The Importance of Backflow Testing

Describe How Backflow Testing Could Save Your Family Member’s Lives

Drinking contaminated water can result in a wide range of unpleasant symptoms, and some contaminated water can make you seriously ill or worse.

When you think about drinking contaminated water, you may think about untreated water outdoors at a campground or in a foreign country while you are traveling.

Few people think that this type of issue could impact them in their own home, and this is particularly true for those who live in a developed area that has a treated city water supply.

However, contaminated water can impact everyone. Backflow testing is an effective way to ensure that your plumbing system is able to respond to an issue related to contaminated water, and this could ultimately save your life or your family members’ lives.

How Your Water Could Get Contaminated

If you receive treated water from the main city water supply, you may wonder how your water could get contaminated. The answer to this question relates to water pressure. Water pressure is responsible for bring clean water into the home and removing waste water.

When water pressure fluctuates, the waste water could actually begin to flow backwards. When this happens, contamination can occur. This may include contamination from sewer water or from the irrigation system.

The Design of Your Plumbing System

Water pressure changes can occur from rather common things, such as a leaking pipe, a burst water main line, flushing fire hydrants and more. Because of how common water pressure changes are, home plumbing systems often include a component called a backflow prevention device.

This sensitive device monitors water pressure and adjusts a valve if water pressure changes. The response is almost instantaneously, and because of this, water contamination issues are minimized or eliminated.

The Need for Backflow Testing

Because the backflow prevention device is located inside the plumbing system, it is difficult for a homeowner to access or inspect. In fact, the device will adjust the valve as needed without the homeowner being aware of what is happening.

It may function numerous times to prevent illness and to save lives, and a homeowner may only know that it is not working if illness occurs. Backflow testing is a smart idea because it can identify issues with the backflow device before water contamination does occur.

Testing this device on an annual basis is a great idea. If you need to set up backflow testing service, contact a plumber for an appointment.

Want more information on backflow testing in your Easton area? Just call Schuler Service at (610) 434-7103, and take the proper precautions.