Contaminated drinking water is a huge problem for many Chicago homeowners. Some well-known causes of this problem are flooding, pollutants finding their way into broken water pipes, and the use of lead pipes in the plumbing.
However, Specialized Property Management Phoenix says, there is a major cause of water contamination that is less known to most homeowners. Yet, it is possibly even more lethal than some of the other known causes. This is because it can happen in your home without leaving any clear signs.
Have you ever heard of the term “Backflow”?
What is backflow?
Backflow is when unsanitary water from sources like the sewer line flows backward and enters your drinking water supply, contaminating it. Backflow introduces harmful substances into clean water and happens either as a result of backpressure or back siphonage.
Back pressure occurs when the pressure in your plumbing is higher than the supply pressure, causing water to be pushed in the wrong direction. It is often caused by blocked drains, faulty plumbing fixtures, and a water heater that is not properly vented.
Back siphonage is negative pressure within the supply pipes can result in water being sucked backward until contaminated water is forced from the drainage system into the supply pipes. Common causes of back siphonage include water main breaks or when firefighting equipment causes massive drops in water pressure via nearby hydrants.
Signs and impact of backflow
- Discolored water
Water flowing from showerheads and faucets may have a gray, yellow, brown, or pink hue. Rust particles or sediment may also be present in your water supply.
- Smelly water
If your water has a strange odor, it could be because of a backflow issue. In addition to a bad smell, the water may also taste bad.
- Low or fluctuating water pressure
Decreased water flow and low water pressure (that does not affect neighboring homes) could mean that you have backflow issues.
- Slow drains
Backflow can make your drains visibly slower, especially if the water level in some drains is higher. But there are decreased water levels in other drains at the same time.
Backflow poses a huge threat to your family’s health because it is normal for members of your household to automatically assume that the water coming out of the faucets is safe. This is why you should not delay taking action if any of the above signs are in your home.
How to prevent backflow
The best way to deal with backflow is to prevent it with a backflow prevention device. Also known as a Reduced Pressure Zone Valve (RDZ Valve), a backflow prevention device ensures that water flows only in one direction within your drinking water supply pipes.
There are four types of backflow prevention devices:
- Pressure vacuum breakers (PVBs)
This is a common and inexpensive type of whole-system backflow preventer. Their simple design makes them easy to install, repair, and maintain. PVB devices are only effective for preventing back siphonage and they are not always suitable for indoor installations.
- Double check valve assemblies (DCVAs)
These events are highly volatile. They can be used for indoor, in-line (below-grade), and underground installations. The presence of two independently-operating spring-loaded check valves means they are more efficient. A DCVA device can be installed where there is potential for both back siphonage and backpressure.
- Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly (RPZ)
These are the most complex and most expensive types of backflow prevention devices. They are also the most secure and most reliable of all the preventers listed here. Depending on the device’s configuration, it can be installed in-line or underground. RPZ devices are effective for preventing back siphonage and back pressure.
- Atmospheric vacuum breakers (AVBs)
These gravity-operated devices are the simplest and least expensive backflow preventers. They work with air pressure instead of water pressure and must be installed vertically. They are not as reliable as the other systems in this list and cannot be used in lawn sprinkler systems. They will not prevent backflow if it is caused by back pressure.
Does your home need a backflow prevention device?
If your home meets one of the following descriptions, you need a backflow preventer device:
- Your home has cross-connections
Chicago city mandates backflow preventers from homes and businesses with cross-connections. A cross-connection is any point in the plumbing where your drinking water supply system meets a non-potable water source.
- Your home has an irrigation system, etc.
A backflow preventer is mandatory if you have an irrigation system, a swimming pool, a water softening system, or commercial-grade appliances.
- You see signs of backflow
If you see some of the listed signs of backflow in your home, you may need a backflow preventer.
Lastly, the only way to be 100% sure whether you need a backflow preventer is to have your water tested. You should do this test once every year. This is how to prevent unknown events from causing backflow in your plumbing system.