Backflow testing is one of the most important tests concerning the flow of water in your plumbing system you can do. These tests will tell you if the directional is correct or not. Though this may seem like an arbitrary test oh, The direction your water flows affects its cleanliness and usability.
Why is it So Important?
Backflow is the tendency of the directional flow of water to reverse. This means the direction in which the water in your pipes flows is turned on itself and the liquid begins to travel back to where it originated from.
This reversal increases the chances of the water intended for drinking, bathing, washing household items to become contaminated in a residential setting, or chemicals ending up in unwanted places in a commercial setting.
Many cities, counties, and states we’ll have a maintenance technician check plumbing lines to ensure backflow testing is consistent. However, since the threat of the backflow of water is undetectable at times, it is best to have your own maintenance done at regular intervals.
Once or twice a year is a sufficient number of times to have your backflow preventer tested.
How is Backflow Prevented?
There is a device that can be inserted into most plumbing systems that will prevent the flow of your water from being reversed. It must be tested consistently and maintained well over its lifespan. However, when taken care of properly, the device should have no problem keeping contamination from your water by keeping it’s flow one-directional.
Backflow Testing
The lifespan of a backflow preventer is limited, which means a test of its efficacy must be done at intervals to ensure it is working properly. Contamination may not be easily seen in the water by the naked eye. The only way to ensure the water has not reversed its flow is to test the actual device responsible for preventing the reversal.
To test your device, simply turn off the water source that is downstream of your backflow preventer. After this, you will have to acquire the help of a technician who will have access to a test kit that will be able to tell you if the black backflow preventer is working as desired.
How to Prevent Backflow Preventer Failure
Typically, a backflow preventer wears down with time. Other factors include how much water is being used in your household, your specific water pressure, the actual quality of the water flowing through the pipes, and outside weather conditions.
There is not much you can do to prevent this normal wear and tear on the mechanical device responsible for your water flow.
Your best bet is to simply have it tested regularly and repair any problems that arise from the results of the test.
Conclusion
The flow of your water affects so many areas of your life. Your own cleanliness, the cleanliness of items in your household, and your overall health.
In order to maintain this high degree of cleanliness and health, you should make testing your backflow preventer in your plumbing system a high priority.
These tests only have to be done once or twice a year and the actual testing takes very little time to perform.
Whether you own a home, commercial building, or farm, Southwest Florida Service & Supply can help with any backflow testing need.