Do you know how clean your drinking water is? When it comes to protecting the local water supply, A -1 Tri-County Plumbing urges homeowners and businesses to consider installing backflow preventers. This Seguin, TX, plumber explains how these devices work to prevent contamination and protect your drinking water.

Texas Plumber Explains How Backflow Protectors Work

What Is a Backflow Preventer?

A backflow preventer stops the reverse flow of contaminated water into the city’s water supply. This carries the risk of having contaminants like fertilizers, pesticides, human waste, and chemicals enter the public drinking supply.

What Causes Backflow?

Water should only enter your home from one direction, according to plumbers, but pressure changes can cause it to flow backwards. However, changes in pipe pressure can cause water to flow backwards, away from your home, and seep back into the supply line. These changes can occur from a burst or frozen pipe, or an unusually high demand on the system, such as when a fire hydrant is used.

How Do They Work?

Backflow prevention devices are installed on a home’s water pipes and allow water to flow in only one direction. They should be installed anywhere incoming water and wastewater have the chance to cross, such as sprinkler systems, toilets, and sinks.  

Another way to provide backflow prevention is with an air gap. This is an open vertical space that’s placed between a valve or faucet and any spot where contaminated water can collect. This makes it harder for wastewater to get siphoned back through the system.

If you’re wondering whether you need a backflow prevention device for your home or business, contact A-1 Tri-County Plumbing. This family-owned business has provided reliable residential and commercial plumbing services for nearly 35 years. In addition to installing these devices, these plumbers also provide drain cleaning, sink installations, and gas pipe repairs. Learn more by heading online or giving them a call today at (512) 353-8656.