Knowing the right backflow preventer for your home or business could be a headache. Hence, you must be familiar with the different types of backflow preventers and what either type is used for. This article will delve into the different types of backflow preventers that a plumbing company in Coral Springs, FL can install at your home. You also will learn when to use each type and why regular backflow prevention device testing is critical.
What Is Backflow?
This is the unwanted reversal of the direction of flow of any liquid, such as water, to a public water supply system or a consumer’s water system. Backflows happen due to power outages, when the firefighters are at work, or a pipeline break. The impacts of a backflow, if not prevented, might prove catastrophic. Hence, you should have a plumbing company install a backflow preventer to prevent all water contamination or subsequent sanitation-related illnesses.
What are the Various Types of Backflow
Backflow can occur in two different ways: back siphonage and back pressure. Backpressure backflow happens when the pressure at the central water supply system is lower than the pressure that rises on the customer’s water meter side. Using a gravity-fed system or a booster pump could cause it. When the pressure in the primary supply system drops, which might happen when there is a power outage or a pipeline break, back siphonage backflow occurs.
Preventing Backflow
The best option is to have a plumbing company install a backflow preventer on your home. By erecting a physical barrier that stops contaminated water from going or flowing backward to the potable water supply, BPDs are intended to stop backflow. Since there are numerous varieties of BPDs on the market, it’s crucial to pick one that meets your unique requirements.
How Do You Test for Backflow?
If a technician from a plumbing company in Coral Springs, FL installs a backflow prevention device (BPD) on your property, it has to be frequently inspected to make sure it is operating properly. A plumbing expert should perform backflow testing at least once a year. The technician will test your BPD by attaching a testing instrument and measuring the volume of water flowing through it. If there is more water running through the gadget than is permitted.
What’s Backflow Testing?
Backflow testing ensures that water flows appropriately through a building’s plumbing system. Backflow occurs when filthy sewage water flows back into a clean water supply due to a water pressure change. Backflow testing is important to safeguard public health and prevent contamination of the clean water supply.
What is the Importance of Backflow Testing?
To protect the pure water supply from contamination, having a plumbing company conduct backflow testing is essential. A fluctuation in the pressure can result in clean water supply contamination since the polluted water will flow back into the clean water supply. Backflow testing ensures water flows in the right direction and protects public health. Most professionals recommend that you have backflow testing done annually. However, factors like the type of plumbing and risk of contamination levels might reduce this period.
Types of Backflow Preventing Devices (BPDs)
Thermal Expansion Valve
A backflow preventer used to guard against thermal expansion is called the thermal expansion valve (TEV). They’re installed on hot water pipes and other piping exposed to high temperatures. They prevent damage to pipework or fittings and release extra pressure from the system.
Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ)
This type of backflow prevention device aims to safeguard the water supply against contamination. It comprises an isolation valve, two check valves, and a pressure relief valve. Before the service connection, the RPZ backflow-preventing device is fitted in the water line.
Double Check Valve (DCV)
The other type of backflow prevention device that a plumbing company can install in your plumbing system is a DCV. It consists of a pressure relief valve, an isolation valve, and two check valves. After it is connected to the service, the DCV BPD is installed in your water line.
Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)
A PVB consists of an isolation valve, a pressure relief valve, and two check valves. Before establishing a service connection, these backflow preventers are installed in your water line.
Check Valve
Check valves are a backflow prevention device that only permits one flow direction for water. To prevent backflow, a plumbing company often installs check valves on water lines & other pipes. Check valves function by allowing the water to pass through them in a forward direction while obstructing water flow in the opposite direction.
Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB)
Like the DCV and PVB, these backflow preventers also feature a pressure relief valve, an isolation valve, and 2 check valves. An AVB backflow prevention device is only installed on your water line after the service connection.
Backwater Valve
The backwater valve is a backflow preventer used to protect against flooding. A plumbing company in Coral Springs, FL will install BWW backflow preventers on the sewer systems and other kinds of pipes that may be exposed to flood water. This BPD prevents water from flowing back into your system and protects the pipes from damage or collapse.
SRVB (Spill Resistant Vacuum Breaker)
It comprises an isolation valve, two check valves, and a pressure relief valve. Before the service connection, the SRVB backflow preventers are installed on the water line.
Dual Check Valve (DCV) and Intermediate Atmospheric Vents (IAVs)
The backflow preventers feature two check valves, an isolation valve, and a pressure relief valve. While the plumbing company will install the DCV BPD to the water line after a service connection, IAV BPDs are installed before the service connection.
Installing a backflow prevention device ensures that it is contaminated by backflowing water. Do you want backflow testing or the installation of a BPD? Contact us at MainLine Plumbing for either service. We also offer other plumbing services, so you can rely on us for all your plumbing needs.