Back flow is a term used in plumbing that basically means exactly what it says….water flow back in the direction it came from, or an unwanted flow of water in reverse direction.

How can this happen?  Most homeowners just take for granted that water will flow from the main city water supply, through their pipes and into their home, right?  It never occurs to them that water could reverse direction and flow back into the main city water supply, but that is exactly what happens when back flow occurs.

Back flow happens for two reasons.  One, back pressure occurs or two, back-siphonage occurs.

Back pressure happens when there is more water pressure inside the piping system than there is at the water source.  This might happen, for instance, if there is an unvented heating system where there is expansion due to thermal pressures.

Back-siphonage happens when there is a sudden drop in water pressure at the source.  When this reduced pressure happens, the water pressure is stronger in the house pipes than it is at the city source and this would reverse the flow of water.  An example of this is when there are several fires in close vicinity to a neighborhood. Too much water is needed to fight the fires, the water pressure going into other homes drops drastically, and back-siphonage can occur.

Obviously, backflow is something that must be avoided.  If it happens unchecked then it is possible that contaminated water will flow back into the main city water system, and this can include pesticides, human waste, fertilizers and other harmful matter.

How does one prevent back flow from happening?  In most states and most cities, it is required, by law, that homeowners have back flow devices installed, maintained and inspected that prevent back flow from happening.  These usually consist of a valve or a series of valves, called backflow preventers, that will shut off the reverse flow of water should the water pressure change drastically.  As long as those backflow prevention devices are in good working order, there is no chance that back flow will occur and thus, the potable water supply will stay safe.

City Backflow Testing is state certified and licensed to do back flow testing in most major cities in Texas.  When you want the very best in back flow devices, inspection and maintenance, City Backflow Testing is the place to turn for continual peace of mind.