Home Plumbing

Safety:

The Rundown on

Backflow

Backflows are a common problem in many households. It is one that causes not just plumbing issues, but health problems as well. It threatens to obstruct the flow of both public and private water lines.

The Dirt on Backflow

Backflow is caused by cross-connections between a safe drinking water supply and sewage lines or other possible sources of contamination. It is when the flow of water is reversed from its normal or intended direction of flow.

Whenever a customer connects to a water company’s system, the aim is for the water to flow from the distributor to the customer.

There are instances, however, when the flow of water could be reversed, and water from the customer flows back to the distribution system.

All homes are at risk for these cross-connections—water pipes from the city and plumbing fixtures that could allow foreign objects to enter the line for drinking water.

The Conditions of Backflow

Backflows are directly related to system pressure, happens when there is a drop in pressure in the supply line to a house or plumbing fixture. This can be caused by things such as open fire hydrants, breaks in the main water line, or system maintenance.

Backpressure, meanwhile, happens when pressure from the water system is higher than the drinking water system or the customer’s line. This is often caused by auxiliary water pumps, boilers, and high-rise buildings.

Backflow occurs when water flows back from a household’s or a customer’s pipes into the drinking water system.

The Problem in Homes

Backflows in residential units can occur wherever there are potential cross-connections in the pipes. Some of the more common cross-connections include those found in:

Kitchens: water lines for the dishwashers and garbage disposal units

Bathrooms: pipe system for toilets, handheld shower heads, home spas, Jacuzzis

Faucets: hose bibs, ornamental fountains, sill cocks, and other faucet fixtures where a hose can be attached

Outdoor water fixtures: swimming pools, sprinkler systems, fish ponds, and other lawn irrigation systems

These problems highlight the importance of backflow preventers, as well as well-maintained plumbing systems. Small cross contaminations could lead to serious health risks. Backflow prevention should always be a top priority in any residence’s plumbing system.

Resources:

www.perryplumbing.com/plumbing-services/repair/

http://www.sandiego.gov/water/pdf/ccpp070419.pdf

http://www.epa.gov/safewater/disinfection/tcr/pdfs/issuepaper_tcr_crossconnection-backflow.pdf