What is Backflow Prevention and Do I Need it?

There are many water systems that require backflow prevention. Backflow prevention is essential to any water system designed for septic, simple, or drinking functions. Imagine if all your water systems ended up mixing together. That would not be very sanitary for anyone living or working in that situation. If your home property has a watering system, or your commercial property uses a fire suppression system or a large boiler, you will need to have a backflow prevention device installed. This is known as a Reduced Pressure Zone, RPZ. This plumbing device will ensure that contaminants do not enter your drinking water.

What is Backflow?

Backflow is the reverse flow of non-potable (or dirty) water through a cross-connection into the piping system of potable water. A cross-connection is any connection between a clean water system and a source that has dirty water or other substances. You want to prevent each water source from contaminating the other, which is why an RPZ is so important to any water system.

How Does Backflow Prevention Work?

The RPZ valve will protect your home or business from dirty water or harmful chemicals. Therefore, if you do have an irrigation system, this device will ensure that the fertilizers and pesticides you sprinkle on your lawn will not enter your drinking water. Also, if you use a large boiler or a fire suppression system the water stays stagnant in the pipes for long periods. This leads to mineral buildup and bacteria. Other issues can come up from a city water main break or a water leak in your home. If the El Paso Fire Department uses hydrants because of a fire or flushes the hydrants out, the water pressure on your property could change. This could create a problem because dirty water could enter your drinking supply.

Contact a Certified Plumber

The RPZ valve would protect your clean water in the case of any of these situations. If you think you may need backflow prevention in your home or business, it is best to contact a certified plumber like New Age Plumbing. We will be able to inspect your system and also install any necessary equipment. Our technicians are experts when it comes to backflow prevention, as well as many other plumbing services. We provide fast, reliable service to El Paso and surrounding areas. Make sure that every aspect of your water is safe. Contact us today for more information.