Backflow Preventer Testing

August 1st, 2013 Posted in Backflow Testing
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The backflow of contaminated or polluted water into the drinkable water supply is prevented by a specially designed assembly. Back pressure, from numerous possible sources such as water pumps, boilers, heat exchangers or power washers (to name a few) can force undesirable contaminants to enter into piping that supplies drinking water. To reduce this risk, a backflow preventer can be installed. Because of the potential for health hazards on a broad scale, such systems, particularly in commercial or industrial settings where potentially toxic chemicals are used, need frequent testing.   In some locations, annual backflow testing is mandated by logal authorities.

As a preventive measure, some health regulations require an air gap or backflow prevention mechanism between the delivery point of water and its use or storage to protect the drinking water system from contamination hazards. Most backflow assemblies have test cocks and shut-off valves that must be tested when installed. They also need to be tested again if relocated or repaired, and also on a periodic basis. The EPA holds local water suppliers responsible for maintaining a certain amount of purity in drinking water systems while many municipalities also require annual testing. In most cases, the law requires an air gap or double check device when backflow prevention is mandated.

All testing is done under no-flow water conditions so home owners, commercial and industrial operations, as well as hospital and continuous process industries must be well informed in order to plan and coordinate water shut downs. Test personnel follow local municipal, county and state testing requirements and guidelines as dictated by local authorities.

Field testing exists for pressure principle backflow preventers; pressure vacuum breakers; and, double check valve assemblies. Of primary concern is that the internal shut-off valves remain tight and leak free under various degrees of applied pressure. 

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What Do Backflow Prevention Devices Do?

June 28th, 2012 Posted in Backflow Testing
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A backflow prevention device is a common method of protecting our drinking water supplies from contamination.  Not all water authorities require backflow prevention devices, but if you live in an area where backflow prevention devices are required by local municipal codes, it is important to understand what role they serve and how to keep your backflow prevention device in good working order.

In general there are two types of municipal water supply systems:  open systems and closed system.  A typical municipal water supply system supplies water to homes and businesses through water supply lines connected to the municipal water main. Most of the time, the water pressure coming from the water supply is much higher than the water pressure in the home so water flows from the supply into the home.

However, under certain circumstances such as a broken water main or some other event that causes the municipal water pressure to drop, water can flow backwards from a home or business into the water supply.  A water system that can flow in either direction is called an open system.

In a closed system, a backflow prevention device prevents water from flowing backwards from the home or business into the water supply lines and helps protect the water supply from contamination.  In a home, water in irrigation sprinkler systems can become contaminated by pesticides and fertilizer.  In addition, if the home has an automatic pool filling device, the water can become contaminated with chlorine and other pool chemicals.

Backflow prevention devices can only do their job if they are regularly tested by a knowledgeable plumber.  Where backflow prevention devices are required by local ordinance, backflow testing is often required by law.  Even if it is not required by law, it is good practice to have your backflow prevention device tested annually.

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Thermal Expansion Tanks For Home Plumbing Systems

June 28th, 2012 Posted in Water Heaters
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Thermal expansion tanks are a relatively new addition to most home water supply systems that prevent pressure from building up in the plumbing system.  When a storage type water heater is installed in a home, there needs to be some provision to allow for the water to expand as it heats.  In older systems this was not a problem since the water could flow backwards through the water service line.

Until recently, most home water supply systems were “open” systems that allowed water to flow in either direction from the municipal water main.  In these older systems, there was nothing to prevent water from flowing backwards through the water service line which had the benefit of accommodating water expansion in the home’s water heating system.

However, more and more municipalities are installing check valves or backflow prevention devices at the water meter to prevent water from flowing backwards into the water main and potentially contaminating the water supply.  In these “closed” systems, water has nowhere to go as it heats and expands.  In a home plumbed with copper pipes, the water pressure can rise above 150 psi due to the expansion of the water as it heats up inside the water heater.

A homeowner may notice water escaping from the pressure relief valve at the water heater when this happens.  Too much pressure in in a home’s water lines can cause leaks, broken pipes, or a ruptured water heater.  To prevent these problems, have your plumber install a thermal expansion tank. These tanks cost less than $100 and use no energy.  They allow your home plumbing system to maintain a constant, safe pressure.  In many areas, a thermal expansion tank is now required by local building codes.

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Backflow Prevention Information

March 28th, 2012 Posted in Backflow Testing
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Backflow occurs when water flows from a residence or business backwards into the public water supply.  Municipal potable water systems are designed to flow in one direction – from the municipal water supply to the customer which includes residences, businesses, and any facility that is connected to the municipal water supply.  In certain circumstances, this flow can be reversed and potentially contaminated water can flow into the municipal potable water supply.

Backflow can occur if the water pressure inside the home exceeds the pressure in the municipal water supply due to an increase in the pressure in the home or a decrease in municipal water pressure.  Decreases in potable water supply pressure can occur due to a broken water supply line, firefighters using the water to extinguish a blaze or some other reason.

The danger posed by backflow is that the water flowing into the water supply is contaminated.  For example, a sprinkler system could be contaminated by common lawn fertilizers and pesticides which could backflow into the municipal potable water supply.

Many local governments and water authorities try to guard against backflow by requiring that customers install a backflow prevention device.  Not all local authorities require backflow prevention devices.  In some locales only businesses are required to have backflow prevention devices.  In other areas they are required for businesses and for homes that have a sprinkler system or automatic pool filling system.

If your Orlando home or business is required to have a backflow prevention device, and experienced Orlando plumber can handle the backflow installation and repair. In addition,  regular backflow testing is important to keep your backflow preventer in good working order.  You should have the device tested annually by a good local Orlando plumber or more often if required by local law.

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Backflow Testing Keeps Drinking Water Safe

March 2nd, 2012 Posted in Backflow Testing
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Fertilizer. Fire protection chemicals. Pool chemicals. Weed killer. These are among the toxins that can make their way back into your drinking water at home, which is why backflow testing is required by many municipalities.

Water is at risk of flowing backward and into the water system – which contaminates your drinking water — when the pressure in a water system isn’t maintained. Backflow testing helps prevent that.

Water systems are designed so that the water flows in only one direction, thanks in part to water pressure. Water pressure is what keeps the stream flowing from the water supply to your home. However, the water, could potentially change direction if the water pressure in the water supply system loses strength. Water in sprinkler systems, fire suppression systems, pool water feed systems, and other sources could flow backwards into the water supply lines.  When the water pressure is restored this contaminated water could wind up in the drinking water of your home.

A backflow prevention device keeps dirty or contaminated water from flowing backward into the water supply.  There are two types of common backflow devices: an air gap and a check valve. An air gap connects to your plumbing system from your water storage area; a check valve forces the water to flow in only one direction, thereby keeping it out of your home.

Water can actually flow backward when the water pressure is low. That’s why many municipalities require yearly backflow testing by a certified agency and are required to have a backflow prevention program in place to check for water purity.  Annual backflow testing ensures your backflow prevention devices are working properly and helps protect the potable water supply.

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