Understanding the Dire Dangers of Backflow
Dracula has his castle. The Mummy has his tomb. Creepy, cobwebbed, and decrepit as they might be, even the legendary movie monsters fear a backflow plumbing emergency.
Backflow is a dangerous phenomenon that occurs when the pressure in a plumbing system is either too high or too low. The trouble with both back-siphonage and backpressure is that both lead to contamination of a home's clean water with chemicals, sewage, and other pollutants. Showers, washing dishes, and drinking a glass of water can become hazardous to one's health if backflow is occurring in the system.
Backflow is no joke and should be handled immediately by a plumbing professional to keep the household safe.
Backflow Leaves a Mess
A backflow situation will wreak absolute havoc on a home and its residents. Fixing a backflow problem is costly and time-consuming. Pipes that have been affected by backflow may require cleaning and repairs, not to mention possible replacement. Many chemicals that mingle with backflowing water can cause corrosion and damage to pipes. If the backflow was extensive enough to flood the home, thorough cleaning to prevent mold and mildew and take care of any sewage contamination will be needed. This work is usually done by a water mitigation contractor, another added expense on top of the plumbing bill.
Backflow Endangers Health
Backflow is a wicked potion of disaster for homeowners and their families. Chemicals from pesticides used on the front lawn, human waste, and other matter can be introduced into the home's clean water via backflow. Microorganisms, mold, and waterborne illnesses from the sewage and contaminated water can invade the drinking water, making it unsafe for use.
Unfortunately, backflow is often a hidden danger until someone in the home gets sick. If strange or mysterious illnesses, plumbing leaks, water pressure changes, or slow plumbing are happening, it's critical to call a professional to identify if the plumbing is experiencing backflow.
Backflow Testing Can Prevent a Plumbing Disaster
Being proactive and taking routine care of a home's plumbing system is the best way for a homeowner to prevent backflow horrors. Reaching out to a certified plumber for backflow testing can stop backflow in its tracks before it becomes a danger to the home's occupants.
Regular backflow testing can identify whether preventative measures should be taken to stop backflow from occurring. A modern home usually has a backflow prevention measure installed through seals or valves; however, they require the same maintenance and eventual replacement as all plumbing parts. Older homes that haven't updated the plumbing system should have some backflow prevention method installed to keep their home safe from backflow. Thankfully, the preventative measures take less time and are much more economical than repairing a backflow situation.
Backflow is a monster just waiting to spring on the unsuspecting homeowner. But, the good news is, it's a monster easily kept away with the right tools. Working with a local plumbing expert can keep backflow out of the home's water and provide peace of mind for the homeowner.
Colonial Plumbing & Heating Co. Is Ready To Help!
A reliable, timely, and affordable plumber can sometimes seem like an impossible thing to find. The good news is, the people of Colonial Heights, VA don't have to look far to find the impossible. Colonial Plumbing & Heating Co. has been serving the community for over 30 years. Contact them today to schedule backflow testing and certification.
