What is Backflow?

Are you searching “What is backflow?”, you are likely trying to protect your property, your customers, or your family. Backflow is a water safety issue that can happen in both homes and facilities across Michigan. Backflow is the undesirable reversal of the flow of water. When backflow occurs, non-potable or harmful substances can move into a potable water system through a cross-connection. Backflow is caused by backsiphonage or backpressure and can create serious health and safety hazards.

Why backflow matters

Backflow can introduce polluted water or other harmful substances into drinking water. Unfortunately, backflow incidents can happen without warning, and many are never reported. That is why backflow prevention systems and Backflow Testing matter for Michigan properties.

What causes backflow?

Backflow is caused by one of two conditions:

Backsiphonage

Backsiphonage is a sudden decrease in water pressure in the water distribution system, such as a water main break. This pressure drop can create a suction effect that reverses water flow and pulls non-potable substances into potable water systems.

Backpressure

Backpressure occurs when pressure in a non-potable system becomes greater than the inlet pressure of a potable system. That pressure difference can force water to reverse through a cross-connection and contaminate the potable supply.

What is a cross-connection?

A cross-connection is any temporary or permanent connection between potable water and non-potable water or substances. Cross-connections can occur in a public system or in a consumer’s plumbing system. If a cross-connection exists, backflow can occur if there is no proper protection in place.

Where backflow risk shows up

Backflow risk is common anywhere potable water connects to systems that may contain contaminants, including:

• Lawn irrigation systems
• Pools and decorative water features
• Washing machines, dishwashers, and other appliances
• Water fountains
• Equipment in commercial kitchens, labs, or industrial settings
  

If a water system comes in contact with a possible contaminant, it should be isolated with a backflow prevention system.

How Backflow Testing helps

Backflow prevention assemblies are designed to allow water to flow in only one direction. Backflow Testing verifies the assembly is installed correctly and operating within specification. Testing also produces the documentation many Michigan authorities require for compliance.

Testing schedules can vary by city. Some cities require annual testing, while others may allow intervals such as three or five years. Residential schedules can vary by application, such as every three years on irrigation and yearly on isolation assemblies.

Why choose Backflow Prevention Services

Backflow Prevention Services supports Michigan customers with system design, installation, repair, and Backflow Testing and certification.

What sets the team apart, based on the information provided:

• Backflow prevention servicing is the core focus of the business
• The team includes Journeyman and Master Plumbers and ASSE 5110 testers
• Repairs are performed by ASSE 5110 and 5130 certified, licensed plumbers
• Statewide coverage throughout Michigan
• Over 60 years of collective industry experience across the technician team
• Friendly office support for scheduling, billing, and customer service

FAQs

Is backflow dangerous?
Backflow can introduce non-potable substances into drinking water, creating serious health and safety hazards.

What causes backflow?
Backflow is caused by backsiphonage (a pressure drop) or backpressure (higher pressure in a non-potable system).

How do I know if I need testing?
If your property has a backflow prevention assembly, testing may be required based on local authority rules. Many sites are tested on a schedule set by the city.

Do you submit certification paperwork?
Backflow Prevention Services provides certification documentation and submits it to the appropriate authorities on your behalf.

If you need Backflow Testing in Michigan, schedule service with Backflow Prevention Services. We will test your backflow prevention assembly, provide the documentation you need, and submit certification to the appropriate authority.

“What is backflow?” is a simple question with important consequences. Backflow is the undesirable reversal of water flow caused by backsiphonage or backpressure, and it can introduce harmful substances into potable water. Backflow Testing is a practical way to confirm your backflow prevention assembly is functioning correctly and to keep your Michigan compliance documentation up to date.