Are you drinking dirty water? Well, you might not think so… but the chance that your drinking water could be contaminated is actually higher than you’d think. Substances such as fertilizers from your irrigation system, industrial fluids, gases and more can be dispersed into your flow of water through backflow. Backflow is the reversal of the flow of water and other substances into the pipes that distribute your drinking water.
How Does Backflow Happen?
Water flows into your home from the main water supply, and should only flow in one direction. However, when pressure changes in the pipes, sometimes the water can flow backward and seep back into the main water supply. For example, if there is a break in the water line or a fire hydrant is opened, the water pressure is lost. When this happens, water is no longer being pushed forward into your home and will flow back into the city water lines. This can cause your drinking water to be contaminated with fertilizers, human waste, chlorine or soap. Backflow occurs almost daily in water systems, with constant changes in pressure. This becomes a concern in a water line where there is no proper separation by a backflow prevention system.
What Does a Backflow Preventer Do?
A backflow preventer is what keeps your drinking water clean. It is a device that’s installed on water pipes to allow water to flow in one direction but never the opposite direction in order to avoid contamination.
Should You Invest in a Backflow Preventer?
In case it wasn’t clear already, the answer is yes. (Unless, of course, you want to drink dirty water…) Backflow preventer systems protect you and your family, or employees, residents, etc. safe from drinking contaminated water. To learn more about backflow preventers, contact the experts as NSMC. We provide backflow preventer systems for commercial properties in Massachusetts. Fill out a contact form or give us a call today at (978)-774-9800.
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