Water that flows into your property should move in one direction only. Clean water enters, and contaminated water exits – that is how the process works. However, sometimes, due to various reasons, the water flow changes direction, and that is when you can notice dirty water coming from the faucet. It is very important to understand what is backflow testing?
When this happens, you are dealing with backflow and need to do appropriate testing. But what is backflow testing?
Well, even though the U.S. has some of the safest water in the world, there are more than 30 million cases of gastrointestinal illness every year, and backflow or contaminated water is one of the leading causes. Keep reading to discover what is a backflow test and why it is vital.
What Is Backflow Testing: Backflow Test Explained
Backflow testing is the process of examining plumbing systems to ensure the drinking water in your property is clean and suitable for drinking. The water in residential properties is kept at a standard pressure to allow smooth water flow from one room to another. However, when the pipes are susceptible to a drop in pressure due to a damaged pipe, frozen drain, or a high increase in water usage, contaminated water can enter the plumbing system.
Backflow testing regulates the safety and efficiency of the tools designed to establish water purity. In addition, a water backflow test prevents contamination and infection.
Related: Who To Call For Drainage Problems in Yard?
Is Backflow Testing Required?
Backflow testing and prevention are necessary for condominium buildings, apartments, restaurants, hotels, and other public places. Some local municipal codes usually require annual testing, so act on time if your residential or commercial property needs help.
Now that you know “What is backflow testing” and its importance, let’s look at some of the benefits this test offers.
Protection Against Heavy Metals
Backflow can sometimes cause heavy metal contamination in restaurants and hotels, where water can melt the copper and lead to poisoning. Other heavy metals, such as chromium and arsenic, can also leach into the water and cause pollution in your home or business.
With a backflow test, you can discover any changes in the water and stop the issue before it causes significant damage to your family or guests.
Disease Prevention
Some problems associated with backflow occur due to sewer issues. The backflow spreads bacteria into the clean water and increases the chance of contracting an infection. Some outbreaks, such as salmonella, typhoid, and dysentery, occurred due to bacteria or fecal contamination in the water.
Besides these, other toxic bacteria that plumbers discover in sewage systems can cause nausea, fever, muscle aches, and diarrhea.
Protection Against Chemical Contamination
Insecticides, sodium hydroxide, herbicides, and other chemical waste products can enter the plumbing system and contaminate the water. Once they are in your pipes, these chemicals can pose health dangers to your family, employees, and visitors.
What Is a Backflow Tester: Testing Process Explained
A backflow tester is a person responsible for the test. Once you book a test and the backflow testing plumbers get your permission to shut off the water, the test can start.
The two primary purposes of the test are to see if backflow is present and, if it is, to determine the possible cause. The testing process includes using valves on the testing device: relief valves and gate valves. The plumber will close the valves and check for changes in water flow, leaks, and other visible signs.
Contact the #1 Backflow Testing Experts in Sacramento
Now that you know “What is backflow testing” and the numerous benefits it offers, it is time to schedule your test appointment today and ensure your water is healthy to use.
Lawnman is the go-to team in Sacramento, CA, for quality and affordable backflow testing.
