Tag: testing

Schedule Backflow Testing to Avoid a Backflow Scare

Why Backflow Is Dangerous

Homeowners and property owners are probably not thinking about backflow this holiday season. However, if people don’t have backflow testing performed regularly, it can lead to major problems and severe health issues. Backflow happens when water reverses and flows in the wrong direction. Typically, this happens due to changes in pressure, but there are safeguards in place to help prevent it. This is why regularly testing these prevention devices and methods is essential. This post will explain how backflow testing can keep water safe and protect health.

Biggest Risks of Backflow

dirty water Backflow can be extremely dangerous for the health of those on the property. It allows contaminated water—containing pesticides, chemicals, bacteria, viruses, or other substances—to enter the water supply. When this happens, people can suffer from gastrointestinal issues, viruses, infections, and other illnesses. This can pose major safety and public health risks.

Fortunately, people can help avoid the dangers of backflow by having professionals perform routine backflow testing and repair or replace faulty backflow prevention devices. Backflow tests allow professionals to detect problems and fix the preventers before backflow contaminates the water supply.

Backflow Testing: What to Expect

backflowBackflow testing allows plumbers to identify problems with backflow prevention devices. During these appointments, plumbers verify that these devices work, protecting the household and public water system from contamination.

  • How Often Should Backflow Prevention Devices Be Tested? Most municipalities mandate annual testing of backflow prevention devices, although requirements may vary by area. Scheduling regular testing is crucial for keeping devices working and ensuring clean water.
  • What Happens During a Backflow Test? During a backflow test, plumbers shut off the water and use a specialized test kit to check the backflow prevention device. They conduct tests to check pressure and performance and ensure the backflow preventer reverses works as designed. Afterward, the backflow tester documents the findings and recommends necessary repairs or adjustments to maintain a safe water supply.

Why Homeowners Should Schedule Backflow Testing

Backflow testing may be required to stay code-compliant. However, there are also other reasons for property owners to schedule these services, including:

  • Prevents Water Contamination: Regular backflow testing is one of the best ways property owners can protect their water supply. Detecting problems with the prevention device and quickly repairing it can stop potential contamination before it reaches their taps.
  • Safeguards Public Health: Contaminated water entering the water supply can affect a property and spread throughout a community. Regular testing helps ensure the public water supply remains safe for all residents.
  • Provides Peace of Mind: Knowing the water supply is free from contaminants gives homeowners confidence, especially when entertaining guests or caring for young children. Consistent testing helps avoid unpleasant surprises and protects loved ones from harmful waterborne pollutants.
  • Avoids Costly Repairs: Routine testing and maintenance of backflow prevention devices are far more economical than dealing with the repercussions of contamination or the costs of potential repairs down the line.

About Anchor Plumbing Services

The experts at Anchor Plumbing Services are the plumbing pros San Antonio homeowners can count on to repair their plumbing systems. They provide flat-rate pricing, same-day services, and guarantee satisfaction. Call them today for backflow testing and backflow prevention services in Helotes, TX.

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Why Backflow Testing Is Essential for Homeowners

Basics About Backflow

When households flush waste down the toilet or rinse dirty water down the sink, they expect the dirty water to flow out of the house. If there is an issue and the water flow reverses – causing contaminated water to enter the home’s water supply – it can pose numerous threats to the household. This issue, called backflow, must be repaired by an experienced professional as soon as possible.

In this post, Helotes, TX plumbers explain the dangers of backflow, what happens during testing, and the importance of backflow testing. 

Dangers Backflow Can Pose to Households

backflow dangersIf it occurs, backflow can cause serious health risks for households. It refers to when water reverses flow in a plumbing system, causing water that was supposed to exit a house instead to enter the home’s water supply. This can lead to bacteria, waste, and other contaminants entering the water, making family members sick. Fortunately, these risks can be avoided by scheduling professional backflow testing. 

What To Expect During Backflow Testing

Backflow testers perform numerous tasks during backflow testing to ensure the plumbing system and backflow prevention devices are working correctly. 

When inspecting the system for signs of backflow, the plumber will first turn off the water supply. Then, they will check the type of backflow prevention device the system uses. Once these are located, the expert will test the backflow devices to ensure they work correctly. Next, the technician will shut off the downstream and attach the test kit hoses. They will then clean the check valve before performing a test to ensure the system works properly. 

Plumbers recommend scheduling backflow testing on their backflow preventers at least once a year to avoid water contamination and health risks.

Why Backflow Testing Is Crucial

backflow testingHomeowners need to schedule backflow testing services to identify signs of backflow as soon as possible. The faster the problem is detected, the better the chance households have of preventing backflow and keeping sewage out of their drinking water. 

If backflow occurs, it can cause E. Coli, salmonella, hepatitis, and other illnesses. Household members can also experience eye, nose, throat, and ear infections, ulcers, and vomiting.

Backflow testing can protect households by helping them avoid these risks. During these services, plumbers will check the backwater valve during backflow prevention appointments. In addition to keeping households safe and healthy, backflow testing can protect public health by keeping backflow away from the city water supply.

About Anchor Plumbing Services

The team at Anchor Plumbing Services provides trustworthy plumbing services to the Helotes area. They offer same-day services, flat-rate pricing, and satisfaction guaranteed. Call them today for backflow testing services in Helotes, TX.

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