Any home or commercial establishment that has a plumbing system can suffer the wrath of a backflow. To prevent this, business owners and homeowners are required by law to ensure that they install backflow preventers in their plumbing. The backflow prevention devices ensure that the potable water can reach the required faucet of the plumbing fixture without any chemical or environmental contaminants. Installation of backflow preventers is a reliable way of preventing the contamination of water supply sources. Additionally, you should ensure that the backflow preventer is tested at least once per annum. Unfortunately, occasional problems will arise that need the BPD repaired by a plumber near me in Hurst, TX. Below are the main issues with your backflow preventer device that require professional attention.
Blocked Valves and Other Internal Components
A backflow preventer consists of many different components and valves. If these internal components and valves of your backflow prevention devices are blocked, the device might not function as efficiently as it should. But what could clog the backflow preventer’s valves? Many factors, including sediment accumulation, mineral buildup, and debris, could cause this. The blockages will then restrict the water flow through the backflow preventer, reducing its effectiveness at preventing backflow.
Additionally, the clogs can make the valve malfunction, meaning it cannot open or seal properly. Unless you enlist a plumber near me to remove the blockages, the internal components of your backflow prevention device could sustain serious damages, ultimately making the entire unit fail. For this reason, it is recommended that you have your BPD tested once per year and any dirt or sediments removed.
Rust or Corrosion on Internal Components
The other problem that could befall your backflow prevention device is rust or corrosion on the internal components. Does your home get hard water from the municipal water utility provider? That could be one of the main reasons why your BPD corrodes. Exposure to harsh environmental conditions could also result in the corrosion of the device’s internal parts. The corrosion will weaken the metallic components of the BPD, making them increasingly prone to failure.
Additionally, rust might accumulate on the internal parts. This will clog them, leaving them less effective. This also can happen if your home gets hard or acidic water that has a lot of minerals, especially manganese and iron, that can accelerate the rusting of the backflow preventer’s internal components. When the plumber near me in Hurst, TX comes for routine maintenance, they can clear such problems before they completely make the BPD fail.
Damage or Misalignment of the Internal Components
Normal wear and tear, improper installation, or exposure to extreme weather conditions are some of the factors that could result in the damage or misalignment of the internal components of your BPD. If a component is misaligned, the valve cannot properly close or open, resulting in a backflow. If the internal components are damaged, they could reduce the effectiveness of the backflow preventer, potentially making it fail. Like any other plumbing fixture at your home, you should accord the backflow preventer routine maintenance. Ensure that a plumber near me services or tests it at least once every year.
Uneven Pressure
Backflow testing helps identify and protect water distribution to commercial and residential properties. Regarding backflow preventers, pressure problems are one of the most frequently encountered challenges. It’s possible that the backflow mechanism isn’t able to evenly transfer adequate pressure all through the system because of the opening points on the relief valves. Backflow prevention systems need some pressure to ensure water is evenly distributed from the pipe. Improper pressure can cause backflow that would contaminate your potable water. This also causes the water main to get irritated, which increases the risk of structural damage to your business or home. During the annual testing of the backflow preventer, the plumber near me will ensure that the device has even pressure for effective functioning.
Slow Drainage
Though not the main problem, the other common issue that your backflow prevention device might experience is slow drainage. Backflow preventers are supposed to maintain a stable water flow through the plumbing system. Defective or damaged backflow preventers need the attention of a plumber near me as they can result in drain buildup. This leaves unwanted messes in the kitchen and bathroom. These problems may extend to other water fixtures, sinks, and drains.
Also, check to see if the watercolor has changed. Is the water discolored or cloudy? That is a sign that you should call a plumber near me in Hurst, TX because the backflow valve is broken. Never ignore such an issue, as this water may contain bacteria and other pollutants. These can cause nausea, constipation, diarrhea, stomachaches, and dehydration. To avoid these potential health issues, have a plumber replace the BPD.
Water Leaks
After consistent use, backflow preventers develop leaks. Various factors, including dirt, thermal expansion, and alterations in water pressure, can reduce the service life of the backflow prevention device. For instance, if a significant volume of water is forced to pass via the backflow preventer because of flooding, the backflow devices could become damaged. Your plumbing system and property will take additional damage if you have water leaks.
Mold and mildew, water damage, and odors can collect from leaks inside the backflow preventer. These factors can make existing health and structural issues even worse. Has your backflow preventer sprung a leak? You should have a plumber near me come over for an inspection. Based on the level of damage, the technician could recommend replacing the device. This is why routine maintenance and testing of the backflow preventer is required. Hence, ensure that the plumber near me checks the backflow prevention device when they inspect and service other plumbing systems.
Always Maintain and Test Your Backflow Preventer
Is your backflow preventer showing signs of damage? When was the last time you had it tested? Contact us at Tioga Plumbing & Electric today for a backflow preventer test or service.
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