It’s all too easy to ignore your plumbing system, but things can and do go wrong. To keep the plumbing in your Ransom Canyon, Texas, commercial building in top shape, pay attention to possible issues. Some problems are obvious, but others are invisible and can cause serious damage. Backflow is an issue that commercial building owners should be aware of because it will contaminate your potable water supply.
What Is Backflow?
Backflow occurs when the contents of a pipe or plumbing system start flowing in the wrong direction. It is caused by a cross-connection between the fresh water supply and wastewater or other sources of contamination. Along with being inconvenient and downright gross, backflow can cause contamination of potable water by sewage or harmful chemicals.
Backflow is one of the most serious issues that can affect a plumbing system, and it must be remedied immediately. It’s dangerous for everyone working in the building, and it can cause serious damage to the building and the plumbing system.
How Backflow Happens and How to Prevent It
The cause of backflow is a difference between the pressure in your plumbing system and the pressure in the water supply system. If the pressure in your plumbing system exceeds the pressure of the system that delivers fresh water to your building, then the contents of your system will flow the wrong way for the duration of the pressure.
Protect your commercial building with backflow prevention devices, like air gaps and specialized valve assemblies. Having the right kind of backflow prevention device installed will ensure that your commercial building’s plumbing is protected from backflow. Don’t try to deal with backflow yourself. Hiring a qualified plumber is the best way to rectify the problem and install preventative devices.
BTAC is your plumbing resource for commercial buildings. Call us at 806-589-1014 so that we can examine your system and install the right backflow devices. We’re on call 24/7, so if you’re already experiencing a problem, we can get a plumber out to you quickly.
Image provided by Shutterstock