Backflow is what we call it when water reverses its flow in your plumbing system. This is something that doesn’t occur in every Seattle, WA home, but it’s not uncommon. Backflow can be dangerous and pose serious health risks, requiring help from an emergency plumbing service. It’s ideal that you understand why backflow occurs and what can be done to prevent this situation from taking place in your residence.
Why Is Backflow a Problem?
When water direction reverses, contaminants can be pulled into your clean water supply. This can put you at risk of being exposed to gastrointestinal issues and even illnesses like hepatitis. Some people are more at risk of health issues related to backflow, such as small children and people with compromised immune systems.
Backflow can also lead to structural damage. Corrosion can take place inside your pipes when backflow is an ongoing occurrence. Eventually, you may see damage to your pipes that causes leaks or even a burst pipe. This can cause extensive water damage, which is expensive to address. Backflow can also damage your appliances.
The Installation of Backflow Devices
Luckily, there are backflow prevention devices that you can install in your home to prevent this problem. When you call a professional like our team at Raymark Plumbing & Sewer, we will first perform backflow testing to determine where a preventer would be beneficial. Most commonly, backflow occurs at cross-connection points in your plumbing system.
Backflow prevention devices include a barrier and valves or vacuums that will ensure water is always flowing in one direction. We recommend that you have this equipment inspected and serviced once per year to ensure it’s doing its job. We install each backflow prevention device according to local code, ensuring that it doesn’t cause more problems than what you’re already experiencing.
How to Spot Backflow Issues
In addition to having our team perform professional backflow testing, there are signs of backflow that you can watch out for. If you are experiencing the same plumbing issues frequently, there may be more to blame than incorrect plumbing work. Backflow may be causing corrosion to parts or pipes.
Check the quality of your water. If you notice that it appears cloudy or has visible particulates in it, there is something contaminating your water. Your water should be crisp and clean, not have an abnormal taste. Also, watch out for water that smells out of the ordinary.
Water shouldn’t be backing up into your tubs, showers, or sinks. Homeowners often think this is because of a clog. However, backflow may be the problem. You may also notice that there is a shift in the amount of pressure that is coming out of your faucets and fixtures.
Pay close attention to your health. If you are experiencing symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, bloating, or pain after consuming water from your tap, there may be a contamination issue to blame. We recommend water quality testing to determine the kind of contaminants that may currently be in the water that you’re using for bathing, cooking, and cleaning.
Is Backflow Common?
Backflow is something that a lot of homeowners don’t even think about. You may not be showing signs of severe health issues related to backflow, but that doesn’t mean it’s not occurring under your roof. This is a relatively common scenario that can occur in residential homes, even though it’s more common in a commercial setting.
There are situations that are out of your control that can cause backflow. For instance, a water main break in your vicinity can lead to backflow. A backflow prevention device would still be effective in this situation, ensuring that no contaminated water makes its way into your water supply. Firefighters using a hydrant in your area can also lead to backflow.
You can find out more about residential backflow and backflow prevention devices from our knowledgeable and helpful plumbing services team at Raymark Plumbing & Sewer. We can perform backflow testing in your home to determine if this is something that has the potential to occur in your residence. If there is a risk that concerns you and our team, we can make a recommendation for a backflow prevention device. We can also help you with any plumbing issues that you may be experiencing in your home that may be the result of backflow.
Contact us at Raymark Plumbing & Sewer in Seattle today to schedule an appointment and find out more.
