In a piping system, water is intended to flow in one direction – from the supply to the point of delivery. Should the pressure in the plumbing system of a home exceed the pressure of a supply, the situation can get dangerous. Anytime pressure in a system drops, even momentarily, the system is subject to backflow, back pressure or back siphonage, creating the possibility of contamination.
Backflow, in its most basic terms, is the undesirable reversal of the flow of water or mixtures of water and other undesirable substances from any source into the distribution pipes of the potable water system. Backflow occurs as a result of a “cross-connection” within the water system, which exists when there is any actual or potential connection between a potable water system and any other source or system through which it is possible to introduce into the potable system undesirable substances.
The need for cross-connection control exists in all types of premises, whether industrial or residential. Backflow prevention devices help protect the public safety by preventing potable water contamination in such critical areas as municipal water systems, food processing plants, medical and dental water supplies and many industrial applications.
People turn their faucets on and what they believe to be “safe drinking water” is immediately available, pure and plentiful. They assume the water is safe simply because no one has warned them otherwise. Every household should have an annual plumbing inspection where the plumber will carry out tests and verify that all backflow preventers are a) present and b) in excellent condition.
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact the Priority Plumbing team. Give us a call to schedule your plumbing installation in the Toronto area. We are here to serve you efficiently. 416-762-8662.