Dangers of Backflow Plumbing

Backflow is a term used in the plumbing industry that is used to describe situations when an unwanted flow of water starts flowing in the wrong direction.

For example, when an individual flushes the toilet, instead of the water flowing to the municipal pipe lines, it will overflow back outside the toilet.

This is a serious health and safety hazard as the water could contaminate the potable water supply and it can be quite scary watching a toilet overflow in the wrong direction!

Why does backflow plumbing occur?

Backflow plumbing can happen due to a variety of reasons, however most plumbers in Columbia MD state that there are four core causes that induce backflow plumbing. These reasons are mentioned below,

1. Backflow plumbing occurs when the plumbing membrane has a higher pressure in the system in comparison to its supply
2. Backflow plumbing occurs when there is a serious blockage in the main pipe line
3. Backflow plumbing also occurs when the supply pressure is being reduced below the pressure of the plumbing membrane
4. Backflow plumbing occurs when the main water breaks, which causes a sudden loss of water pressure in the system

Where can backflow plumbing occur?

Backflow plumbing can happen in any fixture that has a potential cross connection in a single water system. Some of the potential areas that backflow plumbing can occur are mentioned below,

1. Outdoors: Swimming pools, fish ponds, fountains and the lawn irrigation system
2. Bathroom: Toilets, steam baths and bath whirlpool devices
3. Faucets: Sill cocks and any other faucet in which a hose can be attached
4. Kitchen: Garbage disposals and dishwashers

How can you prevent back flow plumbing?

Backflow plumbing is a serious health risk, especially if the backflow occurs in a pipe line that is directly connected to the main water line.

In most cases, the only way a resident can avoid a back-flow situation is by contacting a local plumbing company so that they can install backflow prevention device.

These back-flow preventers can help safeguard your home from water contamination and eliminate the chances of backflow by a substantial margin, some of the devices that every homeowner should consider investing in are as follows,

• Hose bib vacuum breakers: this is a cost-effective device that is installed in every faucet that is cross connected with multiple pipe lines.
• Pressure type vacuum breakers: This device is used exclusively on pipes that supply water to underground water lawn sprinkler systems.

Besides installing these devices every home owner should consider investing in periodic maintenance to eliminate the chances of back flow plumbing. Consider calling 888-540-7586 so that Your1Plumberbased in Columbia MD. Theycan make sure that your plumbing system is operating at its full capacity.