It is not uncommon to ask yourself how your home is kept from having dirty water run back into a clean drinking supply. Are you certain the backflow prevention device in your house is in working order? Or that there is not some plumbing problem lurking about that could be a hazard to your family’s water?
Should those questions give one pause, then you have come to the right spot. We at Village Plumbing, Air & Electric have put our experience to work for Houston homeowners and their plumbing since 1946. Our licensed technicians are on hand to answer any queries you may have; a call to (281) 957-6221 will put you in touch with us.
One does not tend to think much of backflow prevention until there is an issue. We would like to put that right with a few facts of use and interest for the homeowner in Houston.
The Nature of Backflow
Under normal circumstances the water in your home should make its way from the city to your fixtures and no further. But when flow is reversed and used or contaminated water is driven back to your supply, you have backflow. It is a stranger occurrence than it seems.
You will find backflow has two primary causes:
- A case of back-siphonage from a sudden loss of pressure in the main, say from a break in the line or the demands of firefighting
- Backpressure where downstream pressure exceeds the supply and forces water in the wrong direction
- Cross-connections at the point where potable and non-potable lines intersect
- An irrigation system fed off your home’s water line
- Garden hoses left in pools, buckets or with chemicals
These provide an opening for water to go where it should not.
A Garden Hose Can Be the Problem
Some homeowners are taken aback to learn that a garden hose can pose a backflow risk. Leave it in a swimming pool or a bucket of soapy water and a drop in the main line’s pressure will draw that water into your plumbing. It is a lesson in how much our daily habits count.
To sidestep the trouble, put a hose bib vacuum breaker on the outdoor faucets and do not let the end of the hose sit in standing water.
Backflow Devices Are No New Thing
In fact, engineers and plumbers have been finding ways to see to the protection of clean water for the better part of a century. The devices are more dependable and sophisticated these days but the objective is unchanged. We have had a front row seat to the progress of the technology in our time of serving Houston.
Houston’s Climate Is a Factor
With the heavy rains, shifting soil, pools and irrigation systems found in Southeast Texas homes, water pressure is apt to be affected and cross-connections more likely. Making sure backflow is prevented is something of a necessity in the metro area.
When to Pay Attention
You will not see most backflow problems until they show themselves. Be on the lookout for:
- Taps running cloudy or discolored
- An odd or sulfur smell to the water
- Sediment or particles you can see
- Water of a different taste
- Fluctuations in pressure around the house
Do not put off having a professional look at the system if any of this is present.
The Case for Maintenance
Being mechanical, the moving parts of a backflow device will wear with time. An inspection puts your mind at ease as to whether it is performing as it should. Too often we see homeowners forgo this out of ignorance.
We will inspect your plumbing and tell you what we see, and you will have pricing in hand before we start. As “The Cleanest Techs in Town” we stand by The Village Guarantee and our work.
A Team You Can Put Your Trust In
We have been in this community as a woman and family owned business since 1946. Fully licensed and insured (TX Contractor LIC# TACLB00136078E and RMP:46347), we provide same-day service and 24/7 emergency response along with text-reminder dispatch. Over 10,000 Google reviews have given us a 4.8 rating and Houston homeowners have their reasons for returning to us.
For an inspection or to discuss backflow prevention, get in touch with Village Plumbing, Air & Electric at (281) 957-6221. We are here day and night to ensure your home is protected and your water is clean.
