Backflow is a plumbing nightmare!
Everything works fine until you suddenly notice the water flowing in reverse. You may try every DIY remedy possible, but unfortunately, backflow is a much more severe problem. Not to mention a huge mess that demands immediate attention from your emergency plumber in Melbourne!
Here’s an exhaustive guide on backflow plumbing to help you run your household up to snuff.
Definition of Backflow
Backflow is when the contaminated water flows back to the potable water source. There are two types of backflow situations: Back pressure and Back siphonage.
Sometimes, the downstream pressure from a source of non-potable water exceeds the pressure from the primary water source and causes back pressure backflow. It might happen for one of two reasons:
- Boiler heat expansions or pumps may have raised the downstream pressure.
- Alternatively, a break in the main water line, firefighting, or line flushing may have reduced the potable water pressure.
On the other hand, negative pressure in the waterline results in a vacuum or partial vacuum, which causes back siphonage backflow. As a result, hazardous or polluted water is pulled back into the clean water supply.
Similar to backpressure backflow, firefighting efforts, main water line breakage, or construction can also bring this on.
Potential Backflow Sites
Backflow is most likely to occur in places with cross connections in the plumbing system. Thus it is better for you to know these areas even before the problem arises.
However, the typical areas to look after are bathrooms and kitchens.
- Bathrooms are full of pipes and faucets with cross-connections, so it is a potential area to experience backflow. In particular, It is common for threaded faucets to have a backflow problem.
- Kitchens are also vulnerable to backflow problems due to dishwashers and garbage disposals.
Other than these two primary suspects, every other faucet connected to the plumbing system through a cross-connection can also cause backflow. You may also have to keep an eye on your washing machine and swimming pool.
Backflow is also commonly seen in commercial and industrial buildings, for which you need a commercial plumber.
Prevention of Backflow
More than anything else, backflow prevention strategies are especially crucial due to the severe health risks involved.
There are three typical methods for preventing backflow:
- Fix Air Gaps:
The clear vertical space between a fixture’s water outlet and flood level is known as an air gap. It’s a widely used method to control the pressure in the plumbing system and stop backflow.
- Installing a Backflow Preventer Valve:
This is your alternative if there is no room for an air gap. In critical regions of the plumbing system where pure water is most susceptible to pollution, a specialised backflow preventer valve can be fitted in place of an air gap. These valves need to be examined since they have moving components.
- Hose Bib:
This is probably the oldest prevention method for backflow. Every water outlet and faucet is provided with a hose bib that prevents backflow. It works with the help of a spring assembly that only allows one-directional water flow.
Signs of Backflow
Before you even think about prevention, you should make sure you even have a backflow problem. To do that, you need a few clear-cut signs other than a simple clog; because a normal clog in your drain may occur for various reasons.
Therefore, you need to look for more signs.
- Pungent Odour
The smell is the strongest sign of plumbing problems. Most plumbing issues, including backflow, start with strong odours wafting throughout the place. It is a pungent, sulphurous smell that you can’t miss.
- Changed Water Colour
Most of the time, you will notice a change in your water colour when there is a backflow issue with your plumbing. The usual clear water turns into a brownish colour. Sometimes, it can even be yellow or pink, depending on the problem.
Ergo, paying attention to the colour of your water is the most important thing you can do for a healthy plumbing system.
- Slow Water Flow
There are two angles to this. One is when you notice the drains not draining slowly or not draining at all. The other is when you notice the water levels increasing in one area while decreasing in another. Both of these angles indicate a possible backflow issue in your system.
As soon as you notice any of these three signs, you should immediately call for a professional plumber in Werribee to fix the problem.
Final Word
A sudden backflow can be a health hazard due to the risk of contaminating potable water. The water, when infused with bacteria, germs, and chemicals, could lead to serious health effects, such as:
- Abdominal cramping
- Diarrhoea
- Liver infection
- Muscle aches
- Hepatitis
- Fever and more
Along with the health risks, backflow can also lead to other plumbing issues, such as corrosion of pipes, leakages, etc.
Thus prevention is always better than cure. Hire a skilled plumber and install the preventer mechanisms into your plumbing system as your first step.
Then, keep more than one contact of 24/7 emergency plumbing services with you for unexpected backflow situations. Better to have plan B than to struggle, right?
One great resource to add to your list is NLK Plumbing, the best provider of all things plumbing in Werribee.
We hope you found our guide helpful and informative. The bottom line is to do the needful even before a problem arises. It saves your effort, money, and time.
