Why Backflow Testing Is a Lifesaver
Everyone needs safe, clean water to survive, and modern plumbing and water treatment systems usually make it fairly easy to access. However, even the most efficient systems can fail to prevent backflow, contaminate a community’s water supply, and endanger the lives of all its residents. Homeowners must be aware of this potential threat.
What Is Backflow?
Backflow occurs when the flow of water reverses and goes the opposite way from its intended direction. Anytime there’s a cross-connection between potable (drinking) water and nonpotable water — such as piping which goes to a residential house or commercial building, a cooling, irrigation, or any auxilliary water setup — there’s a chance backflow can happen. The result is often contaminated water that isn’t fit for drinking, cleaning, or cooking.
The Hidden Danger
The two types of backflow are backpressure and backsiphonage; each can result in contamination. If one were to ingest water that has been contaminated by backflow, it is highly likely the person would get sick.
This is especially true if potable water has been mixed with untreated water or water which contains human waste, dangerous chemicals, or residue from pesticides. While a healthy adult may survive a bout of illness caused by backflow, a baby, elder, person with serious chronic illness, pet, or small child may not fare so well. Death can also result, depending on what substance has contaminated the water.
Benefits of Testing
Because backflow can potentially cause so much harm to humans and animals, many areas mandate that cross-connections be fitted with backflow prevention assemblies. These devices do their job well in optimal conditions, meaning proper installation, plenty of water in supply, and the correct water pressure being used.
However, a great number of backflow prevention devices are not operating under ideal conditions, and even those which are eventually fail.
Regular backflow testing by a licensed, knowledgeable professional will help detect problems with potable water systems before contamination reaches a high level. Backflow testing is affordable and can usually be completed within one hour. Having water tested for backflow at least once per year is best, and is an investment which can truly save lives.
Want more information on back-flow testing in the Montgomery area? Just call Cole Plumbing at (334) 279-8919 to take the proper precautions.
