You probably don’t think twice about turning on your tap for a glass of clean water, but what if that water isn’t safe for you to consume? Backflow happens when contaminated water flows in the wrong direction, mixing with your clean water supply. This can introduce everything from bacteria to chemicals into the water you use every day. A properly installed and maintained backflow prevention system keeps this from happening, ensuring your water stays safe for drinking, cooking, and cleaning. BlueFlow All-Service Plumbing in Gainesville, GA, provides expert backflow prevention services to protect homes and businesses from unexpected water contamination.
What Is Backflow, and How Does it Happen?
Water in your home or business is supposed to flow in one direction—from the main water supply to your taps, appliances, and irrigation system. But under certain conditions, that flow can reverse, allowing contaminated water to seep back into your clean supply. This is known as backflow, which can introduce chemicals, bacteria, and other pollutants into the water you use every day.
Backflow usually happens due to changes in water pressure. A sudden drop in pressure such as when a water main breaks or a fire hydrant is opened can cause the water in your pipes to get pulled backward, mixing with whatever is sitting in your plumbing system. If you have garden hoses submerged in a bucket of soapy water, irrigation systems filled with pesticides, or just standing water in a sink, those substances can end up in your drinking water. That’s why backflow prevention is so important because it stops contaminated water from making its way into your home, which is a situation that calls for an emergency plumber.
Common Causes of Backflow in Residential and Commercial Plumbing
Backflow doesn’t just happen randomly, but it occurs when something disrupts normal water pressure and allows contaminated liquid to flow backward into your supply. There are two main types of backflow: back-siphonage and backpressure.
Back-siphonage happens when there’s a sudden drop in water pressure. This can be caused by anything from a broken water main to firefighters using hydrants during an emergency. When pressure drops, a vacuum effect can occur, pulling water from unwanted sources back into your plumbing. If you’ve ever put your finger over a drinking straw and lifted liquid out of a cup, you’ve seen a small-scale version of how back-siphonage works.
Backpressure occurs when something forces water to flow in the wrong direction. This can happen when a pump or pressurized system connected to your plumbing creates a higher pressure than your main water supply. For example, commercial buildings with boilers, sprinkler systems, or industrial equipment can push water backward if the pressure inside their system exceeds the pressure in the municipal supply. Without a proper backflow prevention device, this can send chemicals, bacteria, or sewage into your clean water.
Why Backflow Is a Serious Health Hazard
Contaminated water is more than just unpleasant as it can also be dangerous. If backflow allows harmful substances to enter your drinking water, you and your family could be exposed to bacteria, pesticides, or industrial chemicals. This can lead to serious health risks, including gastrointestinal illness, skin irritation, and respiratory problems.
Municipal water supplies are treated to remove bacteria and other contaminants, but once water enters your plumbing system, it’s up to you to keep it safe. If backflow occurs, your water could become unsafe without you realizing it. Contaminants don’t always have a strong taste or smell, so you may not notice the problem right away. In some cases, entire neighborhoods have had to flush and disinfect their plumbing after backflow incidents introduced dangerous pollutants into their water supply.
A properly installed backflow prevention device acts as a safeguard, stopping water from reversing course and keeping unwanted substances out of your clean water. Many cities and towns require these devices by law, especially for businesses or properties with irrigation systems, swimming pools, or fire suppression systems.
How Backflow Prevention Devices Work
Backflow prevention devices are placed in specific spots in your plumbing system to stop dirty water from reversing direction and mixing with your clean supply. There are several different types, but they all work on the same basic principle: creating a physical barrier that stops water from reversing direction.
One of the most common devices is a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) valve, which contains multiple check valves and a relief valve that opens if pressure changes occur. This ensures that any contaminated water is safely discharged instead of entering your clean supply. You’ll often find these devices in commercial properties, irrigation systems, and plumbing setups where there’s a higher risk of water contamination.
Another common type is a pressure vacuum breaker (PVB), often used in lawn irrigation systems. This device has a check valve and an air inlet that opens if pressure drops, preventing contaminated water from being pulled back into the drinking supply. These are simple but effective devices that require annual testing to ensure they’re working properly.
Double-check valves (DCVs) are another option that is commonly used in residential and commercial plumbing. These consist of two check valves arranged in series, creating two layers of protection against backflow. While not as complex as RPZ devices, they’re still highly effective at preventing contamination.
Signs You Have a Backflow Problem
Backflow problems aren’t always obvious, but there are a few warning signs that indicate something may be wrong with your plumbing system. Any rapid change in the color, taste, or smell of your water is a big red flag. If you turn on the faucet and see brown, yellow, or cloudy water, your water is dirty. A strong chlorine or chemical odor can also indicate that non-potable water has mixed with your drinking supply.
Another warning sign is reduced water pressure. If you notice that your faucets aren’t running as strongly as usual, there could be an issue with backflow affecting your system. Unusual gurgling noises in your pipes or water bubbling up from drains can also point to a pressure imbalance caused by backflow.
If you think there is a problem, don’t wait to get help. Turn off the water and call a professional right away. Even a minor backflow event can introduce harmful substances into your plumbing, and the longer contaminated water sits in your pipes, the more difficult it becomes to flush out.
Regular Backflow Testing Keeps You Safe
Just like any other plumbing component, backflow prevention devices need regular maintenance to keep working effectively. Many areas require annual testing by a certified professional to ensure that the system is functioning correctly.
During a backflow test, a plumber will check the valves, pressure levels, and overall condition of the device. If anything is out of place such as a faulty check valve or a leak, then the problem can be fixed before it leads to contamination. The best way to make sure your drinking water stays clean and safe is to test it often.
If you own a commercial property, you may be legally required to have your backflow prevention system tested and maintained on a set schedule. Even if you’re a homeowner with a simple irrigation system, it’s a good idea to have your backflow device inspected regularly to avoid unexpected issues.
Keep Your Water Supply Safe
Keeping your water supply clean and safe isn’t something you want to leave to chance. A backflow prevention system adds an extra layer of protection that can keep your home or business free from the risk of contamination. Now is the time to check your system if it hasn’t been checked in a while or if you’re not sure if you have the right backflow protection.
Our commercial and residential plumbers provide reliable service at reasonable prices to all our customers in the Gainsville area. Call BlueFlow All-Service Plumbing today to schedule a backflow prevention inspection to keep your water supply secure. We also offer water leak detection, drain cleaning, plumbing repairs, sewer line repair, and emergency services.
