Residential- Backflow Prevention Device Replacement & Installation

Backflow is the reversal of the flow of water into the distribution pipes of your potable water system that can contaminate drinking water. Your plumbing system is designed to keep your water supply completely separate from your wastewater, but when backflow occurs, water from inside your house can be pushed or pulled back into the community’s drinking water supply. In the same way, backflow can be isolated within a single property when water from a source pushes or pulls the water back into the property’s drinking water supply.

What Causes Backflow?

Water distribution systems are designed so that water flows in only one direction. However, when the water main is damaged and normal water pressure is lost in the water main, water could flow from a  house/building back into the water main. When this occurs, water ends up flowing in the opposite direction. Backflow could also occur in the event of a cross-connection where the well-pump pressure is higher than the water main pressure causing the water to flow backward into the water main. Any form of backflow can be dangerous and is a potential health hazard to the community drinking water supply.

Listed below are the major causes of backflow in residential properties.

• Back-siphonage
  This arises when a sudden drop in mains pressure causes the water to flow back into the system. This can occur when large volumes of water are being drawn or during a water main or plumbing system break, or during shutdown of a water main for repair. The reduction of pressure creates a vacuum in the pipes and the water flows in the reverse direction.
• Back Pressure
  Backpressure most often happens when the force of water at your building rises above city water pressure. However, it can also be arisen by tall residential buildings due to its height and weight of the given column of water.
• Sewerage pipe damage
  The sewerage pipes are carrying the wastewater from your home to the local water system. Because everything is subject to wear and tear, these pipes suffer damage over time causing backflow. The signs are very obvious, so it is possible to take action right away. Foul smell and leaks from your drains are the primary indicators of sewerage pipes damage.
• Local source damage
  There might be nothing wrong with your plumbing system if the cause of the problem cannot be identified inside your home or building. Sometimes the problems lie in with the local community area, and a backup within the local system may have caused the backflow into your home.

How to  Prevent Backflow?
In order to ensure safe, clean drinking water, all the residential owners in Toronto are obligated to require the installation of  backflow preventer to protect the potable drinking water system. The backflow preventer installation should be done before the water supply connection is installed and water is supplied to your property. All the property owners in Toronto must have a backflow prevention device fitted to their water supplies and have it tested annually. Generally, water quality within plumbing systems and water distribution mains is preserved as long as the water pressure is maintained.

Backflow Prevention Regulations
To help protect the safety of the City’s drinking water in Toronto, the water supply by law mandates that all residential properties in Toronto should have backflow prevention devices installed on the water supply lines. Contact us today for detailed information on various situations whereby your house or building would require a residential backflow preventer installation or not.

Backflow Prevention Devices for Residential Properties

There are various types of backflow prevention devices available in the markets that prevent wastewater from the property from entering the city’s water supply. The type of device appropriate for a particular application is determined by the degree of contamination risk. And a correctly selected backflow prevention device will eliminate any risk of contamination of the drinking water supply.
A plumber certified as a Backflow Prevention Specialist can assist in selecting the proper device. Backflow prevention device installation is done where there is a risk of contaminated fluids entering the water supply pipes.

The types of backflow prevention devices for residential properties are available with both testable or non-testable devices. Their use in a particular situation depends on the degree of hazard. Testable devices must be tested on installation and at regular intervals of time, like semi-annually or annually.

Below are types of testable backflow prevention assemblies.

• Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Assembly
• Double Check Valve Assemblies
• Reduced Pressure Principle Backflow Assembly
• Pressure Vacuum Breakers

Non-testable devices may only be used on low-hazard rated systems and are usually used for internal protection. Non-testable devices should be checked every 2 years maximum.

Backflow Prevention Devices Testing Repair

Backflow prevention device installation ensures that the supply of drinking water in your house is protected against the entry of any contaminants or pollutants. So, periodic testing is required after the installation of  backflow preventer. The backflow prevention device installed in your building should be tested every year. Everest Drain & Plumbing can do yearly tests and inspection and provide you with the necessary documentation to ensure that you are meeting all your legal requirements.

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What properties does the backflow prevention program apply to?

This backflow prevention program applies to all industrial, commercial, and multi-residential and mixed-use buildings. It also applies to any property, including residential that poses a risk to the quality of the Town’s drinking water and safety of the community, regardless of the property class. A building permit is also required for all backflow preventer installations. Call your local water supplier to confirm whether or not backflow prevention device installation is required at your house.

• 1. What properties does the backflow prevention program apply to?

  This backflow prevention program applies to all industrial, commercial, and multi-residential and mixed-use buildings. It also applies to any property, including residential that poses a risk to the quality of the Town’s drinking water and safety of the community, regardless of the property class. A building permit is also required for all backflow preventer installations. Call your local water supplier to confirm whether or not backflow prevention device installation is required at your house.

• 2. What kind of residential backflow preventer installation is required at my house?

  First, ask a licensed backflow preventer plumber to inspect your house and what appropriate backflow preventer installation is required. There are a number of different types of backflow prevention devices available. The type of device required will depend on the risk rating of the property with the possible hazard. The licensed backflow plumber near your area will be able to provide you with all the relevant information.

• 3. Must I have my backflow prevention assembly inspected?

  Testing of your backflow prevention devices is required to be completed yearly by a licensed backflow preventer tester. If the tester finds the assembly is not working, you must arrange to have it repaired and tested again.

• 4. Who is responsible for the testing and maintenance and installation of backflow preventers?

  Even though the device is required by many cities throughout the country, it’s the homeowner’s responsibility to install the device. This means you have to bear all backflow preventer installation and replacement costs.

• 5. How much will a backflow preventer installation cost?

  The cost of having a backflow preventer installation differs. It is dependent on several factors including the size of the device, where the device is located, the type of device, service charge, etc.

• 6. Do All Plumbers Test Backflow Prevention Devices?

  Not all plumbers in Toronto provide this service because it requires special certification. That’s why you should never depend on maintenance personnel or hire a handyman to install the device. Always hire a licensed and insured plumber who is approved by the city to test and install backflow prevention devices.

  Backflow preventer installation is very important for your homes and buildings. It keeps you, your families, and friends in good health and gives peace of mind. To learn more about installation of backflow preventer, contact us today.