Backflow Prevention

The backflow prevention device that we consider the most reliable is the reduced pressure zone (RPZ) valve. Its job is to prevent water from flowing back and possibly contaminating the clean water supply. The RPZ valve is a special kind of backflow prevention device. If something goes wrong and backflow is trying to happen, the RPZ valve prevents it really well. And because the RPZ valve prevents backflow so effectively, it is often used in places where the water needs to be kept safe.

A backflow valve and a backflow preventer are both tools used to stop water from flowing backward into a water supply. The main difference between them is their complexity and function. A backflow preventer is like a safety device with multiple parts that work together to make sure that dirty water doesn't mix with clean water. It's used in mostly bigger systems like city water lines or commercial buildings. On the other hand, a backflow valve is simpler. It's like a one-way gate that allows water to flow in one direction and stops if it tries to go the other way. This is often used in smaller systems or homes to protect against backflow.

To locate your backflow prevention device, begin by looking near the primary water line that enters your residence. This device typically lives near the water meter. Search for a small box—sometimes metal, sometimes plastic—that might be above ground or slightly below it. Your backflow prevention device will probably have a valve and may have a gauge. If your installation is in a part of the country that experiences severe cold, it's possible that your device is located in a basement or garage, where it has some protection from freezing temperatures. If locating your device proves too challenging, a plumber or your water company should be able to assist you.

Using an air gap is an alternative to a backflow prevention device. An air gap is a physical space—usually a vertical gap—between the water source and the plumbing fixture. This space ensures that water can’t flow back into the clean water supply. It's a straightforward and effective way to prevent backflow without needing to use complex equipment.

A backflow preventer can cost anything from 50 dollars to 600 dollars, depending largely on what type you need and how big it is. If you stick with a simple backflow preventer, which stops water from going the wrong way, it's not too pricey. But if you have a more complex plumbing system, your backflow preventer could end up being the most expensive part of that system. And don't forget to add in installation costs, which could also be significant.

A backflow preventer tends to last anywhere from 5 years to 15 years. It can last upwards of that estimation with good maintenance and more than average inspection. The backflow preventer is like any other mechanical device: the more you pay attention to it, the less likely it is to give you problems. What kind of preventative measures can we take? A set of regular inspections can go a long way. Hearing a backflow preventer working is a good sign; it means the mechanism is still capable of functioning.

It is essential to install a backflow preventer properly, but it is not a task for just anyone to take on. It takes a particular kind of training and set of tools to do the job right. These devices should only be installed by licensed plumbing professionals or those with an equivalent level of knowledge who know what to do and what not to do. After all, a backflow preventer prevents dirty water from flowing back into a clean water supply. If it is not installed correctly, it could result in some very serious health threats to those using the water. So, when in doubt, call in a pro.

Indeed, backflow preventers are worthwhile. Backflow preventers are good devices that help keep our drinking water clean and safe. They stop dirty water from flowing back into clean water pipes. This can happen if there is a change in pressure caused by events like a water main break or a lot of water being used. Without a backflow preventer, harmful substances like chemicals or bacteria could mix with our drinking water. Keeping our water supply safe is, of course, a health issue. That makes backflow preventers a smart iWIestment. It's good to know that the water coming out of our taps is safe to drink.

To determine whether your backflow preventer is working correctly, you can watch for some signs. First, check to see if any water is leaking around the preventer. Leaks might mean that the preventer is faulty. Second, check the water for any strange tastes or smells; that can be a sign that the preventer isn’t doing its job. Be alert also for any odd noises in the pipes near the backflow preventer; noises like banging or thumping can mean there’s a problem. On the other hand, if your pipes suddenly sound like they’re getting too much water, you might also be hearing the sound of your water pressure changing. Lower water pressure might also indicate that the backflow preventer isn’t working right. If you notice any of these signs, better call a plumber.

The ideal location for a backflow preventer is just inside the building at the point where the main water line comes in. This key installation helps ensure that "dirty" water can’t flow back into the clean water supply. This is especially important because, unlike the dirty water that's emitted from an overflowing toilet, dirty water from somewhere else in the house might not be that easy to detect. And that easy-to-detect overflow condition is the reason we know backflow preventers work in the first place.