In many commercial buildings, the water supply comes from the municipal water distribution system. This means that there are people on the other side of the pipes distributing that water. A backflow preventer is an anti-backflow device that prevents water or other liquids from flowing back in the direction from which they came. This is important indoors (such as in an office building) and outdoors (such as in a warehouse). Without a backflow preventer, if the water supply main were to become damaged and lose pressure, water from the building's pipes would be sucked back into the municipal supply. This could put people in the same building at risk from contamination from other sources. In addition to protecting the building occupants from contamination, a backflow preventer can prevent the loss of water from the municipal supply if the building's sprinkler system is activated, as well as protect fire hydrants from contamination from the building's water supply. While every situation is different, a backflow preventer is recommended for all commercial buildings.

Basics of a backflow preventer

A backflow preventer is a water safety device that prevents sewage and other harmful liquids from entering drinking water supplies. Backflow preventers use air pressure to prevent sewage water from flowing back into a water supply. When sewage water flows into a water supply, the water pressure drops and water in the pipes backs up. Backflow preventers use air pressure to prevent this from happening.A backflow preventer is installed at the water main entering the building and at the building's water meter. The water meter measures how much water is being used. If the water supply pressure drops below the level of the building's water supply it can cause sewage or water from other sources to flow back into the building's sprinkler system and municipal water supply.

How a backflow preventer works

To understand how a backflow preventer works, imagine a garden hose connected to a sprinkler. When a sprinkler is activated, water shoots out of the sprinkler and spills onto the ground. If there is no barrier keeping the water in the sprinkler from flowing back into the hose, the water from the sprinkler will flow back into the hose. This is called a backflow situation.In a commercial water distribution system, water flows from the water main into the building's water meter and then into the building's distribution pipe. From there, the water travels through the building's plumbing and sprinkler system where it is used for irrigation. If there is a severe water main break, water pressure will drop in the area and the water supply could be contaminated. If there is a sprinkler in the area that is activated, water from the sprinkler could flow back into the municipal water supply or the building's water supply. This is called a backflow situation.To prevent this, a backflow preventer is installed at the water meter and at the building's water main. The backflow preventer is a valve that is designed to prevent backflow by shutting off the flow of water in the opposite direction.

Benefits of backflow prevention

- Protects people from harmful bacteria and chemicals - Protects drinking water from contamination - Protects potable water sources from contamination - Protects water sources from fire and flood - Protects water sources from earthquakes - Protects water sources from extreme weather conditions - Protects water sources from vandalism or theft - Protects water sources from vandalism or theft

Types of Backflow Preventer

There are two main types of backflow preventers: automatic and manual. Automatic backflow preventers are more complex but also more effective and reliable.Manual backflow preventers are cheaper but require regular maintenance. Automatic backflow preventers are also more expensive but are easy to operate and require less maintenance. The two main categories of automatic backflow preventer are double check valves and water turbine.Double check valve automatic backflow preventers include a float valve and a check valve. A float valve is placed in the water supply line. When the water level rises, the float moves and operates the check valve. The check valve shuts off the water supply if there is a sudden drop in water pressure.Water turbine automatic backflow preventers include a water turbine, a control valve, and a shut-off valve. The water turbine is connected to the water supply line. When water pressure drops, water flows through the water turbine, spinning it and creating a pressure that can be turned into flow. The flow of water through the water turbine is used to operate the control and shut-off valves.

When do you need a backflow preventer?

A backflow preventer is recommended for all commercial buildings. If the building's water supply main were to become damaged and lose pressure, water from the building's pipes would be sucked back into the municipal supply. This could put people in the same building at risk from contamination from other sources. In addition to protecting the building occupants from contamination, a backflow preventer can prevent the loss of water from the municipal supply if the building's sprinkler system is activated, as well as protect fire hydrants from contamination from the building's water supply.While every situation is different, a backflow preventer is recommended for all commercial buildings.

Conclusion

A backflow preventer is a water safety device that prevents sewage and other harmful liquids from entering drinking water supplies. It is a critical component of commercial buildings. A backflow preventer is recommended for all commercial buildings. Without a backflow preventer, if the water supply main were to become damaged and lose pressure, water from the building's pipes would be sucked back into the municipal supply. This could put people in the same building at risk from contamination from other sources. In addition to protecting the building occupants from contamination, a backflow preventer can prevent the loss of water from the municipal supply if the building's sprinkler system is activated, as well as protect fire hydrants from contamination from the building's water supply.