What you need to know about residential backflow testing

Backflow testing is extremely prevalent when it comes to restaurants and other types of commercial real estate. People with residential property, however, seem to have no idea what backflow testing even is, or why it’s important to have a backflow prevention device for their home. Here at Hillcrest Plumbing and Heating, we care about the health and safety of our customers. Not taking the proper care to test your backflow prevention device could be disastrous for your health. Let our experts show you why these devices are important and how they can help you keep your drinking water safe.

What is a backflow prevention device?

A backflow prevention device is something you install in your plumbing to keep your drinking water free of contaminants. You’ll need one of these prevention devices if your home has a fire suppression system, an irrigation system or any other system that runs the risk of cross-contaminating your potable water. Essentially, when your house has one or more of these systems, water can sit idle in your pipes long enough for the development of bacteria and other harmful substances. At certain times, the water pressure in your home—along with the city water main—can drop significantly. This can cause unsanitary water from these other systems to flow back into your drinkable water. Your backflow prevention system is designed to prevent this from happening. If you don’t have a backflow preventer in your home, call a Tsawwassen plumber to have one installed.

How does it work?

The design is really quite ingenious. Similarly to the arteries in the human heart, a backflow preventer makes your pipes a “one way only” system. That means that water can only flow outward and not back into your homes drinking water. It’s a simple device that could save you and your family a lot of headache.

How often should your device be tested?

Generally speaking, your backflow prevention device should be tested once every year to make sure that it’s still working properly. While there are ways to test the system yourself, we always recommend you have a trained professional plumber in Westminster come take a look at yours.

For residential or commercial plumbing repair, give us a call at Hillcrest Plumbing and Heating. Our professional plumbers in North Vancouver will take care of your every need. Visit the plumbing supply store in Vancouver for more information regarding our products and services. We have over 50 years of experience serving this community. Call us today.