Have you ever heard of backflow or know why you need a backflow preventer in your home? Then you have come to the right place. Your home’s plumbing system is designed for water to flow one way, but sometimes the flow can reverse causing what’s called backflow, and it can have some serious consequences. 

According to forsythco.com/Departments-Offices/Water-Sewer/Water-Engineering/Backflow, “backflow is the undesirable reversal of flow of non-potable water or other substances through a cross-connection and into the piping of a public water system or consumer’s potable water system.” Here is what you need to know about backflow problems and how you can prevent them.

Back pressure and back-siphonage are two different types of backflow. Back pressure occurs if the pressure from a non-potable water source becomes greater than the pressure of your clean water supply. It can be caused by boilers, sprinkler systems or power washing tools, etc.Back siphonage happens if there is a loss of pressure in your clean water supply, which then causes contaminated water to be sucked backward. This usually occurs if a water main breaks or by chance a large amount of water is being used for firefighting. 

As a result, what can be dangerous about backflow is that it can lead to contamination of clean water. As advanced as modern plumbing has become with better waste removal and sanitation practices, backflow issues can still occur. Prevention is the best way to protect yourself from this and can save you time, money, and energy. 

Some common ways to prevent backflow are with air gaps and a backflow preventer valve. Air gaps can be used to maintain pressure in the plumbing system to then prevent any backflow. In the instance that there might not be room for an air gap, this is where you would want to install a preventer valve or Arrowhead Brass vacuum breaker. Backflow preventers are installed in key areas of the plumbing system where clean water is the most susceptible to contamination and should be checked regularly. Arrowhead Brass’ vacuum breakers are lead-free and protect your drinking water from harmful contaminants, keeping you and your family safe. To learn more go to arrowheadbrass.com and our product can be found under parts and accessories. 

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