PORT ST. LUCIE OFFICE
LAND O’ LAKES OFFICE
Most homeowners know about clogged drains and water leaks, but these issues can be the least of your concern when you’re faced with a backflow emergency. Caused by a few different scenarios, it can be a huge problem not only for your plumbing but also for your health.
Of course, you can call a plumber once you realize this issue has taken place or you can proactively fight the problem with a backflow preventer the best plumbing solution for your home.
So backflow is a danger, but what is it exactly? To keep things as simple as possible, backflow is the reversal of the flow of water into your home, which causes “dirty water” to flow back into your home – hence, backflow.
This reversal of water flow can happen for a few different reasons, but it’s mainly caused by either significant damage to your sewer lines or a drop in pressure.
Your sewer lines are responsible for removing wastewater from your home, if they’re damaged, that same dirty water can flow back into your plumbing. By the same token, your entire plumbing system works on pressure. If the pressure drops because of a damaged pipe or an open fire hydrant, it could cause your plumbing to pull in non-potable water.
While there are plenty of different ways to prevent backflow, one of the simplest and longest running ways is with an air gap.
Built into your plumbing system, an air gap is a space between your plumbing line and a fixture in your home.
During normal operation it creates the pressure that allows water to flow out into the fixture, however, the air gap also prevents water from flowing back into that same line during a pressure loss situation.
As opposed to spring operated preventers, air gaps occur naturally in plumbing systems, making them a basic protection for your plumbing system.
For homeowners looking for a more serious way to protect your plumbing from backflow, you may consider a pressure vacuum breaker or PVB device.
Because they are spring-loaded, they are forced open with the regular pressure levels of your home’s plumbing system. When that pressure drops – like during a backflow emergency – that spring unloads, closing the supply of water into your home.
Because PVBs are generally in an easily accessible area, they can be tested regularly to ensure your home is protected. While annual inspections are always recommended, if your home is located below flood levels or in an area prone to heavy rains, it’s a good idea to get your backflow preventers tested more regularly.
Your home is your castle, and it’s important to keep it protected. A backflow preventer is an easy way to keep your pipes safe and your water supply free and clear of impurities.
Whether you have an air gap, pressure vacuum breaker, or atmospheric vacuum breaker, preventing backflow is key. At First Choice Plumbing Solutions we are your Port St. Lucie plumbing experts.
With our best plumbing practices, we can keep your home in tip-top shape. Best of all, since we offer a full range of plumbing solution, we can test your backflow devices and your water supply to ensure everything is clean.
And in the event we do find an issue, we can also help you with standard plumbing repairs. Regular plumbing inspections are essential for all homeowners – and it can all start with a backflow diagnostic.
SCHEDULE
5 STAR SERVICE
We keep our trucks equipped with the most comprehensive array of plumbing parts for extremely fast turnaround times.
We stand behind all our work. If you are not satisfied with your service, we won’t rest until we’ve made it right!
Water leaks can be costly and inconvenient– even more so when left untreated. Get same-day plumbing and leak detection services when you call our trusted team.
Cutting-edge leak detection technology allows our experts to accurately locate the source of the problem and provide the right repair.
Every technician at First Choice Plus Plumbing, Restoration & Air is drug tested and background checked for your safety and peace of mind.
Water leaks can be costly and inconvenient– even more so when left untreated. Get same-day plumbing and leak detection services when you call our trusted team.
