What is Backflow Prevention and How Does it Work?

Backflow prevention is an important part of protecting your El Paso home and business from dangerous water contamination. It works by preventing the backward flow of water from entering your drinking water supply and can be achieved through several different methods. New Age Plumbing is the superior plumbing in El Paso, specializing in backflow prevention installation, testing, and repairs. We will discuss what backflow prevention is, how it works, and why New Age Plumbing is the best choice for your backflow prevention needs.

If you need backflow prevention services for your El Paso home or business, New Age Plumbing can help. Contact us online or call (915) 822-1865 to learn more.

What Is Backflow Prevention?

Installed on a home’s water pipes, a backflow preventer allows water to travel in one direction while stopping it from reversing course. Primarily, this device safeguards against drinking water contamination by blocking backflow.

When water is brought into a household from the main supply line, it should only ever move in one direction: inward. But because of fluctuations in pipe pressure, sometimes the flow will reverse, and the water will end up entering the municipal lines. This phenomenon, known as backflow, happens when there is a rupture on the principal line or when a fire hydrant is opened. When this occurs, it causes a drop in pressure, forcing the liquid to travel against its original course.

How Does Backflow Prevention Work?

Backflow prevention is designed to prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the drinking water system. Backflow prevention is used in private wells and many other types of water systems, such as:

• Irrigation
• Fire Protection
• Chemical Transfer
• Industrial Processes

Backflow prevention valves are designed with a double-check mechanism that prevents contaminants from entering the potable water supply. The first check is a pressure-sensing device that detects a change in pressure in the system. The second check is an air gap between the upstream and downstream connections of the backflow preventer. If either pressure or air flow changes, it will trip and shut off all flow until it can be reset.

Backflow prevention valves are required by law in many states to protect against contamination of potable water supplies by back siphonage (contaminants leaking into the potable water supply).

Why Is Backflow Prevention Important?

Keeping your home safe from contaminants requires a water backflow prevention device. Installation and maintenance of such devices is the optimal solution for ensuring clean drinking water. Cities with regular pressure variations must prioritize these services to maintain safety.

By installing a backflow preventer, you can avert the possibility of costly repairs to your pipes due to foreign elements. This also helps sidestep the inconvenience of going without water for days during repair work. Additionally, backflow preventers serve as a deterrent from further problems concerning pipe repairs.

How New Age Plumbing in El Paso Can Help

New Age Plumbing’s specialists are here to help if you’ve experienced a backflow issue. Time is of the essence when it comes to water safety, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us – we’ll be sure to promptly install and maintain a backflow prevention device that will form an air gap that traps any contaminated water before it can reach your tap. 

Keep your home and family safe from backflow and contact us online or call (915) 822-1865 today.