occurrence of backflow can also lead to the corrosion of pipes and other plumbing system components. As these things corrode, leaks and breaches may be generated, accelerating the deterioration of the system.

Counteracting Backflow

One good way to counteract and prevent backflow in your property is to install a backflow prevention device. A backflow prevention device is a valve that can effectively deter harmful water from mixing with your freshwater. It works by allowing water to flow in one direction. Once installed, it can effectively prevent freshwater from being contaminated.

This specific device is often recommended for irrigation systems, fire hose reels or hydrants, commercial and industrial properties, and water outlets near pollutants, chemicals, and grease traps. However, it can also be installed in home properties today.

To acquire backflow prevention devices on your property, you can contact us at G. Brand & Sons. We can install backflow prevention devices that can stop contaminated water from entering back into the water supply assuring the quality of our water for drinking, bathing, and food processing. Our plumbers are licensed to audit your site before installing, testing, and maintaining backflow prevention devices.

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