Backflow Testing in San Francisco
What is a Backflow Preventer?
A backflow preventer is a mechanical plumbing device installed in a plumbing system to prevent water from flowing backward in the system. When the backflow preventer is properly installed, tested and maintained can prevent unknown water flowing back into the community water system of the property.
Water systems normally maintain a significant pressure to enable water to flow from the tap to another. When pressure fails or is reduced, as may happen if a water main bursts, pipes freeze or there is an unexpectedly high demand on the water system, then such reduced pressure in the pipe may allow contaminated water from the ground, from storage or from other sources to be drawn up into the system.
Is it important to prevent backflow?
Yes. The most effective method for the water utility to meet this requirement is to require customers to install a backflow preventer on the main supply line. Thus protecting the community water system from any cross connections that may be present inside one of our customer’s water system.
Why does the customer have to pay for and install the Backflow Preventer?
The backflow preventer is installed to protect the water supply against possible hazards in the customer’s plumbing system. The actual or potential cross connection belongs to the property owner and not to the regulatory water district of that community. Once the water goes beyond the meter, water quality could be altered and made contaminated. The water utility does not want the water back, nor do the water customers want to purchase used water in any case. If a backflow preventer is required to keep the water safe, then the person who created the cross connection (actual or potential) should purchase, install and maintain the backflow preventer.
At One Source Plumbing and Rooter we can help you if such hazards happen and we can prevent this issue with a property installed Backflow Preventer.
