Backflow Prevention Englewood

A backflow preventer is generally found at the juncture where a water service line enters a structure, typically right after the water meter. You might also find one on irrigation systems or fire suppression systems—any place, really, where water might flow back into the public supply.

In Florida, it is necessary to have a backflow preventer installed to secure the public water supply from hazardous substances and pollutants that might come from private plumbing systems.

In Englewood, the price of a backflow preventer can differ based on a number of things, like how big or small the device is that needs to go in your system, how complicated the installation is, and where you end up buying the device. On the whole, backflow preventers are not too costly. The simplest kind can be had for about $100, and even an average device doesn't usually run more than $300. But if you have a system that's pretty elaborate or if your installation is somewhat tricky, you could be looking at several hundred dollars for the backflow preventer alone.

Establishing whether there's a backflow preventer in your domicile requires a little detective work. You'll want to begin the search close to where your water enters the house and near the shut-off valve for your water supply. The appearance of the device will vary, but most will look somewhat like a small assembly of valves and will have the word "test" somewhere on it. If you can't find such a contraption near your water meter, plumbing specifications might indicate the presence of a backflow preventer in your water supply system. Failing that, you might also consult a professional plumber.

In Englewood, not every home has a backflow preventer. The devices are required in certain situations but not in others, and as you can probably guess, "certain situations" covers a lot of territory in this world of risk assessment. The assessment considers the plumbing in each property and its individual setup, the age of the home, the building codes in effect at the time it was built, and the level of risk the specific property presents.

In Englewood, at the connection where water service comes into the premises, or at a location within the premises downstream from the service connection, a reduced pressure backflow preventer must be installed. The device is not meant to go underground; it must be maintained and tested at a location where the device is above ground. This above-ground location also has to be one that is protected from flooding, that is easily accessible, and where any discharge from the device will not cause any health problems.

Without a backflow preventer, the public and private water supplies are at risk of becoming contaminated. When contaminated water flows back into the public water supply, the event is called backflow. Backflow can occur when there's a reversal in the water pressure that normally keeps water flowing in one direction. If the pressure drops sufficiently, water can be drawn back from private plumbing systems into the public plumbing system. Backflow might happen when an irrigation system, a fire suppression system, or even a badly damaged tap is spewing water. Contaminated water from any of those private plumbing systems could then bubble up into the public water supply, creating a serious health risk for the entire community.

Backflow preventers usually take the appearance of a small valve assembly affixed to the plumbing system. They tend to be made of brass or stainless steel, though some might have plastic components, depending on the design. A backflow valve assembly either has one or more shut-off valves on either end of the assembly and will have some configuration of check valves, air inlets, and pressure relief valves, all of which serve to keep the water flowing in the right direction and to maintain proper pressure in the plumbing system. Whatever the assembly looks like, the plumbing to and from it is usually not straight and often features test ports for maintenance and inspection.

The devices needed to stop the drinking water from becoming contaminated can vary and usually depend on the local plumbing codes, like the ones that exist in Englewood. Consult those first because they are your guide to what is mandatory. In general, you have a device in or on your sink to suck the water out for draining—that's what could backflow into the drinking water if it is not stopped. Those in the trade can also tell you what is usual and safe if you ask a plumber.

A backflow preventer typically lasts between 5 and 15 years, but could last longer with regular care and optimal conditions. Low-maintenance and dependable, the device is just as likely to be unappreciated as the clean drinking water it delivers.