Learning About the Dangers of Backflow
Perhaps one of the scariest plumbing emergencies to occur in a home or neighborhood is backflow. Essentially, backflow occurs when the plumbing system's natural flow is thrown in reverse, and the waste and contaminated water flows back into the home.
There are many dangers associated with backflow problems. It can end up contaminating the water of an entire city if the problem isn't fixed right away. When the water gets contaminated, it leads to all kinds of different health problems.
There are things homeowners can do, though, to ensure their home stays safe from backflow problems. Continue reading to learn more about the dangers of backflow and the importance of backflow testing.
The Mess
When backflow occurs, chances are the first clear sign is the mess. As the term suggests, backflow causes dirty wastewater to flow back into the home via the drains. Not only that, but if there are any leaks or breakages in the piping system, the homeowner could experience wastewater seeping through the floors and walls as well.
This can all add up quickly when it comes to the cost of repairs. As soon as wastewater comes in through the floors and walls, anything standing in the way will get contaminated.
Backflow threatened to ruin anything from:
- Furniture
- Electronics
- Appliances
- The floors and walls it seeps through
Possible Health Risks Involved
Aside from damaging the home, backflow poses a direct health risk to society. The things that contaminate water during backflow include human waste and toxic chemicals. This is not something anyone wants to clean dishes with, let alone drink. That said, sometimes it is harder to notice backflow because maybe it hasn't changed the color of the water yet.
That is why it is important to get backflow testing done. When homeowners stay on top of their water quality, they have less risk of experiencing health problems from contaminated water.
There are three levels of potential health risk due to backflow
- Lethal Hazard
- Contaminant Hazard
- Pollutant Hazard
Pollutant Hazard is the least hazardous of the three categories and contains things like edible food waste. Regardless, this is never water that anyone necessarily wants to drink. Water quality is important. That's why it is crucial to get a professional involved even at the slightest sign of contaminated water in the home.
The Importance of Backflow Testing
Backflow testing has the potential to keep entire cities safe from public health hazards if all the homeowners were to have their homes tested a few times a year.
During the process of backflow testing, a few things happen:
- A certified backflow tester comes out to perform the test
- Water goes in for testing
- A device is installed to protect potable water from backflow
Overall, backflow testing is the only way to ensure that water is safe to drink. Without it, society would face an endless number of potential health hazards.
A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc. Keep Their Customers Safe
Backflow is something that has to be handled immediately. When homeowners in Murphysboro, IL, suspect backflow problems, they trust the professionals at A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc. Their plumbers are trained and experienced experts in the field, which gives customers the peace of mind that their water is safe from contamination. To learn more about their plumbing services, contact them today!
