Expert Backflow Testing and Prevention Services in Durham, NC
Your home’s plumbing is divided into two distinct parts – the water supply that brings in fresh water and the drain system that sends wastewater out of the house (either to the sewer or septic tank). Unfortunately, in some situations, these parallel paths can come in contact with each other, which is very bad news. At Acme Plumbing Co, we’re here to help inspect, test, and prevent a dangerous form of water contamination called backflow.
What is Backflow?
Backflow is when the flow of your plumbing reverses, making it possible for wastewater to be pushed back into your fresh water supply. As you can imagine, this creates a very unsanitary situation. Drinking or touching contaminated water can lead to disease and other serious health risks.
There are two types of backflow, each involving water going in the wrong direction through the plumbing.
- Backpressure backflow – This type of backflow is caused by increased water pressure downstream in the water supply. A common example is when an in-ground sprinkler system becomes clogged, and dirty water (including fertilizers and other chemicals) is pushed into the clean water pipes.
- Backflow siphonage – If there’s a sudden drop in water pressure, it can unexpectedly reverse the direction of water flow in your home’s plumbing. This can occur at a large scale if a nearby fire hydrant is turned on or starts leaking, or at a smaller scale if a garden hose loses pressure and pulls dirty water back through the outdoor spigot.
Backflow Inspection, Testing, and Assembly Repair
A scary part of backflow is that it can happen in your home without you even realizing it. In some cases, you might notice a change in color, taste, or smell of your water – but that’s not always the case. The best way to know for sure is by conducting a backflow inspection.
At Acme Plumbing Co., we can perform a water quality test to identify the presence of sewage, chemicals, metals, or other contaminants that would indicate backflow. We can also test your water pressure and inspect areas commonly affected by backflow.
If you already have a backflow preventer installed in your home, it’s a good idea to test the device annually, and repair or replace it as necessary.
Backflow Preventer Installation Services
Whether backflow is identified during testing or you simply want extra peace of mind, we can install a backflow preventer in your home. This device works by either controlling the water pressure or using a double check valve that only allows water to flow in one direction. Your Acme Plumbing Co. technician will determine the best location to install the backflow preventer to ensure maximum protection from water contamination.
Backflow Inspection Checklist
Your family depends on your water supply to be safe for consumption to keep everyone healthy. What happens when sewage backs up into the system? Don’t take the risk. Durham, NC trusts Acme Plumbing to perform backflow testing at their homes or businesses. Here’s a backflow inspection checklist to let you know what to expect during the testing process:
- Shutting off the water supply to your property.
- Checking the devices used to prevent backflow.
- Determining the flow direction.
- Numbering the test cocks, bleed them of debris, and assemble the adapters.
- Shutting off the downstream valve and attaching the test kit hoses.
- Cleaning the first check valve if water leaves the relief valve.
- Performing a test to ensure the machinery is working properly.
Our plumbing experts will walk you through every step of the process so that you don’t have to worry about a thing. So make sure your water is safe and call Acme Plumbing at (919) 688-1348 for backflow inspection services in Durham,NC! We provide same-day service.
Why Choose Us
When it comes to something as important as your home’s water quality, you deserve the highest level of knowledge and professionalism. That’s precisely what you can expect from Acme Plumbing Co. As a fourth-generation family business, we’ve been serving the Durham, NC, area for nearly 75 years, and experts in common plumbing issues in The Triangle, including backflow from irrigation systems and other causes.
We take such great pride in our work that we offer a two-year warranty on labor and parts.
