Why You Need to Have Your Backflow Prevention Device Checked

05/18/2015

Though you may not even be aware that you have it, your home’s backflow prevention device provides a very important level of protection to your home. Backflow occurs when a sudden change in pressure causes waste water to flow backwards up through your plumbing and into your home. Imagine taking a shower and suddenly finding yourself ankle deep in cold, foul-smelling water. No one wants to deal with that.

Aside from its disgusting nature, backflow can also contaminate sections of your plumbing that are used for drinking water, creating a severe sanitation problem. For this reason, it is legally required that homes have backflow prevention devices in most areas of the country. Let’s take a closer look at what a backflow prevention device is, and why you need to have yours checked at least once every six months.

What is a Backflow Prevention Device?

A backflow prevention device is exactly what it sounds like: a device designed to prevent backflow from coming back up into your home. Many backflow prevention devices simply provide an air gap, which is an empty space between your plumbing system and sewer system. A lot of prevention devices also have one-way valves, which are pushed closed in the event of backflow. That keeps everything flowing in one direction, and prevents backflow from actually coming up into your home.

Why You Should Have Your Backflow Prevention Device Professionally Checked

Backflow prevention devices need maintenance in order to keep operating at peak efficiency. If the valve inside the device becomes stuck or damaged in some way, it will not be able to protect your home from backflow. So, you should schedule backflow prevention maintenance at least once every six months. That will allow your plumber to examine the part and conduct any repairs that might be required.

If you haven’t scheduled backflow maintenance in at least six months, call Rooter Man. We provide backflow prevention services throughout Albany, NY.