Refer to Us to Prevent Backflow
Wastewater that seeps into your potable water supply is known as backflow. Often contaminated with waste materials, bacteria, chemical residue, or other pollutants, it’s quick to understand why it poses a serious risk to health and safety.
Your plumbing has cross connections where potable and non-potable water converge. An uncommon change in water pressure often causes the flow of used, non-potable water to reverse into the fresh-water pipes. Testing and prevention of backflow is vital to feeling comfortable with the health of your water supply. You can trust our Expert backflow tests to help keep you safe.
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Count on the Experts to take care of all your home comfort needs. Call us at 574-218-6404 or schedule your service online today!
Frequently Asked Questions
We can help you understand more about backflow before we even send our Experts to where you’re at. See if we have answers to your questions; if not, contact us any time.
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Where can backflow happen?
Backflow and the subsequent cross connection can happen wherever your non-potable plumbing system meets the water lines. As such, many different types of fixtures and appliances are at risk, including:
- Sprinklers
- Washing machines
- Kitchen and bathroom faucets
- Bathtubs and showers
- Toilets
- And more
For commercial properties like industrial facilities, equipment such as boilers, chemical mixing tanks and laboratory equipment are vulnerable to backflow, etc.
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What is a backflow prevention device?
Backflow preventers stop contaminants from entering the public water supply and posing a health risk to the community. Backflow prevention is vital because it helps to ensure that the municipal water supply remains safe and free of contaminants.
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Are there any different sorts of backflow preventers? Which one is suitable for my needs?
There are several types of backflow preventers, including:
- Reduced pressure zone (RPZ) valves
- Double check valves
- Pressure vacuum breaker valves
The type of backflow preventer you may need depends on your building’s plumbing system and the most common contaminants the plumbing is susceptible to. Expert backflow prevention services should always help determine the most appropriate make and model for your needs.
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What is backflow RPZ testing?
Your home may have an RPZ or Reduced Pressure Zone. The zone’s consistent pressure serves as a backflow prevention device to prevent contaminants from flowing backward. At BW/Cook Service Experts, our certified testers specialize in:
- Annual backflow RPZ testing
- RPZ inspections
- Backflow prevention device installation and maintenance
Since preventing trouble is often easier than repairing it, you should try to have your RPZ valve inspected each year as recommended.
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How often do backflow preventers have to be tested and maintained?
Backflow preventers typically need to be tested yearly to ensure that they are functioning correctly, although the ultimate maintenance needs depend on the type of backflow preventer you have and its current condition.
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Can I install a backflow preventer on by myself, or should I hire a professional?
Backflow preventers are complex technical devices, meaning installation is best left to a professional with the right tools and experience. Our backflow prevention specialists will ensure that the device is installed correctly and meets all relevant regulations and standards.
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What are the expenses involved in installing and maintaining a backflow prevention system?
Costs depend on several factors. You should take into consideration the type of backflow preventer you need and the complexity of your property’s plumbing system as well as the cost of any needed parts and labor. Give us a call at 574-218-6404 for a free quote.
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How can I tell if my backflow preventer isn’t working right?
There are several signs that may indicate that your backflow preventer is not working correctly including:
- Leaks
- A large, sudden change in water pressure.
- Unusual sounds coming from the prevention device.
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to contact a professional backflow prevention service provider as soon as possible.
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What are the risks of ignoring backflow prevention installation?
Without a backflow prevention device, the backflow may contaminate your supply of potable water. This contamination could also enter the public water supply, posing a risk toward entire community. This could leave you exposed to health or legal consequences depending on the significance of the situation.
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Are there legal requirements or codes requiring backflow prevention systems in Elkhart?
The regulations and codes that require backflow prevention systems vary by jurisdiction. In some areas, they are required by law for certain types of plumbing systems or for plumbing built to handle specific contaminants. A professional backflow prevention service provider can help review any applicable regulations for your plumbing system.
Tips for When Your Backflow Device Undergoes Evaluation
- Air Gaps (AG) need to be inspected at intervals not exceeding one (1) year to ensure that they continue to meet applicable standards.
- Double Check Valve Backflow Prevention Assembly (DC) should be tested at intervals not exceeding one (1) year to ensure that each check valves hold pressure at 2.0 or greater under all pressure differentials.
- Double Check Detector Backflow Prevention Assembly (DCDA) is recommended to be tested at intervals not exceeding one (1) year to ensure that both check valves hold pressure and do not malfunction under all pressure differentials.
- Pressure Vacuum Breakers (PVB) should be tested at intervals not to exceed six (6) months—twelve (12), if installed on an irrigation system—to ensure that the air inlet opens fully under water pressure and the check valve stays closed under pressure.