Backflow is a flowing back of water, or reversal of the normal flow. If backflow occurs in a public water system, the action can pollute or contaminate the water in that system creating a health hazard for consumers.

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Typically, drinking water flows from the City’s distribution system into a property’s private water system. Backflow is the undesired reversal of water flow between the City's distribution system and a private system, due to changes in water pressure. This reversal or “backflow” can cause contaminants to enter into the drinking water distribution system.

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Backflow can occur due to back siphonage or back pressure.

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• Back pressure occurs when pressure in a private water system is greater than pressure in the City’s water supply system, which may be caused by pumps, elevated tanks, temperature increases in boiler systems, and other local pressure events. This can result in water from the private system forcing its way into the City’s distribution system.

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• Back siphonage occurs when pressure in the City’s water supply system is lower than pressure in a private system, which may be caused by nearby fire-fighting or water main breaks. This reversal of pressure can pull contaminated water from the private water system into the City’s distribution system.

 

How does a drainage valve protect your property?

 

A properly installed and operational backflow prevention system keeps water from entering the basement of your home. Backflow valves prevent water from moving in the wrong direction. In the case of a flooded public sewer system, it keeps water from entering your drainage lines and bringing with it human waste, bacteria, and other contaminants.

 

How else do a backflow preventer protect your home and family?

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• Backflow prevention systems installed on hoses and sprinklers prevent pesticides and fertilizer-laced water from re-entering your home when water in the outbound system is pulled back into your home plumbing system.

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• Prevent contamination to your water supply from sewer system backflow. A flooded basement doesn’t mean the basement is the only affected area of the home. Backflow can pull contaminated water into a mainline if you don’t have a backflow prevention device to stop it. 

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• Schedule professional backflow testing to ensure your existing units are fully functioning. By the time backflow occurs it is already too late for preventative testing and maintenance. Existing damage will have to be remediated before backflow system repairs can take place or a new preventer can be installed.