There are many different plumbing challenges that can affect your home. From clogged drains to burst pipes, neglecting your plumbing system can prove to be costly.
In any home, there are pipes that supply clean water and those that drain wastewater. 'Backflow' refers to contaminated water from waste pipes flowing in the wrong direction. This is a significant health hazard as contaminated water can mix with clean water to affect your overall supply.
A backflow preventer is a device that can be fitted in your pipes to prevent backflow issues. Curious about how this device works and its potential benefits? Read on to find out.
1. Keep your drinking water pure
Backflow preventers are fitted onto your drainage pipes to ensure that wastewater only flows in one direction. The basic design of this device consists of an inlet and outlet valve. The inlet valve allows incoming wastewater to flow in one direction, after which the valve closes. Any water coming in the opposite direction won't be able to open the valve.
There are many functional variations of backflow preventers, but the basic idea is to keep your water supply pure. By keeping wastewater separate from drinking water, you won't have to worry about human waste, chemical waste or irrigation waste (such as pesticides from your yard) contaminating your water supply.
2. Avoid costly drainage problems
Water contamination is not the only challenge with backflowing pipes. Your drainage system can also become damaged due to backflow. Wastewater contains potentially harmful components that can damage your pipes, cause blockages and cause freezing during the winter.
If not addressed in time, you may have to incur costly repairs, such as replacing your pipes or getting rid of harmful chemicals in your water supply. Installing a backflow preventer is a convenient solution against such issues.
3. Fix low-pressure issues
Backflow is often caused by pipes that have pressure limitations. The pipe may be too flat, or the rate of water flow may be too low. Stagnant water in pipes can easily result in backflow. And if the pipe supplies water to your garden, backflow may cause pesticides or fertilisers to contaminate your clean water.
Luckily, you can install a pressure-regulating backflow preventer. This device is capable of preventing backflow in residential systems that have pressure complications. They can also prevent harmful outdoor chemicals from flowing back into your home.
Closely monitor the pressure and drainage system inside your home. If you notice any signs of contamination or low pressure, call a plumber to determine if you'll need a backflow preventer installed.