You might have heard the term “backflow preventer.” Common places to find them are on industrial city water mains, sprinkler systems and even your home.
The device is used to ensure that no water flows backwards, making sure that harmful toxins and bacteria won’t make it back into a clean water supply.
When a lawn sprinkler system goes off, the system will loose pressure and cause water to flow in the opposite direction which is called backflow. Backflow is harmful, especially if it is polluted. If you have a break in your sprinkler systems main water line, bacteria and or contaminated can enter the piping. Without the backflow preventer installed these harmful pollutants will make their way into your homes drinking water and could possibly contaminate the community’s water supply.
Here in Lexington County, it is mandated that all sprinkler systems installed will require the installation of a backflow preventer.
How Do They Work?
The device is equipped with two check valves. They are oriented in unison to prevent backflow. The valves will close once pressure is detected near the water meter and backflow preventer.
