What is back-flow prevention, and what does it have to do with your drinking water?
Back-flow prevention is important to protect the potable, drinkable water supply against the back-flow of chemicals or non-potable water sources. The back-flow of this contaminated water can be caused by negative supply pressure causing siphonage back-flow of contaminants. Back-flow preventers are used to prevent this back-flow.
These back-flow devices must be:
- Tested periodically by a licensed plumber who is certified by the Department of Professional & Occupational Regulations (DPOR) as required by local city authorities.
- All internal components must be replaced every 5 years and must be serviced, tested and repaired or replaced by a state-licensed company with DPOR.
- Devices located outside should be protected against freezing or extreme heat.
- All hose faucets should have a back-flow (screw-on) device. This device needs no testing or maintenance. Just replace every 5 years.
- Any hose left on the ground, could back-siphon fertilizer, pet or animal waste as well as dirt acid in rainwater.
Types of Back-Flow Preventer:
- Some devices are used for chemical application. Others are used for domestic water, sprinkler systems (irrigation) and fire-suppression systems.
- Back-flow devices range in size from a 1/2-inch to 10-inch diameter or greater.
- A-1 American uses Series 909 Reduced Pressure Zone Back-flow Preventers for 1/4-inch to 10-inch systems. We also use 3/8-inch, 3/4-inch, 1/2-inch and 1-inch preventers for irrigation systems.
Warning: If you’re using hose-attached chemicals like Miracle Grow or window treatment chemicals, these could be back-siphoned into the water supply. The entire city water supply can also be contaminated.
If you need your back-flow preventers installed or checked, you can count on A-1 American Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning for emergency service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Call (757) 425-2400 now.
A-1 American provides Air Conditioning, Heating and Plumbing Services, like back-flow preventers for homes and businesses in the Hampton Roads Virginia cities of Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Suffolk, Newport News and Hampton, and north into Williamsburg. A-1 American provides emergency service and repair, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays. A-1 American charges by the job, not by the hour. A-1 American prides itself on immediate response, punctuality, courtesy and customer satisfaction. Call (757) 425-2400 today.
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