All the water that comes into a home through faucets, showerheads, and toilet tanks should flow out in the opposite direction down the toilets and drains. When that water flow reverses, it creates a potentially hazardous condition called backflow. That backflow can push water that contains fertilizers, pesticides, human waste, chlorine, or soap from your appliances back into your home instead of allowing it to flow safely away.
Some instances of backflow are temporary and can be corrected with simple plunging. However, if the backflow problem persists, it is advisable to call in a professional plumber to inspect and correct the flow.
Types of Backflow
A plumbing backflow brings contaminated water back into the house. Before an effective repair can be undertaken, it is essential to assess what type of backflow is occurring. Once that assessment is complete, the plumbers will recommend the best course of action to prevent further damage and get the water flowing in the right direction.
The following are the two basic types of plumbing backflow you could experience in your home:
Back Siphonage
Back siphonage refers to problems with a separate draining system that causes contaminated water to flow into your plumbing because of excessive pressure. For example, siphonage can occur when there is a break in a main water line. When that happens, pressure builds up in an isolated spot, triggering the reverse water flow. A water main break can mean wastewater contaminants work their way into your drinking and bathing water. That can trigger severe illnesses for everyone in the household.
Back Pressure
The other type of backflow is back pressure. Back pressure occurs when the water coming out of your plumbing has too much pressure. All plumbing works in a form of pressurization. If the outward water pressure is higher than your regular water supply, it creates backflow. That typically happens when there are clogs with things like water heaters, faucets, and toilets.
Warning Signs of Plumbing Backflow Troubles
One of the most obvious warning signs of a plumbing backflow problem is a noticeable change in the color of your water. It might be contaminated if the water from your faucets turns gray, yellow, brown, or pink.
In addition to the water discoloration, you should watch out for these other possible warning signs of backflow:
- Rapidly reduced water supply pressure
- Noticeable leaks around pipes or outdoor water features
- Strange smells like sulfur
- Slow drains
- Gurgling pipes
- Particulates or sediment in your water
Common Causes of Plumbing Backflow
In addition to the warning signs, you will need to consider the possible causes of your plumbing backflow problem. Here are the issues your plumber will look into:
Water Main Break
When a main water line breaks, it releases a lot of pressure up and down the line. As a result, your home’s plumbing will no longer be able to maintain the correct pressure for consistent flow. That break can also trigger a sudden surge of pressure, which leads to a backflow problem.
Pressure Differences
A washing machine, dishwasher, and water heater are all appliances that connect to your water supply. They all rely on water pressure to function properly. When an appliance’s water pressure surges to a higher level than your water supply, it can overload the lines and trigger the backflow pressure scenario.
You could also experience a drop in pressure if there is a fire in your neighborhood and the first responders tap into the water lines to combat the blaze. If a water main bursts or pipes freeze, it can also create a condition for backflow.
Power Outages
If a power outage shuts down a water tank storage for an extended period of time, bacteria can accumulate, and the bacteria end up flowing back into your home. This often occurs with municipal water systems when natural disasters like wildfires or flooding occur. If you rely on a city’s water supply, then you are susceptible to all their problems. A boil-water advisory might be put out to the community when a situation like this happens.
Plumbing Backflow Sites
In addition to determining the cause of the plumbing backflow issue, your plumbers also need to identify the site where the backflow is occurring. These are places they will inspect:
Bathroom Faucet
A leak in your bathroom faucet can force water to flow back into your home’s cold-water line, contaminating the water that flows into your bathtub and toilet. Replacing the faucet might be necessary, and the pipes will also have to be inspected for leaks or signs of corrosion.
Clogged Drain or Sewer
A clogged drain forces any water at the top of the clog to flow back into your home. This often happens in homes that use pipe traps that are easily clogged with hair, grease, and soap scum. Outside of the house and further down the sewer line, there could be another clog caused by debris blockage or tree roots. That can also trigger a backflow scenario.
Outdated and Damaged Fittings
The older the home, the greater the risk of an outdated fitting being compromised or a pipe becoming damaged. When that occurs, that section of the pipe becomes incapable of maintaining the proper pressure to drain the water from your residence.
Tips for Preventing Plumbing Backflow
When a plumbing backflow occurs, it creates a significant disruption for the household. Fortunately, there are a few proactive measures you can adopt in order to prevent the situation from happening. These are the types of tasks that should be handled by experienced plumbers.
A backflow preventer valve prevents contaminated backflow water from entering your primary water source. When properly installed by a plumber, this valve helps reverse the water flow if there is a sudden drop in pressure that triggers a backflow. Similar valves, such as a double check valve or reducing valve, perform many of the same functions. Your plumber can recommend the best valve for your plumbing system.
Your plumbing could also have a manual gap between piping connections. When operational, those gaps can help maintain the correct pressure levels. Having the backflow preventer valves installed in your home will reduce the risk of backflows that could lead to costly repairs. It is not just the pipes that could be damaged because of a backflow, but also your flooring and interior possessions.
You can also be proactive with regular inspections and maintenance that will reveal potential problems with your plumbing system. Some municipalities require commercial businesses to conduct regular backflow testing, which can become part of your regular drain and sewer line cleaning.
Call on Professional Plumbers
Dealing with a plumbing backflow problem is a challenge that is best left to the professional plumbers at AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical. We have been helping homeowners in Farmington Hills, MI with this exact type of problem for nearly a hundred years.
In addition to a complete spectrum of plumbing services, from drain cleaning to sewer services, AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical can assist with any electrical tasks, such as installing ceiling fans or bringing old wiring up to code. We also perform a full range of HVAC services, including installation, repair, and maintenance.
At the first sign of a plumbing backflow, call us at AJ Danboise Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical for a dependable fix. We will ensure the water flows in the right direction.
