Getting To Know the Dangers of Backflow
Backflow. It’s a word no homeowner wants to hear. It truly is the monster of all plumbing problems and can lead to many costly repairs and dangerous health risks. It’s something that homeowners want to avoid at all costs, so they don’t have to pay the price of all of the repairs that come with it.
Backflow happens when the fluid in the pipes changes direction due to a change in pressure. So rather than water and waste flowing out of the home, it starts to flow back towards the home, and all that exists in the civic sewer system starts to come back with it. This becomes a major problem when the structure of a plumbing system is taken into consideration. Plumbing systems have a large number of cross-connections. So if water starts coming back towards the house, it can easily enter clean water sources through these cross-connections resulting in water pollution.
A Big Mess Left Behind
Backflow can cause all sorts of damage to the plumbing system and the rest of the house. It can cause pipes to corrode and leak, and leaking pipes have their own potential damage list. Backflow can cause water to overflow and damage the flooring, baseboards, and furniture. Lower levels of the home are especially prone to this damage.
But even more importantly, backflow can lead to some serious health concerns. In minor cases of backflow, the water may be slightly discolored or have an odd smell. But in more severe cases, it can even lead to death.
Dangerous Health Risks
Because the wastewater can enter into the clean water sources that are used for drinking water, taking showers, or washing hands, it can result in a variety of serious health risks, including the following:
- Waste and chemicals can enter drinking water, making it toxic to consume.
- Chemicals in the water can burn skin when doing something as simple as washing hands or taking a shower.
- Various gases, including propane gas, can pose fire hazards when they enter the water mains.
- Bacteria and other germs can transmit diseases through the water supply.
Why Backflow Testing Is So Important
Because of the damage, costly repairs, and health problems at risk because of backflow, backflow testing becomes a critical part of plumbing maintenance for homeowners. Running backflow tests regularly allows homeowners to know whether there are immediate fixes that need to be made. Homeowners may have a backflow prevention device installed, which can be a great help, but it still should be checked every so often to make sure it hasn’t been damaged and can continue to do its job effectively.
If backflow does occur, homeowners should shut off the water immediately so it can’t make contact with those in the home. Then call a plumbing professional to identify the damage and implement the proper solution.
About B & D Plumbing, Heating & A/C
At B & D Plumbing, Heating & A/C, their entire staff shares the company’s commitment to customer satisfaction, timely completion of work, and quality service and product. When homeowners work with B & D Plumbing, Heating & A/C, they’ll enjoy peace of mind knowing the company’s licensed technicians provide backflow testing service options tailored to their needs.
