Backflow is a serious concern for both residential and commercial properties, as it occurs when clean, potable drinking water becomes contaminated with wastewater. This happens when there is a reversal of water flow in your plumbing system, allowing potentially harmful substances to enter the clean water supply.
To prevent this from happening, backflow prevention devices are used to ensure that water flows only in the intended direction — away from the drinking water supply.
In Calgary, cross connection control devices are critical in safeguarding your water supply. They are designed to prevent backflow caused by either back pressure or back siphonage. Understanding the difference between these two types of backflow is key to maintaining a safe water supply and ensuring compliance with local regulations. Here’s a breakdown of both types of backflow:
Back Pressure Backflow:
Back pressure backflow occurs when the pressure in a downstream system becomes higher than the pressure in the main water supply. This can happen in situations like pumping water from a tank into your plumbing system or in industrial settings where equipment creates higher pressure than the water supply. When this happens, water can flow backward into the public water system, potentially carrying contaminants along with it.
Common causes of back pressure backflow:
- Booster pumps in industrial or commercial facilities
- Pressurized irrigation systems
- Heating systems using water as a medium
Back Siphonage Backflow:
Back siphonage occurs when there is a sudden drop in water pressure in the supply line, often due to events like water main breaks, high demand periods (such as firefighting efforts), or sudden shutdowns of the water system. This creates a vacuum effect that can draw contaminated water back into the clean water supply. For instance, if a hose is left in a pool or a sink with wastewater, back siphonage could cause water to flow backward into the supply pipes, potentially contaminating the clean water.
Common causes of back siphonage backflow:
- Sudden pressure drops in the water supply
- Unprotected hose bibs or irrigation systems
- Any situation where there is an interruption in the water supply that creates a vacuum
How Backflow Prevention Devices Protect Your Water Supply
To ensure the safety of your drinking water, backflow prevention devices are essential. These devices, such as check valves, air gaps, and backflow preventers, are installed on your water lines to allow water to flow in only one direction. Whether you're in a residential area or managing a commercial property, it's crucial to have the correct backflow protection in place to prevent any reverse flow of water that could compromise water quality.
In Calgary, it’s required by law to have your backflow prevention system tested annually by a certified backflow tester to ensure it’s working as intended. If you're unsure about whether your system is properly maintained or need to schedule a test, reach out to our certified backflow testers today.