Water Contamination | Backflow Prevention

Plumber, Arizona, Phoenix, Tempe, Glendale, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, AZ

If you suspect water contamination on your property...
CALL 602-253-9376 FOR FAST RESPONSE IN ARIZONA!!

What is Backfow?
Backflow is the undesirable reversal of the flow of water in a pipeline, which draws contaminants and pollution into the drinking water supply. Backflow always occurs through a cross connection. To use a common example, placing the hose in a bucket of soapy water for washing the car can create a cross connection and contaminate the water supply. Backflow also commonly occurs in properties with pools, hot tubs, and fountains.

There are two common types of backflow that can affect your Arizona plumbing:

1. Back siphoning: When public pipes are broken or blocked, a loss in water pressure occurs. When this happens, contaminates in trapped water are easily siphoned back into the house or building from anything that is connected to its water supply lines, turning once potable drinking water into a potential health hazard.

2. Back pressure: This is the reverse of back siphoning. When the building water supply's pressure becomes greater than the public supply's pressure, the building's water and any contaminants are pushed back into the public water supply. This usually occurs in properties that are at a lower elevation than the public water supply and use a pump to transport water to the top.

Preventing backflow is simple and can be done in a variety of ways. One way is to place an air gap between any devices that open into the plumbing, such as faucets and outlets to other water supply lines for pools, spas, etc. There are also simple devices that can be installed to prevent backflow. These include hose bibb vacuum breakers for outdoor hose bibbs, and anti-siphon assemblies for toilet tanks.

Rainforest Plumbing & Air technicians are trained to test your property for backflow problems and prevent them from becoming a potential water contamination issue for you. Give us a call today at 602-253-9376 to schedule service!