Why You Need a Backflow Prevention Device
When it comes to protecting your home’s plumbing, some issues are less obvious than leaky faucets or clogged drains—but just as important. One of the most critical safeguards for your drinking water is a backflow prevention device.
Backflow may not be something you think about every day, but without proper protection, it can put your health and your plumbing system at risk. Here’s what you need to know.
🚰 What Is Backflow?
Backflow happens when the normal direction of water flow in your plumbing system reverses. Instead of clean water flowing into your home, contaminated water can flow backward into your drinking water supply.
This can occur when there’s a sudden change in water pressure, such as during a main break, frozen pipe burst, or even when firefighters use hydrants nearby.
⚠️ Why Backflow Is Dangerous
If backflow occurs, it can pull pollutants, chemicals, or bacteria into your home’s water. This might include:
Fertilizers or pesticides from your yard
Soap or cleaning chemicals from sinks or tubs
Sewage or waste water from toilets and drains
Even small amounts of these contaminants can pose serious health risks to you and your family.
🔧 How a Backflow Prevention Device Helps
A backflow prevention device is designed to stop contaminated water from re-entering your home’s clean water supply. It works by allowing water to flow in only one direction. If water tries to reverse, the device automatically blocks it.
Many homes already have one, but not all do. In some cases, the device may need repair, replacement, or regular testing to ensure it’s still working properly.
🏡 Do You Need One?
In most cases, the answer is yes. Backflow prevention devices are required in certain situations, especially if you have:
Irrigation systems or sprinkler systems
Swimming pools or hot tubs connected to your water supply
Fire suppression systems
Older plumbing systems with potential cross-connections
Even if your home doesn’t fall into these categories, having a backflow prevention device adds an extra layer of safety for your drinking water.
✅ Protect Your Home and Health
Backflow is a hidden problem that many homeowners don’t think about until it’s too late. Installing and maintaining a backflow prevention device is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your family’s water supply.
At Affordable Plumbing, Heat & Electrical, our licensed plumbers can inspect your system, test for backflow risks, and install or repair devices to keep your home safe.
Contact us today to schedule your backflow inspection or installation in Colorado Springs.
Looking for help in Chicago? Check out our Friends over at Angel Sewer and Plumbing! For more information, click the link below!
