If you live in Birmingham, Alabama, you may have heard of backflow in plumbing. But what is it and what causes it? In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different types of backflow and common causes of backflow. Knowing what to look out for can help you protect your home and make sure that you don’t experience any nasty surprises.
What is Backflow?
Backflow occurs when water flows backwards from its intended destination. It usually happens when there is an obstruction or a breakage in the plumbing system, which causes the pressure to drop below normal levels. This can result in water flowing backwards into a pipe or other source that it shouldn’t be going into.
Types of Backflow
There are two main types of backflow: cross connection and atmospheric vacuum breaker (AVB) backflow prevention systems. Cross connection backflows occur when two pipes with different pressures are connected together and the lower pressure pipe pushes water into the higher pressure one. An AVB system prevents backflows by breaking the connection between two pipes when a decrease in pressure occurs.
Common Causes of Backflow
The most common cause of backflow is an obstruction in the plumbing system such as a blockage or a broken pipe. Other common causes include low water pressure due to clogged filters, broken valves, improperly installed fixtures, frozen pipes, or leaking faucets. Finally, backflows can also be caused by incorrect installation of appliances that use water such as dishwashers or washing machines.
Backflow Prevention Devices
The best way to prevent backflow from occurring is by installing a backflow prevention device. These devices help to ensure that the flow of water only moves in one direction, thus preventing any contaminated water from entering your home’s plumbing system. There are several types of backflow prevention devices available, ranging from simple check valves to more complex air gaps and pressure relief valves.
It’s worth noting that if you live in Alabama, state law requires that all homes have an approved backflow prevention device installed on their property. This means that if you buy a new house in Birmingham, you should make sure it has the proper device installed before moving in.
In Birmingham, Alabama it’s important to be aware of the risks associated with plumbing issues like backflows. Knowing what causes them and how to identify them can help you protect your home from potential damages caused by these issues. If you suspect that there might be a problem with your plumbing system, be sure to contact a professional plumber right away so they can inspect your system and make necessary repairs to avoid further damage or costly repairs down the line.