Backflow Prevention - American Water

Backflow is the unintended reverse flow of water or other fluids into a potable water system. This can happen when there is a pressure imbalance between the potable water system and another system, such as a fire suppression system or a septic system. Backflow can contaminate the potable water supply, making it unsafe to drink or use for any other purposes.

There are two types of backflow: backsiphonage and backpressure. Backsiphonage occurs when the pressure in the potable water system drops below the pressure in another system, which can happen when a hose is left running outside and the water level in the hose drops below the level of water in the potable water system. Backpressure occurs when the pressure in the potable water system is greater than the pressure in another system. This can happen when a fire suppression system is activated.

Backflow Prevention American Water Specialties — A graphic that shows the difference between back pressure and back siphonage that read as follows “Back Pressure: Normal pressure in potable system. High pressure in non-potable system. Back Siphonage: Low pressure in potable system. Normal pressure in non-potable system.”

American Water Specialties is highly experienced with backflow and how to prevent it and we will be happy to help you manage or fix any issues you may have with backflow. One way to prevent backflow is to install a backflow preventer, which comes in many different types, each of which is designed to prevent a specific type of backflow. To find out which backflow preventer would work best for your home or business, talk to our experts at American Water Specialties.

Another way to prevent backflow is to install isolation valves, which are valves that can be used to isolate the potable water system from another system. This can be done to prevent backflow from occurring or to allow for maintenance or repairs to be made to the potable water system.

Backflow preventers must be tested regularly to ensure that they are functioning properly. The frequency of testing depends on the type of backflow preventer and the local regulations. We are able to install and test backflow preventers.

Backflow prevention is important to protect the safety of your drinkable water supply. By installing backflow preventers and testing them regularly, you can help to ensure that your water is safe to drink and use for any other purposes.