Why Is a Backflow Preventer Needed?
A backflow preventer (backflow valve) stops the movement of water from the garden hose into the water supply. Without a backflow preventer attached to the garden hose faucet line, there is the possibility of contaminants or chemicals entering the water supply.
Understanding one way flow?
First off, we must understand that water should only flow in one direction. Good water (clean from the supply source) flows to the faucets. Bad water or dirty water from toilets and other drain lines should go in one direction away from the clean source.
How does a backflow work?
The concept is simple, water flow creates pressure that is pushing on a spring loaded diaphragm. As long as there is pressure on the flow side, water or anything else for that matter can’t push back on the spring loaded diaphragm. This insures a one way flow.
How does contamination occur?
If the water pressure drops, this can happen when a municipal pump stops working or when a fire hydrant is in using a large amount of water, it can create a siphon from your garden hose (or other water faucets) and send water, contaminants, and chemicals back into the water supply.
Spray nozzles and chemical injectors can also cause backflow. The faucet runs, the nozzle stops the flow of water, but if a large amount of water use occurs inside the house, such as from a washing machine turning on or toilets flushing, it can pull the water from the hose back into the municipal water supply.
Another danger for Phoenix area homeowners is the heat. The heat causes the air to expand and this builds pressure. If air is trapped in the hose, the heat can force any water in the hose back into the municipal supply.
All Phoenix Valley Homes Need Backflow Valves
Any new houses built in Phoenix, Scottsdale, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, or anywhere else in the valley require garden hose backflow valves to be installed. However, many older homes do not have backflow valves attached to their outside faucets. This is a relatively simple service to have completed by Response Crew. The backflow preventer is screwed onto the outside water faucet then the garden hose is connected to the valve.
We recommend all Phoenix area homeowners have their outside water faucets inspected. Do not let a simple repair like this cause a major issue for you and your neighbors. We can stop by and have the new garden hose backflow preventer installed for you at a low charge.
Call us anytime at 480-525-9825 for handyman service throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Mesa, Chandler, and the rest of the valley.
