Water must sustain a certain pressure in order to flow through pipes. Sometimes, that pressure may fail or increase beyond capacity. The result is what is known as backflow. The results may include possibly harmful contamination from groundwater or other sources such as septic tanks drawn into the system. There are more than 10,000 backflow contamination issues reported annually, some may be extremely dangerous.

Newton Plumbing is your source for backflow issues in the Los Angeles area. We not only correct backflow issues, but can also help to prevent them. Do not risk having harmful contaminants in your home or business. Call us today. Common signs of a backflow problem include:...

• Water coming up from pipes in common outlets such as a sink or bathtub.
• Water flowing in houses in the opposite direction.
• A distinct odor caused by contaminants in the pipes.
• A bad taste in water from a specific source.

Backflow Preventer

A backflow prevention assembly is used to protect water supplies from possible contamination or pollution. The term backflow refers to the reversal of the flow of water from a source of contamination diverted from the original clean water supply. Think of having a hose in a bucket of soapy water you used to clean your car. A backflow event would cause the soapy water to backup through the hose where it is connected to the water source into the drinking water that flows into your home. Backflow preventers are typically used for the following purposes:

• Sewer issues
• Water water issues
• Residential issues
• Sprinkler systems
• Irrigation

The easiest and most effective way to provide backflow prevention is to provide an air gap. There are several devices and valves that achieve this goal. The type of preventer used depends on the particular health hazard. There are specific state and ocal regulations as to what type of preventers can be used in certain areas. The most common types of backflow preventers are reduced pressure backflow preventers and double backflow preventers.

Backflow Valve

A common device used to correct a backflow issue is a back flow valve. A backwater valve is installed at the exit point in the basement of a home or building. The valve may also be installed in the sewer lateral, an underground pipe carrying sewage to the sewer main, outside of the building. The valve is installed downstream. This prevents sewage from backing up into the lateral pipe. A home may be especially susceptible to a sewage backup if the lowest drain close to the house is less than 24 inches above the closest upstream manhole. Some areas require the installation of a valve where flooding is likely. Backflow prevention valves should be inspected quarterly to ensure they are working properly and have not closed. Common backflow valves include:

• Dual check valve – Two check valves are assembled in series with valves often barely noticeable since they are so compact in design. Ideal for back pressure and back siphonage.

• Check valve – This valve is designed to allow water or any liquid to flow in only one direction as a method of preventing backflow in some systems.

• Chemigation valve – This valve is mostly used in irrigation systems where it is necessary to add certain chemicals downstream to a check valve. The valve keeps the chemicals from heading in the wrong direction and getting into the wrong water supply.

Backflow Device

Backflow devices serve the same general purpose, but some are designed for specific tasks. The first step in effective backflow protection is to determine the source of the backflow. Once that has been determined, a plan of action is formed to address the issue and prevent it from happening again. Prevention depends on what the water source is and how it is being used. For example, backflow prevention devices for irrigation purposes would include double check valve assembly, pressure vacuum breaker assembly, reduced pressure zone assembly and atmospheric vacuum breaker. Typical backflow prevention devices include:

• Air gap – An air gap refers to the space between a water outlet and the flood level of a fixture. An example of is the water that comes from a water faucet and goes into the much larger sink. The water cannot reverse direction and go back into the faucet. An air gap is the most common method used to correct a backflow issue.

• Atmospheric vacuum breaker – An AVB is used to prevent the backflow of non-potable liquids into a drinking water system of a home or business. It usually consists of a 90-degree elbow with space at the top to allow air to flow into the system to prevent backflow.

• Pressure vacuum breaker assembly – This device is used to keep contaminated or non-potable water from entering the water supply of a particular system.

• Reduced pressure zone device – This device, designed to prevent both backflow and back-siphonage, is used to prevent contaminants from entering a water supply, specifically potentially hazardous contaminants such as human waste or toxic chemicals.

Contact us today before backflow issue becomes a serious problem. Start with a simple inspection to determine if there is a problem or potential problem you need to be aware of before it becomes a serious problem. Prevention is the best way to avoid a costly backflow issue while protecting you from potentially harmful contaminants. Proper backflow care keeps your water supply clean and safe.