What is a back flow valve?

To understand what it is, we first must look at its purpose.

In 1972, Congress passed what is generally known as the Clean Water Act; it was actually entitled the Federal Water Pollution Control Act.  Subsequent additions to that act were passed in 1977 and 1987.

The main thrust of this Act is to protect the potable water supplies in the United States.  Now, the obvious question is “protect it from what?”

Prior to 1972, the most common source of pollution to any city’s potable water supply was a phenomenon known as backflow and its related problem back-siphonage.  Most commonly, this occurs when there is a sudden drop in the water pressure that drives water from the main water supply to homes and businesses.  When that water pressure drops, the water direction reverses because there is then more pressure at the home pushing water towards the main supply, and polluted water from homes and businesses can flow back into the main water supply, thus contaminating it.

To ensure that this won’t happen, the Clean Water Act requires, on the federal level, that all water supplies be protected from backflow by the use of backflow preventers, otherwise known as a backflow device.  This federal law was then adopted by most states and cities in the United States, thus requiring that not only will backflow devices be used but that they will be annually tested by licensed backflow testing companies and individuals, and should repairs be needed, only backflow companies with backflow certification will do the work.

Backflow devices are usually back flow valves.  These valves shut off automatically should the water pressure decrease, thus preventing water from reversing and traveling back into the main water supply.  In large water systems, a series of back flow valves may be used, thus increasing the protection against possible pollutants.  As long as those back flow valves are annually maintained, tested and repaired, there is virtually no chance of contaminants entering a city’s water supply and causing harm to the citizens.

City Backflow Testing is licensed and certified by the State of Texas and is also licensed and certified by most cities and towns within the Dallas Metroplex.  With decades of experience, City Backflow Testing is a trusted partner in the battle against backflow and back-siphonage.  Whether you need affordable backflow testing, backflow valve device maintenance or backflow device installation, City Backflow Testing is the company you should call.