You expect clean and safe drinking water from your faucet. But this might only be the case with a potable water backflow preventer.
Excess water or frozen pipes can lead to pressure changes in your water supply, resulting in backflow. Pressure changes can cause the water in your pipes to flow backward, causing your drinking water to become unsafe.
What is a backflow preventer?
A backflow preventer is a device installed in the water supply line to prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the main water supply.
When installed correctly by a licensed Vermont plumber, a backflow preventer works like a one-way gate. It opens in only one direction to prevent dirty water from contaminating your drinking line.
Potable water backflow preventers are required for homes in some states. In other states, the municipal water department may be required to use these devices, and residential units are only suggested.
If your backflow preventer is not working or you do not have a backflow preventer, call Plumbers 911 Vermont to be referred to a licensed, bonded and insured plumber who can ensure your water is safe to drink.
Types of backflow preventers
There are a variety of backflow prevention devices on the market. Each works differently but has the same end goal: to protect your drinking water from backflow.
Consult a professional like those referred through Plumbers 911 Vermont to determine which device is best for your home.
The importance of backflow testing
While laws may require the installation of backflow preventers, they may not always be installed or may require maintenance. As a result, it is a good idea to have your system inspected by a licensed plumber to see if the backflow preventer works correctly and does not need to be replaced.
Suppose your home has a backflow preventer. In that case, a licensed plumbing contractor should regularly test it to ensure it works. Backflow testing is a critical step in maintaining clean water. A licensed Vermont plumber will connect a testing kit to the backflow preventer.
There are better ways to test your system than simply looking at your water since water that appears clean is only sometimes safe for drinking. Bacteria and microscopic parasites could be in clear yet contaminated water.
Need a backflow preventer installed, inspected or tested? Call Plumbers 911 Vermont!
If you need a backflow preventer installed, inspected or tested, call Plumbers 911 Vermont. We are a referral network of licensed plumbers in Vermont who can send an expert out to your home to address your backflow preventer issues.