There are some aspects in your house that define how much value it has and how long it is going to survive. Every homeowner desires that their house lasts for their lifetime, and this is something that can be achieved if taken care of when building it. Plumbing is among the most important factors that play a vital role in this regard.
The water supply and plumbing system of a house should be planned appropriately so that water flows accordingly. But, even after thorough planning, there occur some conditions due to which water starts flowing in the backward direction. This state is known as the water backflow.
It happens primarily because of the improper installation of the pump outlet, and that is what we call back pressure. The back pressure occurs when the pressure of the main water source becomes less than that of the non-potable water source.
In a nutshell, back pressure is the reason why backflow happens in the first place.
It was important to mention the back pressure so that you understand clearly how to prevent back pressure in plumbing. This is what we are going to elaborate on in this article, so hold down your pipes and see how to do it effectively.
Why is it essential to prevent back pressure in a plumbing?
Does the back pressure in plumbing hold any danger? The answer is yes, back pressure is one of the main reasons backflow occurs, and due to this, the clean water gets polluted, and when it is consumed in households, it spreads diseases at a large scale.
Backflow does not only affect your house but the entire community, as it contaminates the main water supply of the area.
Preventing back pressure means to ensure backflow does not happen and you always get the clean water supply.
Considering the importance of it, you should know how to prevent back pressure in plumbing. By reading this article and understanding the way, you can save the cost of calling in the plumber every time you are faced with this problem. So read this piece of information carefully and see how you can do it yourself.
Prevent back pressure in a plumbing system
There are several ways to prevent back pressure in plumbing, but we will stick through the most effective ones. In some cases, there are devices that can be used in this regard, and in other instances, inspecting through and making the arrangements does the job.
Whatever it is, let’s now see how you can prevent the back pressure in plumbing the easiest way.
Air gap
Air gap proves to be effective most of the time. All you have to do is to create an open space between the pipes and the plumbing system. The air gap in between will prevent the water from backflow as it maintains the back pressure in the plumbing system.
For better and more effective results, it is suggested that the air gap should be two times the diameter of the pipe; also, it should not be less than one inch. If this is followed, you will be able to avert back pressure.
Backflow preventer valve
Creating an air gap may not work in certain circumstances; there, you can additionally set up a backflow preventer valve. It is a particular type of valve that is used for this purpose. It can be fitted at any point in the plumbing system, and it will prevent the backflow.
Hose bib backflow preventer
As the name implies, used for the hose bib, it helps in preventing backflow in the cross-connection plumbing system and thus keeping the water safe from being contaminated. It protects a single outlet and makes sure that the water flows in one direction only. This is excellent to be used for residential use.
Double-check valves
Double-check valves are made specifically to protect primary water supplies from getting polluted. It is easy to fit into the plumbing system and is effective when set up correctly. It makes sure the water flows in a unidirectional way.
Pressure type vacuum breaker
Pressure type vacuum breaker is exceptional to be used as it keeps monitoring the pressure in the plumbing system and will react promptly whenever required to stop backflow. It is usually connected to channels that supply water to the household’s sprinkler system.
Conclusion
Heat expansion from boilers, elevated tanks, breakdown of the primary water supply, or it can be any other reason for back pressure in plumbing; it is necessary that you take steps to avoid it before it happens.
In addition to following the ways as mentioned above, regular maintenance of the plumbing system is the key to ensure everything is running smoothly.
Besides that, a thorough inspection once in a while helps you a lot, and you can determine if the plumbing system requires any repairs or not. Also, checking on the different valves installed to prevent back pressure to see if they are correctly fitted and are in good condition. Following the instructions discussed here in this article is what you all need to prevent back pressure in plumbing.