What Is A Backflow Device And Why Does Every Household Need To Test It? | DIY #2

A backflow device, more commonly referred to as the reduced pressure zone (RPZ) valve, is a device that is fitted into your plumbing system in order to ensure that the city water supply and the water that you consume is safe and free from all harmful and toxic substances.

Whenever a house, a building or any place that is undergoing the installation of a fire suppression system, a huge boiler or an irrigation system, the need for a backflow device arises. When fertilizer is being sprayed onto your plants to save them from pests, the toxic substances of the pesticide can contaminate your water. Similarly, trapped water in your fire suppression system or your boiler generates bacteria and other contaminants, which spread to your pipes and infects your water supply. The use of an efficient and durable backflow device will serve to make sure your water supply is clean from all such harmful bacteria and toxins.

If there is a water leakage of breakage in the city water supply from the mains, the water system in your house can be mixed up and contaminate your supply of drinking water. Next thing you know, you open the tap to pour yourself a glass of clean water and out comes a foul coloured, dirty supply of water filled with all sorts of bacteria.

A back-flow caused by fluctuations and changes in the pressure of water supply from the main is common and it can occur in any neighbourhood. Therefore it is essential to make sure you have taken sufficient and essential precautionary measures to save yourself from all contaminations brought in by this back-flow water supply. A backflow device works by opening its valve and dumping all the harmful and contaminated water and stop it further contaminating the water supply. The law requires you to make sure that your house or building is fully equipped with a backflow device so that everyone in the building can receive clean and safe drinking water. The backflow device also needs to be tested by a licensed plumber every year. For those who wonder why it is important and necessary to get a backflow device testing, we have pointed out some essential reasons:

• To make sure that the water you and your family consume is free from all harmful substances, toxins and contaminants.
• To make sure that your backflow device is efficient and effective in stopping contaminated water from entering your drinking water.
• To make sure that the installation and functioning of the backflow device is not disturbing the intricate tangle of various other pipelines and plumbing devices installed in your house or commercial venue.
• To make sure that your backflow devices has not encountered a malfunction or defect that could cost you even more money down the road.

Should you ever have doubts about the quality of your water, do not hesitate to get it checked by a professional plumber. Hillcrest Plumbing & Heating always carries the latest in plumbing supplies and training to tackle any of your plumbing and heating problems.