In plumbing, backflow prevention devices are commonly used to prevent drain backflow into our personal water supply. In normal circumstances, the public water supply that enters into our dwellings is clean and safe for use.
Sometimes, however, the water supply may become tainted due to improper tubing and pipe connections inside our homes. One way to ensure that this does not happen to you is by using backflow prevention devices in your plumbing.
Choosing the right device for your home is essential since there are different kinds of backflow prevention devices available, but following, are the best plumbing tools in case of this situation.
Backflow Prevention Devices
The term “backflow” in plumbing refers to when water flows in the reverse direction.
This distinction can occur in any home where clean water mixes with contaminated water, resulting in serious health risks.
Backflow prevention devices are required by many city officials to restrict any backflow passages. Backflow prevention devices protect public safety by reducing water contamination in places like food processing factories, pharmaceutical water supplies, and local water systems.
What Are Air Gaps?
Clean and contaminated water should each flow through different pipes. One very simple yet effective way to prevent backflow is the air gap.
An air gap in plumbing is an open, upright space or gap between the water break and the flood level of a fixture.
Many city building codes today require backflow prevention devices in every structure.
Air gaps will also guarantee that drain water cannot flow backward from the sewer and into our clean water supply. Wastewater is carried across a gap of air thus preventing contamination.
Pressure Vacuum Breakers
A pressure vacuum breaker (PVB) is a backflow prevention device that works by guarding against a backflow of water.
As an irrigation element, PVBs are very effective in keeping non-drinking water from accidentally entering the clean water supply through an irrigation system.
When the water pressure is lower than the air pressure, the tank will open and close a control valve that restricts backflow from entering the clean water supply in the dwelling. This takes place close to the water source.
An atmospheric vacuum breaker, or AVB, is a reliable and affordable backflow prevention device. It has a hood on top that will open to let air into the system, filling the space in case of back-siphonage. The hood is operated by a poppet valve that is compressed by the water system pressure.
Choosing The Right Backflow Preventer
The right backflow prevention device depends on your plumbing system and your sewer line. Pressure vacuum breakers are to carry backflow to the house due to a vacuum force in the pipeline.
These devices will shoot air into a pipe to prevent the immersion. Additional modifications to the backflow may be also be added from inside the plumbing.
Assembly preventers and controlled pressure zone preventers use devices that shut close in case a backflow occurs that blocks against the pipeline system.
Backflow prevention devices are a requirement in many districts for backflow restriction. Your local building authorities can assist. They can also advise on the standard plumbing backflow prevention requirements and permits needed.
If you want to know more about backflow prevention devices, call the plumbing specialists more residents trust, Gene Johnson Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Electrical in Seattle, WA. They are standing by to help you choose the right backflow preventer and to assist you with any other plumbing issue, such as repiping and drain cleaning.
