In water supply systems, water is normally maintained at a significant pressure to enable water to flow from the tap, shower, or other fixture. Water pressure may fail or be reduced when a water main bursts, pipes freeze, or there is an unexpectedly high demand on the water system (for example, when several fire hydrants are opened). Reduced pressure zones in the pipe may allow contaminated water from the soil, from storage, or from other sources to be drawn up into the system.
Backflow is the reversal of normal flow in a system due to back-siphonage, backflow, or back pressure. Back-siphonage backflow occurs when a vacuum is induced on a piping system, just like drinking from a glass with a straw. A garden hose or a hose connected to a laundry tub can act as a “drinking straw” allowing undesirable liquids to be drawn through it by back-siphonage. Some typical situations which cause back-siphonage action include:
A high-quality and properly installed backflow prevention device protects water supplies from the threats of contamination and pollution caused by backflow. When normal water pressure slows down because of frozen pipes, burst pipes, or some other issue, backflow preventers prevent soil, debris, and other contaminants from entering the water supply.
Cross connections with potable piping systems are prohibited by state plumbing codes. Additionally, Michigan water utilities are required to have a cross-connection control inspection program for their water customers to eliminate and prevent cross-connections. Common commercial and industrial users posing a public health threat include:
Most utilities have made inspections of these facilities and have had corrective action taken where necessary. However, due to a lack of staff resources, many utilities cannot effectively carry out a residential cross-connection inspection program. Consequently, residential water users could remain a potential health threat to the public water supply system and to other system customers.
Our Cross Connection certified plumbers have the equipment and experience to test and, when necessary, repair or replace backflow preventers. Of course, you can always give us a call or reach out to us through the contact form on our website if you have any questions about our processes or procedures.
At Aaron Swift Plumbing or Backflow Prevention Professionals are ASSE certified.
We provide residential, commercial, and industrial plumbing services, including rough plumbing, finish plumbing, emergency plumbing, basement bathrooms, and installation and repair of water and sewer lines, and specialty plumbing. We also work with gas piping, install specialty fixtures, and provide hydro jetting services. We use our own equipment, preferring not to subcontract to others, which allows us to provide affordable plumbing to you.
