Water supply structures are usually designed in a way that makes the water flow in a particular direction. However, failures in the mechanisms may cause flow in the reverse. This condition is known as backflow and may pose contamination problems, especially in systems which aren't protected. Backflow installation helps avoid this situation to make sure that the water supply remains clean. There are various ways through which this can be achieved.
A backflow preventer is a device which prevents flow in the opposite direction. This is usually located in the main supply. In many areas, one is required by law to install such a device. In addition, regular maintenance and inspection is also mandatory. This ensures that the main water supply remains clean and uncontaminated.
Air gaps can also help prevent flow of water in the reverse direction. These are usually left between the sink rim and the faucets. This makes sure that even in the case that the sink fills up with water, it does not find its way back up the faucet in the absence of pressure (loss of this is one of the most common causes of backflow). This mainly occurs when fire hydrants are activated, due to the abrupt drop in pressure.
To further show the importance of an air gap, picture a situation where it's absent and a hose is attached to the faucet then lowered into the sink. If pressure is reversed, the water would be forced back through the hose and into the main supply. If the sink in this illustration is replaced with a pile of ground water, the importance of backflow prevention becomes very significant.
There are other mechanisms besides air gaps. Vacuum breakers and hose bibs can be directly installed on faucets. It is advisable to use these in cisterns due to the high contamination risk. This is because water in these places is usually treated with chemicals that can cause poisoning when ingested.
Presenters are mechanical gadgets that can be installed in a plumbing system to prevent backflow. If properly installed, tested and maintained, these will work effectively. You can purchase them from local outlets as well as web-based hardware stores.
All these gadgets are designed with some degree of health hazard in mind. Atmospheric and pressure vacuum breakers are the most common prevention mechanisms. Unless they're not approved for use in your locality, you could consider installing them. Where serious contamination risk exists, you should use RP devices.
Local authorities require all homeowners to install these devices. For one to carry out this process, they must obtain authorization permits from the local councils. The design, placement and type of device are some of the factors taken into consideration to determine whether one will be issued with a permit. One is also required to engage an authorized plumber when installing/maintaining the system.
Backflow installation may be carried out in various ways. You could ask a plumber to find out the right mechanism to employ. This is important to ensure that the main water supply remains contaminant-free.
A backflow preventer is a device which prevents flow in the opposite direction. This is usually located in the main supply. In many areas, one is required by law to install such a device. In addition, regular maintenance and inspection is also mandatory. This ensures that the main water supply remains clean and uncontaminated.
Air gaps can also help prevent flow of water in the reverse direction. These are usually left between the sink rim and the faucets. This makes sure that even in the case that the sink fills up with water, it does not find its way back up the faucet in the absence of pressure (loss of this is one of the most common causes of backflow). This mainly occurs when fire hydrants are activated, due to the abrupt drop in pressure.
To further show the importance of an air gap, picture a situation where it's absent and a hose is attached to the faucet then lowered into the sink. If pressure is reversed, the water would be forced back through the hose and into the main supply. If the sink in this illustration is replaced with a pile of ground water, the importance of backflow prevention becomes very significant.
There are other mechanisms besides air gaps. Vacuum breakers and hose bibs can be directly installed on faucets. It is advisable to use these in cisterns due to the high contamination risk. This is because water in these places is usually treated with chemicals that can cause poisoning when ingested.
Presenters are mechanical gadgets that can be installed in a plumbing system to prevent backflow. If properly installed, tested and maintained, these will work effectively. You can purchase them from local outlets as well as web-based hardware stores.
All these gadgets are designed with some degree of health hazard in mind. Atmospheric and pressure vacuum breakers are the most common prevention mechanisms. Unless they're not approved for use in your locality, you could consider installing them. Where serious contamination risk exists, you should use RP devices.
Local authorities require all homeowners to install these devices. For one to carry out this process, they must obtain authorization permits from the local councils. The design, placement and type of device are some of the factors taken into consideration to determine whether one will be issued with a permit. One is also required to engage an authorized plumber when installing/maintaining the system.
Backflow installation may be carried out in various ways. You could ask a plumber to find out the right mechanism to employ. This is important to ensure that the main water supply remains contaminant-free.
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