What is a 4 inch check valve and check valve installation?  It is a valve which only allows liquid to flow in one direction (no backflow danger), and it is four inches in diameter.

Why should you care about them?  Because your very safety depends on check valves and other backflow preventors.  In this article we’ll talk about the importance of 4-inch check valves, and if you have any questions about check valves, or backflow, give us a call at (817) 996-2000. We are City Backflow Testing, and your safety is our job.

What is backflow?

To fully understand how important check valves are, you need an understanding of back flow and how your city water system works.

In most cities, the main supply of sanitary water is kept in a processing center, one main location where water from streams and aquifers is stored and treated.  From there it is forced throughout the city, to homes and businesses, by a series of water pumps which “push” water through the pipes with water pressure.  That pressure is usually in the 50-100 PSI range, depending on the size of the city, the supply of water available, and the quality of their pumping stations.

If the water distribution system is working properly, water flows from the potable water supply system to the citizens 24/7, 365, without a hitch.

But then there are problems . . .

What if there is a rupture in one of the main water distribution pipes?  What if there is a major, four-alarm fire, and five fire hydrants are opened at the same time with millions of gallons of water siphoned off to fight that fire?  What happens then?

Those scenarios would result in a drastic drop in water pressure, so drastic as to cause an actual reversal in flow, a situation known as backflow.  In other words, there would be more water pressure at the other end of the distribution system, at the homes and businesses, causing polluted water to flow back into the clean, potable water supply.

Obviously this would be a major health hazard, one which is avoided, day in and day out, across the United States, by check valves and other backflow devices.

This is such a potential problem that there are actually local, state, and federal regulations, based on the Clean Water legislation passed in the 1970’s, governing water distribution in all cities in the United States.  Those regulations call for annual inspections of the backflow devices by licensed, trained, and certified backflow inspectors.  All backflow testers conduct annual tests.  Any repairs made must use certified backflow parts, and all inspections, installations, and repairs must be reported to the governing body of that city.

Most people will never see a 4-inch check valve, but the importance of that device is realized every single time you turn on your water tap and clean water flows out.

About City Backflow Testing

City Backflow Testing is a trusted name in backflow testing, repair, and installation in the Greater Fort Worth area.  For backflow control you can count on, call City Backflow Testing for a quote and/or appointment.