Availability of clean water, especially for drinking, is a fundamental requirement of any household. It’s impossible to perform daily chores, like cooking or washing, without clean water.
You can install a backflow prevention device to safeguard your water system at home. It prevents water contamination and keeps germs and pollutants away from the main water supply by maintaining the unidirectional flow of water through the drain pipes.
Depending on your plumbing requirements, you can install different backflow prevention devices at home. In this article, we’ll talk about the benefits of installing these preventers to maintain the hygiene and cleanliness of your residential and commercial water system.
Benefits Of Installing A Backflow Prevention Device
1. Removing Impurities
The first and most important benefit of installing a backflow preventer is to keep the water clean and drinkable by eliminating impurities. Since it effectively separates drinking water and wastewater, it’s possible to prevent organic wastes, toxic chemicals, and harmful microorganisms from polluting the water.
A backflow prevention device will help avoid the deposition of sediments and rust particles in your central water system. That way, the water in your pipelines will remain perfectly safe without causing any health hazards while preventing diseases like cholera and diarrhoea.
2. Improving Water Quality
Installing a backflow preventer can keep the water crystal clear without any foul smell or weird taste. Contaminated water usually has high sulphur content, which affects the water quality and gives it an odd taste.
Without a backflow prevention device, you might notice muddy water flowing through the faucets every time you turn them on. Thus, proper installation and maintenance of the device can improve the water quality of your residential water system.
3. Maintaining Water Pressure
Back-siphonage and drop in water pressure are two significant backflow issues that can make it difficult for you to perform everyday household chores. It can be quite troublesome if the water stops flowing from the showerhead when you’re taking a shower.
Similarly, washing your car with dirty water due to back-siphonage doesn’t sound ideal either. A backflow preventer can help you avoid these problems and safeguard your water system.
4. Preventing Water Leaks And Pipe Damage
A backflow preventer can be excellent for preventing frequent water leaks because it maintains pressure inside your water pipes. Since there’s no excess pressure build-up, the chances of water leakage due to burst pipes are much lower.
Not only this, but a backflow prevention device also restricts sediment deposition inside the pipes and improves water flow for quick drainage. You won’t be left with an overflowing drain and can save a lot of money on drain and pipe repairs. It can be excellent for keeping your plumbing and water systems in pristine condition.
Different Types Of Backflow Prevention Devices
1. Reduced Pressure Zone Device (RPZD)
The RPZD preventer works to stop hazardous water contaminants from mixing with clean water and is usually installed in large commercial properties.
This device comes with a chamber between two check valves, making monitoring pressure inside the pipes much easier. It also has an additional drain for relieving any excess pressure build-up that might damage your water pipes.
Hence, the pressure inside its chamber never exceeds the pressure of the main water supply and effectively prevents water from flowing in the opposite direction.
2. Air Gap
The air gap is a popular backflow preventer and is quite common in residential sinks and bathrooms. It offers a physical break between the water supply line and the water container. That way, the contaminated water stays inside the pipes and can’t enter fixtures, like faucets and showerheads. You can avoid using dirty, contaminated water by installing an air gap, even during backflow.
3. Pressure Vacuum Breakers
Pressure vacuum breakers are the latest backflow prevention devices on the market and are usually installed with underground lawn sprinkler systems to prevent back-siphonage. They come with a check valve that protects against a drop in pressure inside the pipelines.
Also, a spring at the top opens the inlet valve, letting air into the system to break the syphoning effect. In that way, the water flows downstream and exits the pipes without allowing pressure to build up inside them.
4. Automatic Flood Gate Valve
As the name suggests, this backflow prevention device works like a floodgate and stops dirty wastewater from entering the main water system. It’s fully automatic and solely works on air pressure. Once the gate closes automatically, a stainless steel knife holds back the contaminated water and prevents backflow for as long as required.
Reap the benefits of Installing Backflow Prevention Devices
Although most homeowners may not understand how a backflow preventer works, they know the importance of maintaining their plumbing and water systems. If you notice any foul smell, discolouration, or impurities in your drinking water, it might be time to install a new backflow preventer.
Try not to ignore the signs of backflow and call a professional plumber immediately. Depending on your house’s plumbing requirements, you can install any of the devices mentioned in this article. Also, ensure proper maintenance of the newly installed backflow prevention device for sanitation and hygiene.
Fixed Today Plumbing, your trusted plumbers in Sydney, offers backflow testing and backflow prevention containment device installation. Contact our licensed plumbers at Fixed Today for your backflow prevention requirements to make your water system safe for your family.
On that note, it’s time for us to sign off. Take care and see you next time!
