5 Things You May Not Know About Backflows
1. Backflow Testing is Due Annually
You must schedule annual tests in advanced to make sure you are getting your tests done on time.
2. A backflow prevention device is used to protect potable water supplies from contamination or pollution due to backflow.
This is important to keep your backflow systems in order.
3. Backflow means the undesirable reversal of flow of a liquid, gas, or suspended solid into the potable water supply.
A backflow preventer is designed to keep this from happening. Points at which a potable water system connects with a non-potable water system are called cross connections. Such connections occur naturally in appliances such as clothes washers and dishwashers, but they must be carefully designed and installed to prevent backflow.
4. Another common location for a backflow preventer is the connection of a fire sprinkler system to a water main.
This prevents pressurized water from flowing from the fire suppression system into the public water supply.
5. Back-siphonage occurs when higher pressure fluids, gases, or suspended solids move to an area of lower pressure fluids.
For example, when a drinking straw is used to consume a beverage, suction reduces the pressure of fluid inside the straw, causing liquid to move from the cup to inside the straw and then into the drinker’s mouth. A significant drop of pressure in a water delivery system creates a similar suction, pulling possibly undesirable material into the system.
**FSS is licensed in all backflow testing, repairs, replacements and in new fire backflow/fire bypass backflow installation.
