Backflow Prevention in Troy & Clinton Township
All of Your Water System Protection Needs Under One Roof
Pressure irregularities in a plumbing or sewage system can cause water to flow in reverse. Known as backflow, this can contaminate your potable water supply and flood your home. Installing a backflow prevention device is the only way to avoid potentially serious health hazards and plumbing failures.
Hoover Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling provides backflow prevention certification for Clinton Township and the surrounding areas. Annual testing to certify your prevention system is sometimes required but always recommended. Hoover also offers professional and affordable solutions to prevent water contamination from backflow. Contact us today to learn more about our backflow prevention services.
What Is Backflow and Why Is It Dangerous?
Your plumbing system is designed to allow wastewater to drain into the municipal sewer line. Water should flow only one way. However, a sudden change in pressure can cause backflow, in which raw sewage can enter and flood your home. Backflow can happen for a few reasons, including heavy water usage, a burst pipe, or a water main break. A cross-connection between contaminated and clean water supplies, or a backflow preventer leak or other malfunction, can also cause problems.
Backflow preventers are for your health and safety. Contaminated water in your home’s clean water supply can be dangerous in the following ways:
- Water Borne Illnesses: Backflow can lead to exposure to human waste, which can contain harmful bacteria and viruses. It may also allow pesticides and other chemicals to enter your home.
- Water Damage: Once wastewater overflows from drains and fixtures, it can cause extensive damage to your floors, furnishings, and electrical system. That’s on top of the expensive plumbing damage it may have already triggered.
- Costly Remediation: Professional remediation is often required to dry out an affected home, minimize water damage, and prevent mold. Your home may be unlivable for a time and the insurance claims process can add to the frustration.
Signs You May Need Backflow Prevention
Knowing when backflow prevention measures are necessary can help reduce the potential impact of a backflow event. Call Hoover to evaluate the problem if you notice the following signs of a backflow issue:
- Discolored Water: If your water is brown, yellow, or pink, it is likely contaminated and a serious health hazard.
- Smelly Water: Water from backflow often has a foul odor that may be sulphur-like or otherwise unpleasant.
- Strange Tasting Water: If the water doesn’t taste right, it’s likely contaminated. A strong chlorine, moldy, musty, salty, or rotten egg taste is a cause for concern.
- Health Issues: Stomach illnesses are a common occurrence with contaminated drinking water.
- Leaks: Visible leaks near water supply pipes are a sign of backflow. Also, look for leakage around backflow prevention equipment.
How Backflow Prevention Ensures Clean Water
Backflow prevention devices function by blocking contaminated water from clean water supplies. The mechanics of this process vary depending on the type of backflow preventer. Common systems that Hoover installs and tests include the following:
- Check Valves: These open and close in response to pressure. Higher pressure on the incoming side causes the valve to open so water can flow normally. Higher pressure on the output side causes the valve to close, eliminating the risk of backflow.
- Pressure Vacuum Breakers: An atmospheric vacuum breaker contains a valve that drops when pressure is reduced, blocking the line. It also opens an air vent that prevents back siphonage. Vacuum breakers are often used with hoses, faucets, and spigots.
- Reduced Pressure Zone Devices (RPZ): An RZPD includes two spring-loaded check valves separated by a pressure-monitored chamber. A differential pressure relief valve maintains pressure here. It opens if both check valves fail; meanwhile, each of the check valves can take over if one fails.
Regardless of the device used, it can function only if it’s properly installed. This typically requires professional expertise.
Our Backflow Prevention Services
At Hoover, we can address all your backflow prevention concerns. Our plumbers are fully licensed, trained, and certified to assist residential and commercial property owners in our service area in the following ways:
- Installation: We professionally install backflow prevention devices that are tailored to your plumbing system, affording maximum protection.
- Testing and Inspection: Annual backflow testing ensures your backflow prevention equipment complies with local codes, is properly certified, and is in working condition.
- Repairs and Replacements: Our plumbing technicians specialize in fixing or replacing faulty backflow preventers to restore functionality.
Preventative - Maintenance: Regular maintenance keeps devices working smoothly and avoids catastrophic failures.
How We Help Protect Your Water Supply
At Hoover, we ensure home and business owners in Troy, Clinton Township, and surrounding communities are protected against backflow and other plumbing issues. Our technicians perform thorough inspections to identify risks in your plumbing system. A careful evaluation allows them to create customized solutions suited for your home’s needs. Our team is prompt, fast, and efficient, ensuring high-quality service and minimal disruption to your routine.
Emergency Services When You Need Them
Hoover knows that plumbing issues don’t always happen during normal business hours. If your backflow prevention system malfunctions, you need an emergency plumber right away. Don’t risk contamination of your home’s water supply. Dirt, debris, and bacteria can be difficult and costly to flush out, but we can diagnose and fix your backflow prevention issue quickly and affordably. Hoover is available around the clock to help with emergency repairs.
Buy Today, Pay Over Time
It’s hard to predict when you might need a backflow preventer repair or replacement. Our financing options can help you afford necessary services when you need them. Financing is subject to approved credit.
Call Hoover Today for Backflow Prevention Service
Hoover Electric, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling is ready to protect your drinking water with backflow prevention. From backflow preventer installation to repairs to testing and certification, you can trust our licensed plumbers to keep your home safe. Our team provides solutions that protect against costly water damage and health hazards. To learn more about our safe water solutions for your home and financing options, or schedule your annual backflow test, contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Plumbers have the experience, tools, and knowledge to properly install a backflow prevention device. Attempting a DIY install risks improper setup, which can lead to device failure and water contamination. You may also violate local plumbing codes and regulations. This can lead to additional costs plus legal and insurance issues.
Annual testing ensures your backflow prevention device’s components are functioning properly. A faulty valve or a small leak can be fixed before a small issue becomes a costly problem. Preventative maintenance also helps comply with local regulations. By skipping it, you could risk costly fines.
Changes in the color, smell, and taste of water can indicate it’s contaminated. Particles floating in water can be due to sediment or rust from backflow or a faulty preventer. Fluctuating water pressure or slow drainage can indicate a backflow problem as well. Call a plumber to determine the nature and cause of the problem.
Aside from not having signs of backflow in your home, the only way to know if a device is working is to test it. Only a licensed professional can test backflow prevention devices to determine whether they’re functioning properly.
An unusual taste or smell from water isn’t always due to backflow. For example, a chlorine or chemical taste or odor can be from your municipal water company’s treatment process. Deteriorating materials in your plumbing can cause a metallic taste. Dead bacteria and other microorganisms in your pipes can also change the taste and smell of water.
All of Your Water System Protection Needs Under One Roof
Improper pressure differences and faulty systems can cause hazardous water conditions in your water system. Backflow prevention is the only way to prevent this potentially catastrophic plumbing situation.
Hoover Electric Plumbing Heating & Cooling provides backflow prevention certification for Clinton Township and the surrounding areas. Annual testing to certify your prevention system is required in some cases but always recommended. Hoover provides professional and affordable backflow services for your home.
Backflow Services We Offer:
- Backflow prevention systems
- Installations of backflow systems
- Replacement of backflow preventers
- Annual testing and certifications
Emergency Services When You Need Them
Hoover knows that plumbing issues don’t always happen during normal business hours. You may have a malfunction with your backflow prevention system and need emergency services right away. Don’t risk contamination of your home’s water supply. When dirt, debris, and bacteria find their way into your water, it can be costly to flush it out, but we can help diagnose and fix your backflow prevention device quickly and affordably. Hoover is available around the clock for your emergency backflow prevention repair or certification.
Buy Today, Pay Over Time
You don’t always have the choice to save up for a repair or replacement. Our financing options can help you get the services you need when you need them, subject to approved credit.