Backflow in residential and commercial buildings can cause many issues, highlighting how crucial it is to have proper backflow prevention. In this blog post, HEB Plumbing & Sprinkler will discuss the importance of backflow prevention in homes and businesses throughout Bedford, Euless, and Hurst, Texas.
What is Backflow & Why is It a Risk to Your Bedford Water Supply?
The pipes in your home or business are designed to flow in one direction. However, that doesn’t always happen. Backflow occurs when water, waste, gas, or other substances flow in the opposite direction through a pipe. If a cross-connection (a place where drinking water can contact non-potable substances) encounters backflow, the drinking water can be contaminated. Consequences of blackflow include water damage, contaminated water, illness, and even death. Backflow can affect home and even municipal water supplies under the right conditions.
Backflow prevention devices are used to prevent backflow and protect water from being contaminated. There are different types of backflow preventers, but they all serve a crucial purpose. Properly maintained and placed backflow preventers will help protect clean water from contamination.
The two main types of backflow are backsiphonage and backpressure.
- Backsiphonage: Backsiphonage occurs when the water supply pressure decreases. When this happens, it causes a vacuum that pulls contaminants into the water system. Various situations can cause pressure differences, such as a fire department drawing water from a fire hydrant or fire sprinklers activating.
- Backpressure: Less common than backsiphonage, backpressure occurs when the plumbing system’s pressure is greater than the water supply’s pressure. Backpressure forces contaminated water backwards, into clean lines. Aging sewer pipes or clogging may cause this.
Common Causes of Backflow in Residential & Commercial Plumbing
Backflow in residential and commercial plumbing has a range of causes. The following are a few examples of this.
- Water Main Breaks: A broken water main may prevent a system from providing enough water to meet demand, resulting in backflow. A system leak may also occur, which can result in leaks in your home or sewage entering your basement.
- Prolonged Loss of Power: If your residential or commercial building is without power for a prolonged period, it can cause water in a water tank to become stagnant, allowing for bacterial growth. If the bacteria grow in a hot water tank, you may encounter scaldingly hot water when washing your hands, bathing, or showering.
- Sediment Buildups: Sediment buildup can create additional pressure on the water flowing into your house. If the pressure is great enough, it can result in backflow.
- Leaking or Burst Water Pipes: A water pipe leak can cause backflow to occur. A burst water pipe can result in a rapid loss of pressure, leaving a water system susceptible to backflow.
- Overhauled Plumbing: Backflow may occur following a plumbing overhaul if it is done incorrectly. This underscores the importance of having a professional conduct any plumbing overhauls.
- Long-Lasting Clogs: If a pipe clog lasts long enough, the pressure created from water buildup may result in backflow.
- Malfunctioning Backflow Prevention Device: Backflow prevention devices can wear out over time. A malfunctioning backflow prevention device may be unable to prevent backflow.
- Poorly Designed Plumbing: Some buildings, such as those that are older or have complex designs, may not have enough space between potable and non-potable lines, insufficient pipe routing, or otherwise outdated plumbing systems. These can increase the likelihood of backflow occurring.
- Emergency Water Usage: An emergency water usage in your neighborhood, such as firefighters drawing a large amount of water to fight a fire, could result in backflow.
- Severe Weather: Weather, such as a severe storm, can cause a change in pressure, resulting in backflow.
- Floods: Flooding can cause backflow to occur when floodwater flows backward into your plumbing system, contaminating it.
- Sprinkler System Blowout: When a sprinkler system is blown out in the winter, the water may flow backward and enter the plumbing system, highlighting how crucial it is to have a backflow preventer.
How can I tell if My Backflow Preventer Is Failing?
To tell if your backflow preventer is failing, look for the following signs that your device may have issues and should be tested. All backflow preventer repairs must be handled by a reputable plumber, and the majority of areas require testing conducted by a certified tester following a repair.
- Odd-Tasting Water: Water with an odd taste may indicate a malfunctioning water backflow device. When water becomes contaminated from a faulty backflow device, its sulfur levels rise. Avoid drinking the old-tasting water as it may be hazardous to your health and can cause diarrhea or cholera.
- Bad Smelling Water: Water with a bad smell can be an indication that a backflow preventer is failing. You may notice this when you activate a faucet and encounter a foul smell. The contaminated water may smell like rotten eggs because of its high sulfur content. Do NOT drink bad-smelling water.
- Water Becomes Discolored: Water discoloration is a common sign of backflow prevention device trouble. Contaminated water often looks dirty and may be yellow, pink, or a muddy brown. Do NOT drink discolored water.
- Drainage Slows: A malfunctioning water backflow device may cause drainage to slow. Slow drainage may occur in showers, dishwashers, sinks, or other places.
- The Backflow Preventor Leaks: As backflow preventers wear out, they can leak. This may be caused by a rubber part that has shifted or cracked, as well as valve corrosion.
- Backflow Preventer Makes Strange Noises: Backflow preventers are generally quiet, but may make noise if they malfunction. If you hear a backflow preventer making a strange sound, such as a gurgle, hiss, or click noise, it could signal improper water flow in the backflow preventer.
- Rust and Sediment Particles Appear in the Water: Rust and sediment particles in the water are a good indicator of water backflow device trouble. The contaminated water adds debris to the clean water when the two mix. When these particles appear in your water, stop using it for drinking or cleaning until the issue has been resolved.
- Water Pressure Lowers or Water Levels Rise: Increasing water levels or lower water pressure may indicate a faulty backflow prevention device. You may notice reduced water pressure in kitchens, sinks, and showerheads. Higher water levels in drains, such as in a toilet, can indicate a backflow preventer problem.
- Water Meter Runs in Reverse: Backflow may cause a water meter to reverse.
Local Backflow Prevention Information and Regulations in Bedford, Euless, & Hurst
The following is information on backflow from the Texas cities of Bedford, Euless, and Hurst’s websites. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please contact the respective cities.
Bedford: The city of Bedford’s website lists the following information on backflow regulations.
- Irrigation Systems: All irrigation systems installed are required to have a backflow device installed. Currently, only commercial facilities are required to have backflow devices on irrigation systems tested annually.
- Commercial Facilities: Commercial facilities are required to have all backflow protection assemblies tested annually.
For answers to frequently asked questions, including whether your facility is required to have a backflow prevention assembly, please go to TCEQ Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention.
Euless: The city of Euless’s website states the following about their cross-connection control program:
- Cross-Connection Control Program: The City of Euless has partnered with Aqua Backflow to assist with its cross connection control/backflow program. The City will be utilizing Aqua Backflow’s TrackMyBackflow.com tracking website. Aqua Backflow will contact water customers when backflow testing is due and will also notify them of the new program.
- Effective immediately, all backflow test results must be submitted on TrackMyBackflow.com. There is a $10.95 filing fee.
For more information on backflow regulations in the city of Euless, you can view their code of ordinances online.
Hurst: The city of Hurst, Texas, website mentions the following about cross connections (the place in plumbing where potable and non-potable water meet) and backflow:
The City of Hurst Environmental Services Division is responsible for responding to environmental concerns such as spills, household hazardous waste, cross connection control, storm water pollution prevention, vector control and public education.
They state the following on their environmental services page:
The City of Hurst Environmental Services Division is responsible for providing a wide range of programs and services for Hurst residents and businesses. The goal of these programs and services is to protect our natural resources and keep our city clean, safe and livable. We strive to accomplish this goal through the following programs:
- Cross Connection Control Program
- Household Hazardous Waste Collection
- Fats, Oils and Grease (FOG) Program
- Stormwater Prevention Program
- Wastewater Surcharge Program
- Mosquito Surveillance Program
- Commercial and Industrial Wastewater Discharge Monitoring
- Liquid Waste Haulers Registration and Reporting
- Illicit Discharge Detection and Prevention
For Backflow Contractor Registration: Environmental Services or in person at the Hurst Service Center at 2001 Precinct Line Rd.
The Importance of Annual Backflow Testing & Compliance
It is a law in Texas that all backflow-prevention devices must be inspected annually. These annual inspections help protect public water systems. Please note that some public water systems may have stricter requirements than those set by the TCEQ.
According to the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), “Because backflow-prevention assemblies are mechanical assemblies that can fail, the TCEQ requires testing of all backflow-prevention assemblies at installation by a TCEQ-licensed tester. Backflow-prevention assemblies installed to protect against any health hazard must be tested annually.”
Whether you are in Bedford, Euless, Hurst, or anywhere else in Texas, it is essential to stay up to date with backflow prevention assembly.
A properly functioning backflow preventer is crucial for keeping your home or business safe. Beyond a home or business, municipal water can also be threatened.
How HEB Plumbing Helps Protect Your Home or Business from Backflow
As backflow can have numerous causes, it’s important that your plumbing system is properly maintained. HEB Plumbing offers several services to help protect homes and businesses from backflow. Our cross-connection control programs help protect your plumbing from cross-contamination. We can inspect plumbing and install, repair, and maintain backflow prevention devices.
How do I schedule a backflow test or installation in Bedford and surrounding areas?
If you’re located in Bedford, Texas, or the surrounding area, the professionals at HEB Plumbing & Sprinkler can help you with a backflow test or the installation or maintenance of a backflow prevention device. Call or email us to schedule an appointment for backflow testing, installation, or maintenance.