If you’re a plumber in Tucson, Arizona, understanding backflow prevention is essential for ensuring the safety of your customers’ water supply. Backflow occurs when contaminated water flows back into the main supply of clean water, potentially causing health hazards and other issues. To prevent backflow, plumbers can install backflow prevention devices, such as reduced pressure zone (RPZ) devices or double-check valve assemblies (DCVAs), at cross-connections between potable and non-potable water lines.
The plumbing industry uses the term “backflow” to refer to the flow of contaminated water back into the main supply of clean water. This can happen when the pressure in a water delivery system drops, creating a suction effect that pulls non-potable water or other hazardous materials into the potable water supply. The consequences of backflow can be serious, ranging from unpleasant odors and discoloration of the water to potential health hazards such as the spread of bacteria, viruses, and other harmful substances. Backflow prevention devices are crucial for safeguarding public health and protecting the integrity of the water supply. We, at Curtis Plumbing in Tucson, Arizona, recognize the significance of backflow prevention for safeguarding your water supply, and we are committed to providing you with reliable and effective solutions.
Curtis Plumbing, a local plumbing company in Tucson, Arizona, recognizes the importance of backflow prevention for the safety of its customers. Here is a guide to help plumbers understand backflow, how to prevent it, and how to install backflow prevention devices.
Types of Backflows
Two types of changes in water pressure, back pressure, and back siphonage, can cause backflow in your pipes.
The greater pressure in wastewater systems than the incoming freshwater supply causes back pressure. This can occur in pressurized systems, such as elevated tanks, pumps, boilers, sprinkler systems, and power washers.
Negative pressure in the supply system causes back siphonage, which occurs when an unexpected pressure decrease within the system pulls water from the sewer line back into the clean water line. This can occur due to breaks or repairs on a water main or heavy demand, such as firefighting.
Backflow Prevention Devices
To prevent backflow, plumbers can install a prevention device at cross-connections between potable and non-potable water lines. These devices can be either a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) device or a double check valve assembly (DCVA).
The design of an RPZ device aims to reduce water pressure to below atmospheric pressure to this. It consists of two independently acting check valves and a relief valve. Plumbers use RPZ devices in high-hazard applications where there is a risk of contamination by toxic substances.
A DCVA consists of two check valves and two shutoff valves. It is used in low to medium-hazard applications and is less expensive than an RPZ device.
How do backflow prevention devices work?
Contaminated water can be prevented from flowing back into the main water supply by using prevention devices. These devices operate through mechanisms like air gaps and check valves. Air gaps prevent debris from entering drinking water and dishwashers. Check valves permit water to flow only in one direction. Curtis Plumbing’s licensed plumbers can advise on the proper backflow prevention device for your property. Ensure your water supply remains safe and healthy. Contact us today to learn more.
Installation and Testing
A licensed plumber should install backflow prevention devices at the appropriate location, such as at the point of cross-connection, and ensure compliance with local plumbing codes. Annual testing prevention devices is necessary to ensure proper functioning. Plumbers can test the devices by using gate and relief valves to check for leaks and unwanted movement and to confirm the preventer’s correct operation.
How Plumbers Can Safeguard Your Water Supply
In conclusion, backflow prevention is a crucial aspect of maintaining a safe and reliable water supply. Plumbers in Tucson, Arizona, need to understand the types of backflow and how to prevent them to ensure their customers’ safety. Backflow can occur due to various reasons, such as back siphonage and back pressure. Therefore, it is important to install a prevention device like a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) and double-check valve assembly (DCVA) at the appropriate locations.
At Curtis Plumbing, our licensed plumbers have the knowledge and experience to install and test backflow prevention devices. We also ensure that our installations comply with the local plumbing codes. Our annual testing services will check for leaks, and unwanted movement and ensure that the preventer is working correctly.
If you suspect backflow in your sink or other plumbing fixtures, call Curtis Plumbing at 520-323-7697. Our expert plumbers can provide prompt and efficient services to prevent any issues and keep your water supply clean and safe. Don’t compromise on the quality of your water supply; trust Curtis Plumbing.
