San Diego residential backflow preventer installation is one of many pipelining services we offer. Our factory-certified installers get the job done perfectly and we back our quality with the longest warranty in the industry.
We tend to take the quality of our drinking water for granted. But it’s not always the case that the potable water in homes is safe to drink. Non-potable water could mix with the drinking water supply, contaminating it and posing a health risk.
Backflow prevention devices or backflow preventers protect potable water from contamination. San Diego Pipelining installs backflow preventers in residential plumbing systems, helping safeguard residents’ health.
What is Backflow Prevention?
Water flowing from the main water supply line should flow in a single direction – into your home’s fixtures. But sometimes, water flows backwards and seeps back into the main water supply line. This is called backflow.
A backflow can occur due to pressure changes in the pipes, which can be caused by a break in the main water line or when a fire hydrant is opened for use. In such situations, the pressure is lost and water isn’t pushed forward into your home but back into the city water lines.
Another reason is if your plumbing pipes are not correctly sized for your level of requirement, then the water pressure inside your home can increase and cause backflow. Any disruption in water pressure levels increases the chance of a pressure backflow.
A backflow preventer is a device installed onto a pipe that only allows water to flow in one direction. It stops water if it tries to flow backwards into the main water supply.
Health Risks Associated with Backflow Contamination
Backflow can contaminate the public water supply with human waste, pesticides, fertilizers, chlorine from pools/spas, and soap from dishwashers, showers, or sinks. If consumed, the contaminated water can pose serious health risks.
Drinking even small amounts of water containing human waste can give you diarrhea. Unsafe water can also cause diseases such as cholera, typhoid, infectious hepatitis, salmonellosis, and a host of other bacterial, viral, and parasitic diseases. You can easily avoid these with San Diego residential backflow preventer installation by our professional plumbers.
Backups can happen anywhere in your home. In some areas, such as your sprinkler systems, the risk and consequences of backflow are low. But your dishwasher, faucets, and swimming pools are also susceptible to backflows, which should concern you.
Our Backflow Preventer Installation Services in San Diego
Backflow can be addressed in two ways.
The first one involves installing an air gap, an open vertical space between devices connecting to the plumbing system where contaminated water could collect. Your plumbing system will already have air gaps. But if you want to add air gaps, your home’s plumbing system may need to be reconfigured to accommodate additional air gaps.
It may not be possible to install air gaps in areas where there isn’t sufficient vertical clearance or physical space. Pressurized water also rules out the installation of air gaps. A water backflow preventer is preferable for most homeowners.
A backflow preventer valve may be installed at strategic locations in the plumbing system wherever there is a risk of contaminated water entering the water supply pipe. Once installed, the valve will act like a barrier if and when the water is moving in the wrong direction. Otherwise, it keeps water flowing from the main water supply line and into your home.
Types of backflow preventers
Here’s a look at the types of backflow preventers based on the severity of the water backflow.
Atmospheric vacuum breakers (AVBs)
Atmospheric Vacuum Breakers (AVBs) are a solution to back-siphonage, which occurs due to a drop in pressure in the supply line, which can potentially lead to backflow.
An AVB has a spring-loaded check valve and an air vent. The check valve allows water to flow in a single direction, while the air vent lets air enter the line when the pressure drops.
When the water pressure in the supply line is higher than the pressure in the system it’s installed on, the check valve remains closed, allowing water to flow through the system.
If the pressure in the supply line falls, the check valve opens and air enters the line, preventing any back-siphonage of water from the system into the main water supply.
AVBs are most suited for in-ground sprinkler systems, where the risk of water backflow is low.
Pressure vacuum breakers (PVBs)
A PVB consists of an inlet valve, a check valve, and an air vent. The inlet valve allows water to enter the device. The heck valve allows water to flow in one direction only. The air vent lets air in the line when the pressure drops. It works like an AVB in preventing backflow but is used where the risk of backflow is on the higher side, such as residential sprinkler systems.
A double check valve assembly (DCVA)
A DCVA contains two spring-loaded check valves with two shut off valves and four test cocks. In the event of a backflow the first check valve will close. If that check valve fails, then the other check valve will close.
Reduced pressure zone assemblies (RPZs)
An RPZ has two independently acting check valves and a relief valve located between them. It also includes a test cock and shut-off valves for testing and maintenance purposes.
In the event of a drop in pressure in the supply line, the check valves close to prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the main supply. If the pressure differential between the upstream and downstream sides of the RPZ exceeds a safe limit, the relief valve opens to discharge water to a safe location, further preventing backflow.
RPZs are typically used in high-hazard situations. They include industrial processes, chemical facilities, hospitals, apartment buildings, and other environments where there is a significant risk of water contamination.
Our San Diego residential backflow preventer installation
Our factory-certified installers have the technical know-how and experience to carry out San Diego residential backflow preventer installation flawlessly. For water lines, we offer a Lifetime warranty for our residential customers. The warranty is transferable to a new owner with an additional ten years and a design life of 75 years.
Benefits of Our Backflow Preventer Installation
There are many advantages to keeping backflow at bay with the appropriate installations:
1. Clean and safe water supply: The main benefit of a backflow preventer is to keep germs, bacteria, human waste, and harmful chemicals out of the water supply. You enjoy peace of mind knowing that the water you use is safe for you and your family.
2. Compliance with regulations: Municipalities across California are strict about enforcing the requirement for adequate backflow prevention to tackle the risk of accidental water supply contamination. Backflow protection is mandated by California Administrative Code, Title 17.
3. Protection against back-siphonage and back pressure: Backflow preventers are designed to prevent both back-siphonage due to a drop in supply pressure. They also prevent back pressure from the pressure in the system exceeding the supply pressure. This dual protection ensures comprehensive backflow prevention.
4. Irrigation system safety: Installed an irrigation system in your home? A backflow preventer ensures that fertilizers, pesticides, and other chemicals used in landscaping don’t enter the main water supply.
5. Cost savings: By preventing contaminated water from entering into your home, a backflow preventer can help avoid situations where water needs to be flushed or treated to remove contaminants. This can help reduce your water bills.
6. Liability protection: Installing a backflow preventer demonstrates a homeowner’s commitment to water safety and compliance with regulations. This will protect you in the event of any liability issues related to water quality.
7. Prevents corrosion: Contaminated water can cause damage to plumbing systems, appliances, and fixtures over time. A backflow preventer helps preserve the integrity and longevity of these components.
8. Maintains property value: As a backflow preventer is an important component of a safe and functional plumbing system, installing one adds to the overall value of your property.
How the Installation Process Works
San Diego residential backflow preventer installation follows these steps:
- Determine the appropriate type of backflow preventer: We will help you determine the most suitable type of backflow preventer for your specific application.
- Choose the installation location: The backflow preventer must be installed as close to the water meter as possible and adhere to the Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 17, § 7603 – Location of Backflow Preventers.
- Shut off the water supply: Before installing the water backflow preventer, we shut off the main water supply to your property.
- Prepare the installation area: We clear the area where the backflow preventer will be installed of any obstructions or debris that may interfere with the installation.
- Install the backflow preventer: Generally, the installation involves cutting into the existing plumbing line and connecting the backflow preventer between the water supply line and the rest of the plumbing system. We use appropriate fittings and connectors recommended by the manufacturer.
- Ensure proper positioning and orientation: It is crucial to adhere to the specific installation requirements for the chosen assembly. For instance, the PVBA must be installed a minimum of 12 inches above the finished grade, while the DCVA may be installed in a vault beneath the finished grade. Sufficient clearance should be provided to allow for testing and/or repair of the assembly.
Compliance with Local Regulations
Meeting the local codes related to backflow preventer installation not only helps avoid potential penalties but also ensures the safety and well-being of residents. Commercial plumbers know the local codes and stick to them in performing installation and conduct inspections to identify violations and make the necessary adjustments to bring plumbing systems up to code. We use industry-standard equipment and strictly adhere to technical specifications required by regulatory bodies.
Why Choose San Diego Pipelining
Our San Diego Pipelining for backflow preventer installation ticks all the boxes:
- Factory certified installers
- No hidden fees
- A warehouse on wheels to enable speedy response
- Longest warranty in the industry
- 24-hour emergency response
- Excellent customer support
Our commitment to quality, reliability and customer satisfaction makes us a top choice among San Diego residents.
Customer Testimonials
San Diego Pipelining is now our go-to and the only plumbing service we will use moving forward.
-Casey Bartels
Very easy to book the appointment. Contacted 2 other plumbers and got no response. Everyone I interacted with was very friendly and efficient.
– Geoff Goldberg
Thanks San Diego Pipelining, you’re my #1 go to for sure!
– Dan Lukerchine
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do I identify a backflow?
Watch out for these signs of a potential water backflow in your home:
- Water flowing backward can cause a clog in which case you’ll notice that your drains are draining much slower than usual.
- Water flowing backwards through your pipes restricts the flow of fresh water. A sudden drop in water pressure requires investigation.
- If your water looks murky, it could be contaminated with chemicals and waste due to backflow.
- Foul smelling water should also ring warning bells that something is wrong in your plumbing system.
- Backflow can cause leakages. Wet spots in your yard are indicative of the problem.
- The air bubbles formed when water flows backwards can cause gurgling sounds in your plumbing system.
2. Do backflow preventers have to be tested ?
Mechanical backflow preventers have springs, seals, and moving parts that can wear out with time. So, they must be tested periodically with properly calibrated gauge equipment to ensure that they are functioning properly.
3. Does my home irrigation system need a backflow preventer?
If your irrigation system is connected to a drinkable water source, a backflow preventer is a legal requirement.
Contact Us
San Diego Pipelining is the go-to for a range of pipelining and plumbing services. We perform backflow preventer installation correctly and compliantly. Our technicians explain the issue and installation clearly so you know what to expect. We’re committed to ensuring clean and safe water for San Diego homeowners. Fill our contact form for inquiries, quotes, or appointments. We’ll get back to you quickly.