Waterloo backflow testing and certification services

What is backflow?

Backflow occurs when some type of wastewater or other hazardous substance is introduced into the plumbing lines of the home. Backflow means that harmful substances are being distributed through the normal plumbing system to fixtures and appliances where it is mixed with actual potable water.

Backflow can occur when pressure in the home plumbing system drops, when there is damage to plumbing, or when unexpected connections are made between lines. Backflow could carry sewage, chemicals from a lawn, or methane gas into the water supply of your house.

Why is backflow dangerous?

One of the main dangers of backflow is that it can make everyone in your home very sick. Backflow can spread serious or life threatening diseases. Harsh industrial runoff can cause illness or chemical burns on the skin. Backflow could even start to fill a home with a deadly and explosive gas like propane or methane.

Backflow could also harm your plumbing by corroding pipes. The pressure changes from backflow could cause pipes to fracture or could harm appliances attached to your plumbing system. It is not always easy to tell when backflow has become a problem in your home. This is why it is important to call us regularly to have backflow testing performed by our certified professionals.

How is testing performed?

The backflow testing process checks to see whether the current prevention systems in your home are operating correctly. The procedure can only be performed by a trained and certified testing professional. The water is first shut off to your home. Our certified testers then use a special device that is connected to different ports on a backflow preventer.

The device checks for proper pressure and other readings. We also check that the valves and other parts of the backflow preventer are working properly at a mechanical level. Each preventer is checked thoroughly. The results of testing are recorded to make certain there are no problems. In the event that there is an issue, our technicians will then solve the issue before it leads to damage to your home.

Why is testing important?

Although there are likely backflow prevention devices in your home, contacting us for regular testing is still very important. The backflow prevention devices can wear down and start to fail. Even the failure of an o–ring could lead to backflow. Damage to pipes or other issues with the plumbing beyond the prevention device can lead to uncontrolled contamination of the water in your house. You should call our professional testing service once every year to check the backflow preventers. Regular testing by our trained staff will stop any potential backflow issues from ever occurring.

If you are looking for professional plumbing services, contact us today. Our expert technicians will be able to solve your sewer line problems and perform routine maintenance checks.