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Basement Flooding

Backflow is a serious problem that targets a wide range of homes across Canada. In fact, backflow is such a common issue that many cities have made it mandatory that you have a backflow prevention device installed in your home. If you want to know the importnce of yearly maintenance for your backflow prevention device, make sure that you read on.

What is a backflow valve? 

This plumbing component is a one-way valve that allows water to flow from your property to public drains but doesn’t allow water to flow back or reenter your home. Once sewage water has passed through this valve, it will stay away from the property regardless of the state of public drains. This is a convenient safety measure that can save you a lot of trouble down the line, especially if you live in a high-risk area for sewage backup.

Backflow System

Having a backflow device in place means that you are safeguarding your drinking water against contamination from contaminated water backflow. There are different kinds of backflow systems, and there are different types of backflow (which include backpressure and backsiphonage).

Do You Need Install a Backflow Valve?

It’s better to be safe than sorry because backflow can cause extensive damage. It can ruin the finish of flooring and walls, damage appliances and plumbing fixtures, cause cracks on foundation walls, etc. All of this can be avoided with a backwater valve. Here are some reasons why you should install it:

  • Some municipalities require backwater valves while others recommend it. Check your municipality regulations to determine if you’re obligated by law to install it. You can even ask an experienced plumber for advice on the matter.
  • If your home has a basement, there’s a higher chance of backwater flooding. Basements are situated below the ground level so gravity can work against you in some situations.
  • If your home is located at the bottom of a slope or hill, it is at risk. Water from properties at a higher elevation can push sewage water back in your home. It’s essential to install backwater valves in such locations.

If there is a drop in the main water line, it can lead to backsiphonage. This means that anything that is disgusting in your water, including contaminants such as manure, pesticides, and fertilizers could backflow into the water supply. This is not something that you want to have happen.

The Different Types of Backflow Systems

There are many different kinds of backflow systems. This can help reduce issues in residential sprinkler systems. We will go over the different choices, that way you know what is available for you.

  • Vacuum breakers – These are particularly effective for guarding against This cannot be used during issues with backpressure. The two different types include the pressure vacuum breaker (PVB) and the atmospheric vacuum breaker (AVB). It is possible to combine an number of different breakers, which means that you have the best of both worlds.
  • Pressure devices – The pressure vacuum breaker can open up again after having sustained long periods of continuous water pressure. This protects against backpressure and backflow. Installation is difficult and requires a great deal of technical expertise, which leads to many people requiring backflow systems service. Because it needs to be tested every year by a backflow technician, you can understand that this is not something that you can just do yourself.
  • Hose connectors – The hose connected to the potable water supply can include spray nozzles, sprinkler attachments, and other options. However, these can only be used in coordination with an approved hose connection vacuum breaker. You will not typically see these in residential places, primarily because they guard against insecticides and other problems.

Having It Installed Properly

backflow system

As you can probably tell, having a backflow system is going to prevent a great deal of problems for you and your loved ones when installed correctly. However, if you do not have it installed correctly, it offers a false sense of security. Instead, rely on qualified professionals to complete the installation for you.

In addition, you also need yearly backflow systems service to ensure that everything is working as it should. Without that, you will find that it becomes increasingly difficult to manage your backflow.

The Importance Of Backflow Prevention

There are a number of different backflow prevention devices available, but the most common one that you are going to find is the simple one-way valve. The valve stays open when the water is flowing through the system in the correct direction. However, if there is backflow, the valve snaps into place and makes sure that sewer water cannot reach the plumbing system, thus cutting down on overall contamination. Most of the time this is going to be enough to prevent backflow, even though it is a simple solution to the problem.

The issue with the installation of this device is that waste may build up around the valve as time goes by. If the waste buildup becomes severe enough, it could prevent the valve from closing altogether. The problem is that you will not see any outward signs of this issue, until the next time that you need backflow prevention in your home. Because the plumbing system will be contaminated, chances are that you will see a great deal of damage if that does occur. This is an expensive way to find out that the device is not actually working as it should.

Why You Should Have Backflow Prevention Maintenance

Because you cannot actually determine that there is an issue with your backflow prevention device until you examine it up close, maintenance done once a year is going to be the only way that you are able to make sure that your home is protected.

By making sure that you schedule yearly maintenance, the plumbing professional who comes by your home has a chance to check the device, and make repairs/adjustments where necessary. You can be sure that you are properly protected against the effects of backflow with annual backflow prevention device maintenance.

If you want to be sure that your backflow prevention device is ready for action, make sure that you call the professionals at Dr. Pipe Drain and Plumbing Services. They not only have the qualified personnel needed to perform prevention maintenance but they are even able to help you with the successful installation of your backwater valve.

Give us a call today: 416 663 4777 for a free upfront estimate!

Dr.Pipe