Backflow: What Is It And How Can I Prevent It?

Your plumbing system at home plays a pivotal role in delivering clean water to your household and eliminating wastes properly, but most overlook problems until it’s too late. However, it’s important to note that even minor issues can cause costly consequences for you and your family down the line, especially if it involves serious backflow issues. 

What is Backflow?

Backflow refers to a troublesome aspect wherein the water flowing into different systems in your home spits back in the opposite direction of its intended flow. This forces the clean water to meet at a cross-connection in your plumbing system, which describes a type of linking point where the primary water source split into lines that may not be drinkable. 

For instance, backflow can happen when your residential home’s water supply meets at a nearby irrigation system, resulting in a cross-connection that can contaminate your water in more ways than one. Compromising your potable water quality is not only off-putting, but it can have detrimental effects on your health. 

What Are Your Options For Backflow Prevention? 

When it comes to your health and safety, prevention will always be better than a cure. Most modern fixtures, such as your sink, toilet, and shower faucets, have reliable backflow prevention built into its design. Still, there are other ways to improve the precautionary measures you need to protect your clean water. 

Certified plumbers who handle backflow prevention services are likely to use the following methods: 

• Air Gap – One of the most straightforward solutions that can effectively minimize your risk of experiencing backflow, the air gap is the first step that can separate your water supply outlet from the flood-level point that receives and delivers water to your system. 

Adding an air gap between the two points in your plumbing system can do wonders in protecting your water flow since it facilitates positive pressure. Still, it doesn’t necessarily eliminate the risk of backflow problems since it is only a physical device. 

• Backflow Prevention Device – Offering a more sophisticated solution to your backflow problems, a backflow preventer refers to mechanical devices designed to establish a physical barrier to prevent backflow. 

It can come in different types that suit your unique problems and water system, such as the pressure vacuum breaker assembly, reduced pressure backflow prevention assembly, spill-resistant pressure vacuum breaker assembly, and double-check valve assembly. 

Working with a qualified service provider is crucial to ensuring the water in your pipes is flowing as it should. The devices involved in the process need to be maintained and calibrated annually, making it a job for the experts. Fortunately, the experts at Fantastic Plumbing possess Backflow Prevention certification in accordance with the requirements of the Australian Qualifications Framework. Clients can rest assured, knowing they have a well-equipped professional to take care of their backflow problem.

The Bottom Line: Flush Your Backflow Problems Down the Drain with the Help of Professional Plumbers 

Water flowing through your home should be a one-way street, but once backflow happens, the cross-connection can immediately put you at risk as it can contaminate your freshwater supply. It’s a plumbing issue that you can’t ignore as it has severe repercussions to you and your family’s health, which is why hiring the right plumber to handle the dirty work is paramount. 

Hiring the Right Emergency Plumber at Byron Bay 

Seeing as time is of the essence once your water system experiences issues, putting a reliable plumber on speed dial is a must. Here at Fantastic Plumbing, we offer backflow prevention services and emergency plumbing at Byron Bay, Australia – also servicing Ballina and surrounding areas. 

With over 20 years of experience in the industry, we can guarantee quality and long-lasting results. Get in touch with us today and see how we can help keep your water supply as clean as possible.