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.
