Water supply structures are usually designed in a way that makes the water flow in a particular direction. However, failures in the mechanisms may cause flow in the reverse. This condition is known as backflow and may pose contamination problems, especially in systems which aren't protected. Backflow installation helps avoid this situation to make sure that the water supply remains clean. There are various ways through which this can be achieved.
A backflow preventer is a device which prevents flow in the opposite direction. This is usually located in the main supply. In many areas, one is required by law to install such a device. In addition, regular maintenance and inspection is also mandatory. This ensures that the main water supply remains clean and uncontaminated.
Air gaps also work to prevent backflow. These are usually located between the outlets and sink rims. They work by preventing flow of water into the faucet where the sink fills up and pressure is lost. Pressure loss is one of the main causes of reverse water flow and usually happens when fire hydrant are activated. This happens due to the sudden drop in compression.
To further show the importance of an air gap, picture a situation where it's absent and a hose is attached to the faucet then lowered into the sink. If pressure is reversed, the water would be forced back through the hose and into the main supply. If the sink in this illustration is replaced with a pile of ground water, the importance of backflow prevention becomes very significant.
Besides air gaps, there are other prevention mechanisms which include hose bibs and vacuum breakers. These are normally installed directly on the faucets. You should also use them in toilet tanks due to the increased risk of contamination. Water in these tanks is normally mixed with cleansing chemicals which can be toxic.
There are also mechanical devices (known as presenters) which can be installed in a system to prevent reverse flow of water. When properly installed, maintained and tested, such devices can function effectively. You can find them at your local hardware outlets.
All these gadgets are designed with some degree of health hazard in mind. Atmospheric and pressure vacuum breakers are the most common prevention mechanisms. Unless they're not approved for use in your locality, you could consider installing them. Where serious contamination risk exists, you should use RP devices.
Local authorities require all homeowners to install these devices. For one to carry out this process, they must obtain authorization permits from the local councils. The design, placement and type of device are some of the factors taken into consideration to determine whether one will be issued with a permit. One is also required to engage an authorized plumber when installing/maintaining the system.
There are many ways through which backflow installation can be done. You may consult a specialist to find out the ideal system to install. This is essential to make sure your home water supply remains clean.
A backflow preventer is a device which prevents flow in the opposite direction. This is usually located in the main supply. In many areas, one is required by law to install such a device. In addition, regular maintenance and inspection is also mandatory. This ensures that the main water supply remains clean and uncontaminated.
Air gaps also work to prevent backflow. These are usually located between the outlets and sink rims. They work by preventing flow of water into the faucet where the sink fills up and pressure is lost. Pressure loss is one of the main causes of reverse water flow and usually happens when fire hydrant are activated. This happens due to the sudden drop in compression.
To further show the importance of an air gap, picture a situation where it's absent and a hose is attached to the faucet then lowered into the sink. If pressure is reversed, the water would be forced back through the hose and into the main supply. If the sink in this illustration is replaced with a pile of ground water, the importance of backflow prevention becomes very significant.
Besides air gaps, there are other prevention mechanisms which include hose bibs and vacuum breakers. These are normally installed directly on the faucets. You should also use them in toilet tanks due to the increased risk of contamination. Water in these tanks is normally mixed with cleansing chemicals which can be toxic.
There are also mechanical devices (known as presenters) which can be installed in a system to prevent reverse flow of water. When properly installed, maintained and tested, such devices can function effectively. You can find them at your local hardware outlets.
All these gadgets are designed with some degree of health hazard in mind. Atmospheric and pressure vacuum breakers are the most common prevention mechanisms. Unless they're not approved for use in your locality, you could consider installing them. Where serious contamination risk exists, you should use RP devices.
Local authorities require all homeowners to install these devices. For one to carry out this process, they must obtain authorization permits from the local councils. The design, placement and type of device are some of the factors taken into consideration to determine whether one will be issued with a permit. One is also required to engage an authorized plumber when installing/maintaining the system.
There are many ways through which backflow installation can be done. You may consult a specialist to find out the ideal system to install. This is essential to make sure your home water supply remains clean.
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