Austin Plumbing 101: Facts You Should Know about Backflow Prevention

Your home’s plumbing system basically performs two functions: it delivers potable water, and it takes away waste or ‘foul’ water for your safety. To avoid mixing up these two functions, plumbing systems are designed so that potable water runs in only one direction and avoids passing through pipes meant for sewage waste. Yet this mechanism may also be reversed if the public water main suddenly loses pressure, in a process known as backflow.

Backflow contaminates potable water, making it extremely dangerous for use. Just imagine the serious public health problems that may arise if the pipelines catering to the 850,000 residents of Austin, Texas were to convey contaminated water. Thankfully, reputable Austin plumbing companies like Pure Plumbing Service are equipped with the necessary expertise and equipment to prevent backflow from affecting your home and endangering your entire family.

According to an article on WiseGeek.com, backflow prevention and the installation of backflow-preventing devices is now mandated by state laws across the nation. The Texas Administrative Code states, for instance, that “At any residence or establishment where an actual or potential contamination hazard exists, additional protection shall be required at the meter in the form of an air gap or backflow prevention assembly.”

Most of these rules also include provisions on backflow testing, which is something your trusted plumbers should conduct on your home at least annually. This way, you can be sure that your system is performing efficiently and isn’t about to give out any time soon. You might also want to find out whether your home is equipped with reliable backflow-preventing fixtures such as hose bibb vacuum breakers and anti-siphon assemblies. Some devices typically include an assembly with two independently operating shutoff valves at each end.

As with any other part of your plumbing system, regular maintenance is also important for your backflow prevention assembly. After all, this part is also subject to common problems like the accumulation of rust and debris, wear and tear of the backflow’s body, compression of the rubber valve seats and springs, etc. It is thus important to hire dependable Austin plumbing contractors for backflow repair, testing, and maintenance as required.

Always remember that your plumbing system performs one of the most essential functions in your home, so it’s important to always keep it in good condition. Keep your backflow assembly from turning into a toxic delivery system that could endanger your loved ones. Have a dependable backflow prevention system installed and get it maintained and tested regularly.