A good irrigation system is key to a healthy lawn and garden all year round. However, a well set-up irrigation system is never complete without a backflow preventer. This important device keeps the water you drink clean and free from the dirt, bacteria, and chemicals that get into any irrigation system.

Let’s talk a little bit more about backflow and why a backflow preventer is so important.

Backflow and Water Contamination

In most irrigation systems, the water supply used is the same one that is used in your home. What backflow means is that the water moves in the wrong direction traveling from your irrigation system back into the water supply.

The reasons this happens can vary, but the principle is always the same. When the pressure in the water supply traveling to the irrigation system drops below that of the water already inside it, the water will travel backward. The water in your irrigation system will bring with it everything else as well, such as fertilizers, pesticides, and bacteria that may have contaminated the lines.

There are many reasons the pressure in your water supply can drop, making it hard to predict when it will happen. Any large amount of water suddenly being used at once can cause a sudden drop in pressure, and another common cause is a broken pipe. Due to the many reasons that a sudden drop in pressure can occur, it is easier and more effective to focus on preventing the backflow instead, and this is where a backflow preventer comes in.

Backflow Preventers

A backflow preventer is a fairly simple device that has one job, preventing backflow. Even when the pressure in your system drops by a large amount, the backflow preventer will only allow water to travel in one direction, away from your home. This keeps contaminated water out, allowing your home’s drinking water to stay safe. The exact way this works depends on the type of backflow preventer, and there are several different types on the market designed for different applications. Let’s take a look at a few options.

Types of Backflow Preventers

There are several types of backflow preventers on the market, and the best choice will depend on your system. These types include:

  • Air Gap: This simple backflow prevention device simply provides a vertical gap of air for pressure to fluctuate without drawing water back.
  • Pressure Vacuum Breaker: This device contains a spring-loaded seal that helps limit water loss but allows air to stabilize pressure should a vacuum build-up.
  • Double Check Valve: This device contains two check valves to prevent backflow, even if one becomes clogged or stuck. This makes it a sturdy option suited for many systems.

There are many more options than these, and to determine the best one for your system, it is important to discuss your options with a licensed plumber.

Final Thoughts

Backflow is a common issue with any irrigation system, and the risk of contamination it presents makes it crucial to ensure an effective backflow preventer is installed. In many areas, this is even legally required; however, even if this is not the case, it is always a good choice.

Contact Us

If your irrigation system is in need of a backflow preventer or any other service, call J Griffin Heating & Plumbing. Our experienced plumbers can inspect your irrigation system and determine the best backflow preventer to protect your home and family. Call us at 781-520-1212 and connect with us on Facebook.