Why Is Backflow Testing Important?

Backflow happens when your home or city plumbing system experiences a reversal in the direction of the flow of water or sewage. This can cause contamination in the system. Backflows are usually caused by water main breaks when back-pressure makes the downstream pressure higher than supply chain pressure. Testing is important because it will help minimize the chances of contamination and keep your system flowing safely and efficiently. Read on to learn more about backflow testing.

Maintaining a Healthy Environment

There are many health risks associated with backflow. Testing can help prevent the contamination associated with it and ultimately keep your family and community safer and healthier. Outbreaks like salmonella can occur as a result of backflow. Chemicals like sodium hydroxide and various insecticides have also entered plumbing systems through backflow. These risks, as well as other forms of harmful bacteria, threaten the health of your family and community. Sewer backups are commonly associated with backflow and siphonage causes that contaminated water to flow directly into your plumbing system. Backflow testing is one of the most important preventative measures to ensure that these factors don’t reach your home.  

Backflow Preventers

Backflow preventers are the useful devices that help prevent backflow from reaching your plumbing system. With testing, plumbing professionals ensure that the preventers are in place and working properly. Cross connections are the areas where your drinking water could possibly become contaminated. The preventers are placed at the cross connections. If backflow occurs outside of the home, in your irrigation or sprinkler system, those areas must also be equipped with preventers. With the preventers in place, you won’t have to worry about lawn fertilizer potentially contaminating your home’s drinking water. Backflow testing should be conducted by plumbing professionals on a regular basis. To help you remember, associate it with another regular maintenance activity, you perform on your home, like cleaning the gutters or changing your smoke detector batteries.

Experience the Metcalf Plumbing Difference

Metcalf Plumbing is a customer-focused plumbing contractor serving residential and commercial clients throughout the Catonsville, Ellicott City and surrounding areas. From water heater installation, sump pump installation and repair to water and sewer line replacement, Metcalf Plumbing is a trusted resource to call on when you need help with your plumbing services. We are not commission-based and we provide honest, upfront costs with a thorough inspection of your system and suggested next steps. Our trained and courteous technicians are standing by to provide quality comfort at competitive prices. You can call us at 410-242-311 and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Google+, and Twitter!