How to Prevent Backflow Issues

Backflow prevention is an important aspect of plumbing designed to prevent contamination of the city’s water supply. Houston, like many other cities, requires backflow prevention devices to be installed on certain types of plumbing systems to ensure that the water supply remains safe and free from contamination.

What is backflow?

Backflow occurs when there is a reversal of the normal flow of water in a plumbing system, causing non-potable water or other substances to flow back into the clean water supply. This can happen when there is a sudden drop in water pressure in the clean water supply, or when there is an increase in pressure in the non-potable water supply, such as when a fire hydrant is opened or when a water main breaks.

Backflow can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Cross-connections between potable and non-potable water sources,
• Improper plumbing installations
• Equipment malfunctions.

What are Backflow prevention devices?

Backflow prevention devices are designed to prevent backflow from occurring by creating a physical barrier between the clean water supply and the non-potable water supply. There are several types of backflow prevention devices that are commonly used in plumbing systems, including air gaps, double-check valves, and reduced pressure zone devices.

Air Gaps

Air gaps are one of the simplest and most effective types of backflow prevention devices. They work by creating a physical separation between the clean water supply and the non-potable water supply, typically by placing a gap of at least twice the diameter of the water pipe between the two sources of water. This prevents backflow from occurring because there is no physical connection between the two sources of water.

Double-check Valves

Double-check valves are another type of backflow prevention device that is commonly used in plumbing systems. They work by creating a physical barrier between the clean water supply and the non-potable water supply using two check valves that are installed in series. The check valves are designed to allow water to flow in only one direction, preventing backflow from occurring.

Reduced Pressure Zone

Reduced pressure zone devices are the most complex and sophisticated type of backflow prevention device. They work by creating a physical barrier between the clean water supply and the non-potable water supply using a series of valves and chambers. The device is designed to maintain a lower pressure in the non-potable water supply than in the clean water supply, creating a pressure differential that prevents backflow from occurring.

Where are Backflow prevention devices Installed?

In Houston, backflow prevention devices are required to be installed on certain types of plumbing systems to ensure that the water supply remains safe and free from contamination. The specific requirements for backflow prevention devices vary depending on the type of plumbing system, the location of the building, and the risk of contamination.

For example, backflow prevention devices are typically required to be installed on irrigation systems to prevent contamination of the city’s water supply with fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals that are commonly used in landscaping. Similarly, backflow prevention devices are required to be installed on fire sprinkler systems to prevent contamination of the city’s water supply with fire retardants and other chemicals that are commonly used in firefighting.

In addition to being required by law, backflow prevention devices are also an important part of maintaining the health and safety of the city’s residents. Contamination of the water supply can lead to a wide range of health problems, including gastrointestinal illness, respiratory infections, and skin irritation.

Who installs backflow prevention devices?

Backflow prevention devices are typically installed by licensed plumbers who are trained in the proper installation and maintenance of these devices. Regular maintenance and testing of backflow prevention devices is essential to ensure that they are working properly and providing adequate protection against backflow. At Joe The Plumber, our licensed plumbers can properly install backflow prevention devices in your home or business. Contact us for a quote today!