Backflow preventers are a necessary component for a lot of homes that deal with water flow problems. If your plumbing system is constantly fighting against contamination or the effects of gravity, then call Expert Home Solutions for backflow prevention services today.
Let’s get your home’s plumbing system protected from backflow. Our experts are the team to call in Downers Grove, IL for this kind of work.
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We are here to protect your plumbing system from backflow that could cause further damage to the building. Our team of experts is ready to assist with the installation and maintenance of backflow preventers to meet your home needs.
Backflow prevention is part of the residential and commercial plumbing system, installed to keep wastewater contaminants from getting into the freshwater supply. A backflow preventer gives your home an additional barrier between raw sewage and clean water, providing peace of mind even during a change in wastewater pressure or freshwater pressure that often causes cross-contamination.
The operation of the backflow prevention device is quite simple as it is designed to prohibit wastewater from reversing into the supply water line. The way a particular backflow prevention device works is dependent on its application, with each having unique mechanics for protecting clean water from contamination.
There are different types of backflow prevention devices, with each having unique purposes, features, pros, and cons. Below are some of the popular types of backflow prevention devices used in homes and businesses in Northwest and West suburbs of Chicago, IL and other parts of the world.
Air gaps have become increasingly popular due to their effectiveness in preventing backflow. They are designed to provide a physical break between the water source and the container it is running into. An air gap is often built into the sink installed in the kitchen and bathrooms, as well as showers, bathtubs, dishwashers, and washing machines. It is advised you do not place a water pipe on the end of your faucet as this prevents the air gap from functioning properly.
Modern hoses now have an in-built vacuum breaker to prevent backflow. However, older ones do not always have the functionality. Consequently, it is important to protect them with a hose-bib vacuum breaker. The vacuum breaker is connected to the hose bib, preventing back-siphonage as a result of loss of water pressure.
Pressure vacuum breakers are the newest backflow prevention devices, often used with underground sprinkler systems for safeguarding against back-siphonage. They come with a check valve for protecting against a pressure drop, breaking the siphoning effect, and allowing water to flow downstream and exit the piping. Many laws now require underground sprinkler systems to have pressure vacuum breakers, reiterating the importance of the device.
These devices are commonly used in homes for preventing backflow from unprotected cross-connections in your residential plumbing. While many laws do not accept dual check valves as part of a cross-connection control program due to their limited use, homeowners using them are required to take the necessary measures for minimizing the possible damage from thermal expansion.
The devices protect from low hazards, such as vineyards, breweries, and food services. Double-check valves are not very popular in residential properties as a majority of internal water pipes are protected with built-in air gaps.
The automatic flood gate valve is designed to stop wastewater and any associated damage, working on air pressure and fully automatic.
The answer to this question is quite straightforward, considering the different types of backflow prevention devices and their use cases. Consequently, it is right to state that backflow prevention is necessary for every health-conscious individual who is concerned about the safety of their water system. This is particularly true for homes with an irrigation system as your local municipality could require you to install the device. Businesses, on the other hand, are often required to install backflow preventer devices and test them annually to ensure they are functioning properly.
There are several backflow prevention benefits to homeowners and businesses, depending on the type of device installed, and of course, your municipality. Below are some of the common benefits of backflow prevention installation:
Truth be told, there are no cons to installing a backflow prevention device unless you do not have an experienced and licensed professional doing the job. Some of the common disadvantages of installing a backflow prevention device are listed below:
It is worth noting that we have a team of highly experienced and licensed professionals at Expert Home Solutions providing a wide range of backflow prevention services, including installation, repair, replacement, and maintenance.
Backflow prevention is an important part of the home as it ensures drinking water is not contaminated by pollutants. At Expert Home Solutions, your health and comfort are paramount and we have created a manual to answer all popular questions regarding the installation and operation of backflow prevention.
Backflow preventers are amazing systems. As the name implies, a backflow preventer installation stops water from flowing in the wrong direction, essentially proofing your home against self-contamination. There are many different backflow preventer types, and our team can get your home set up with the right one.
Just like the maintenance process, a reliable professional should handle the installation of your backflow preventer for obvious reasons. Some backflow prevention installation tips to consider include:
It is common to require backflow prevention repair, especially after years of usage even with regular maintenance. Some of the major reasons for backflow prevention repair are excessive pressure, water quality, temperature, or turbidity. Other backflow prevention repair needs are slow drainage, cloudy or discolored water, as well as visible particles.
Backflow prevention test costs will vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the device and the extent of the problem. Therefore, you should expect varying prices for the diagnosis, repair, and even replacement of your system. However, more than any other thing, the quality of service delivery is paramount. So while you try to negotiate and compare quotes from different companies, ensure that you also consider the kind of service they deliver as well as their aftersales service.
Proper maintenance and annual testing will ensure your backflow preventer lasts for several years. It is advised that a professional do the backflow prevention maintenance in Northwest and West suburbs of Chicago, IL, as this helps to forestall possible otherwise undetected issues that could cause major problems in the future. You are advised to do annual maintenance of your backflow preventer to elongate the life span of the system and ensure it continues functioning optimally.
The most important step in backflow preventer maintenance is to conduct a yearly inspection or test. In many states, conducting an annual inspection is a requirement. By having a certified professional complete an annual inspection, you can discover any potential issues that the system may have and subsequently resolve them before they develop into more significant problems.
During the inspection, the expert will begin with an assessment of the current condition of your unit and turn off the downstream valve. After a few minutes, the inspector will hook your system up to a test kit, allowing them to identify any pressure imbalances that could cause it to malfunction.
In addition to conducting an inspection by a professional at least once a year, you should also remain vigilant for any signs of potential problems during the rest of the 12-month period. Though backflow preventers do an excellent job protecting your drinking water, it is not uncommon for them to occasionally be fouled or otherwise rendered inoperable by dirt, debris, or hydraulic shock.
Just like the maintenance process, a reliable professional should handle the installation of your backflow preventer for obvious reasons. Some backflow prevention installation tips to consider include:
Sometimes due to pressure or age, you can deal with a backflow preventer leaking. This is an unfortunate reality of our plumbing systems, but our team provides fast and reliable backflow preventer repair in Downers Grove, IL. Call our 24/7 hotline today to get in touch with a professional plumber right now!
The process of backflow testing does not take long. We generally say to allow for two to three hours without water. However, a smooth test with no issues often requires your water to be shut off for a short period. Expectedly, backflow prevention repairs could take a few hours or last for days, depending on the extent of the problem(s) identified.
Expert Home Solutions has been able to stand out over the years as the go-to solutions provider for all types of backflow prevention services, including installation, repair, replacement, and maintenance.
As expected, backflow preventer devices occasionally develop issues that prevent them from effectively protecting your water system. Some common issues with backflow prevention devices are highlighted as follows:
Backflow testing helps to identify and protect water distribution to any residence or commercial property. However, one of the commonest issues with backflow prevention device occurs with pressure due to the mechanism failing to distribute enough pressure throughout the system as a result of the opening points on relief valves. Consequently, backflow can occur, subsequently contaminating water and also irritating the water main, and even causing structural damage to the building.
It is not uncommon for backflow prevention devices to lead due to constant usage. Factors such as dirt, thermal expansion, or changes in water pressure are some of the things that can cause water leaks and affect the proper functioning of the backflow device. Water leaks can also affect the structural quality and plumbing system of the building, causing the accumulation of mold, mildew, water damage, and odors.
Slow drainage is another issue with backflow prevention devices, with damaged or defective ones causing drain buildup and leaving unwanted messes in the bathroom and kitchen. One of the common indicators of a broken backflow valve is cloudy or discolored water.
As your local plumbing expert, we offer backflow preventer replacement that seeks to target issues like age and corrosion. A new backflow preventer should do the trick. We’ll also get you started on our backflow preventer maintenance program to ensure your new system works for a long time to come!
It is important to choose the right backflow preventer, which is where we are particularly helpful at Expert Home Solutions, with our team assessing your needs and suggesting the most suitable device. Factors that you should consider before choosing a backflow prevention device include the location of AVBs and PVBs, application of the preventer, and user-friendliness of the backflow preventer.
The team arrived on time in the morning and worked straight through most of the day. The guys were super friendly and polite – and hard working.
– LAURA P
703 w Annoreno Dr Suite 5 Addison, IL 60101
1205 Rattray Dr
Algonquin, IL 60102
