Month: May 2023

What Is a Backflow Device and Why Is It Important

May 12, 2023

What Is a Backflow Device and Why Is It Important

Backflow prevention devices are essential to plumbing systems in buildings and facilities. They are designed to prevent the backflow of contaminated water from entering a clean water supply system, which can cause serious health hazards. This article will explore what backflow prevention devices are and why they are important.

What Is Backflow?

Backflow is the reverse flow of water from its intended direction in a plumbing system. This can occur when the water pressure in the plumbing system is disrupted, causing water to flow in the opposite direction than intended. This reversal of water flow can create a siphoning effect, drawing contaminated water back into the clean water supply.

There are several causes of backflow in plumbing systems, including:

  • Sudden drop in water pressure: A sudden drop in water pressure can create a vacuum that sucks water back into the plumbing system from a contaminated source.
  • Back siphonage: This occurs when there is a negative pressure in the plumbing system, causing water to flow in the opposite direction than intended.
  • Cross-connection: A cross-connection occurs when a contaminated source is connected to the clean water supply. For example, a garden hose connected to a contaminated source can backflow into the clean water supply.
  • System maintenance and repairs: Maintenance and repairs on plumbing systems can create a temporary disruption in water flow, leading to backflow.
  • Water main breaks: Water main breaks can cause a sudden drop in water pressure, leading to backflow.

It is essential to understand these causes of backflow to prevent contamination of the clean water supply. Installing backflow prevention devices is the most effective way to prevent backflow from occurring.

What Is a Backflow Prevention Device?

A backflow prevention device is a mechanical device installed in a plumbing system to prevent backflow. The device works by allowing water to flow in only one direction, from the clean water supply to the building or facility, and prevents water from flowing back in the opposite direction.

There are several types of backflow prevention devices available, including check valves, pressure vacuum breakers, and reduced pressure zone devices. Each type of device is designed for specific applications, depending on the degree of hazard present in the plumbing system.

Check Valves

Check valves are an essential type of backflow prevention device that works by allowing water to flow in one direction only. This means water can enter the system but not flow back into the clean water supply. Check valves are the simplest type of backflow prevention device, and they are typically used in low-risk applications, such as residential plumbing systems, irrigation systems, and fire sprinkler systems.

The simplicity of check valves makes them easy to install and maintain. They consist of a disk or a ball that opens and closes depending on the direction of water flow. When the water flows in the desired direction, the valve opens, allowing water to pass through. The valve closes when the water tries to flow in the opposite direction, preventing backflow.

Despite their simplicity, check valves are unsuitable for high-hazard applications because they cannot provide the protection needed to prevent backflow in such systems. High-hazard applications require more advanced backflow prevention devices, such as reduced pressure zone (RPZ) devices, double-check valve assemblies, and pressure vacuum breakers (PVBs).

Pressure Vacuum Breakers

Pressure vacuum breakers (PVBs) are another type of backflow prevention device commonly used in irrigation systems and outdoor water faucets. They work by creating an air gap between the water supply and the potential source of contamination, which prevents backflow from occurring.

Reduced Pressure Zone Devices

Reduced pressure zone (RPZ) devices are the most commonly used type of backflow prevention device and are designed for high-hazard applications such as hospitals, laboratories, and industrial facilities. They use a series of valves to create a zone of reduced pressure that prevents contaminated water from flowing back into the clean water supply.

Double-Check Valves and Atmospheric Vacuum Breakers

Other types of backflow prevention devices include double-check valve assemblies, commonly used in commercial and industrial applications, and atmospheric vacuum breakers, typically used in low-hazard applications such as residential irrigation systems.

It is important to note that selecting the appropriate type of backflow prevention device depends on several factors, including the degree of hazard present in the plumbing system, the local plumbing codes and regulations, and the specific application of the device. It is crucial to consult with a certified plumber or backflow prevention specialist to determine the appropriate type of device for a particular plumbing system.

Why Is Backflow Prevention Important?

Backflow prevention is critical to maintaining a safe and healthy water supply. Without backflow prevention devices, contaminated water could enter the clean water supply, posing a serious health risk to individuals who use the water. Contaminated water can contain harmful bacteria, viruses, chemicals, and other contaminants that can cause illness or disease.

In addition to the health and safety concerns, backflow incidents can lead to significant economic losses due to the required cleanup and remediation. These incidents can also result in legal liability if they cause harm to individuals or property.

Regular maintenance and testing of backflow prevention devices are necessary to ensure they function correctly. This includes annual testing and certification by a certified backflow prevention tester to ensure that the devices are working correctly and comply with local and national plumbing codes.

Building owners and managers must understand the importance of backflow prevention devices, comply with plumbing codes, and maintain them to avoid health hazards, legal liabilities, and economic losses. Consulting with certified professionals is necessary to determine the right device for a particular plumbing system.

Crystal Blue Plumbing, Heating & Air is a family-owned and operated HVAC and plumbing contractor that has proudly served Sacramento, CA, and the surrounding areas for over four decades. We treat our employees and customers like family and aim to build long-lasting relationships with everyone we work with.

We take pride in being more than just a quick fix for plumbing and HVAC issues. We aim to be a reliable partner for our customers, providing exceptional plumbing, heating, air conditioning, and ventilation services for life. Since our inception, we have been dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, harking back to when customer service was personal and meaningful.

At Crystal Blue Plumbing, Heating & Air, we prioritize building trust with our customers through our quality workmanship, customer-focused approach, and dedication to their satisfaction. We strive to maintain our reputation as a contractor that offers more than just quick repairs but a lifelong partnership built on mutual respect and trust.

If you want to learn more about backflow devices, our professionals can help. We also offer comprehensive heating, cooling, and plumbing services and indoor air quality solutions to residents and business owners of Sacramento, CA, and surrounding communities. To learn more about our services or to schedule an appointment with one of our team members, contact Crystal Blue Plumbing, Heating & Air today.

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Why Draino Is Never the Best Solution for Clogged Pipes

May 01, 2023

Why Draino Is Never the Best Solution for Clogged Pipes

Clogged drains are a common household nuisance. They can come about for any number of reasons. Some of the most common are washing grease or large chunks of food down your drain. These items can quickly accumulate in your pipes, leading to obstructions that cause your sink to back up. The sooner you deal with this issue, the better.

Why You Should Never Use Draino

There are a number of reasons why plumbing industry experts advise homeowners against using Draino for sink clogging issues. Some of the most significant ones are listed below.

Draino Can Cause Serious Respiratory Issues

Draino is a product that is composed of a number of inorganic chemical compounds. Once mixed in the correct proportion, these chemicals are employed to remove obstructions from sinks and pipes in household and commercial locations. However, the chemical reaction that the process entails can result in serious risk to your health.

One of the biggest reasons not to use Draino in your home is the noxious and potentially fatal fumes that it can produce. These fumes can lead to serious health issues, including risks to your respiratory system. They can irritate your nasal passages and lungs while also inducing serious chemical burning and scarring.

If these fumes enter your bloodstream, the results can be debilitating and even potentially fatal. They can do so by being absorbed accidentally into your mucus membranes. This is an issue that can happen so quickly that you are not initially aware of it.

People who suffer from COPD, asthma, or other respiratory system conditions are advised to avoid the use of Draino. This is because the fumes and other byproducts associated with it can put you at a very high risk of serious health issues. This is all the truer when it comes to any children or pets who may be living in your home.

Draino Can Lead to Severe Plumbing Damage

Instead of Draino, it is always better to use organic substances that are much healthier on the environment. These substances are best applied by a trained plumbing expert who can save you a great deal of time, trouble, and risk.

One of the most serious issues to be aware of is the fact that using Draino can cause long-term damage to your plumbing system. This is because Draino can mix with other chemicals that may be present in your pipes or extended plumbing system. If this should occur, the results can lead to cracked, leaking, or broken pipes.

You should also note that some of the chemical reactions caused by the use of Draino can lead to serious health hazards. For example, you can be hit by boiling water pouring out of a bursting or exploding pipe.

The damage that Draino can do to your plumbing system can be more costly in the long run than you may initially realize. This is due to the fact that cracks and fractures in your pipes may not be readily apparent. However, given enough time, they can suddenly burst, causing an immense amount of costly damage.

What Are the Best Clogged Drain Solutions?

Keeping your pipes free of obstructions is a full-time job. This is an area that requires the prompt assistance of plumbing professionals. Some of the solutions they adopt are simple, while others require a bit more effort. The most effective of these drain cleaning solutions are listed below.

Soap and Hot Water

Many sink clogs come about due to the buildup of grease. If this is the case, your plumber may be able to solve the problem in a matter of minutes. They can do so by simply pouring a mixture of soap and water down the drain. Once they have done so, they will follow it up with the contents of a large pot full of boiling water.

The clog may resolve itself due to a quick application of a half cup to one cup of soap and a gallon of boiling water. This can prevent the backing up of grease and other impurities that can wreak havoc on your drains. If this does not solve the problem, your plumber can move onto another solution.

Baking Soda, Vinegar, and Hot Water

A simple solution of baking soda, vinegar, and hot water may be all that is needed to fix the problem. This will generally be the case with clogging issues that are resistant to soap. Vinegar is a mild form of acid, while baking soda is a common household base. Between the two of them, they can work to quickly unclog your drain.

These two substances mixed together form a potent chemical reaction. This process will work to create pressure on the source of the clog. The ultimate aim is to dislodge and dissolve it.

Your plumber can quickly pour a half cup of baking soda down your clogged drain. Once they have done so, they will follow it up with a half cup of white vinegar. After that, they will add a generous helping of hot water. This mixture should be enough to cure even the most resistant clogs.

Applying Specialized Plumbing Equipment

If the problem proves to be a stubborn one, your plumber can easily apply a number of specialized tools for the job. These may include such items as a plumbing snake. This is a long coil of metallic pipe that is designed to plumb your sink in order to dislodge the obstruction.

Your plumber may also use items like an industrial-sized plunger in order to break up the clog. These types of plungers are usually much larger and more effective than the ones that are commonly available in retail stores. Once employed, they can quickly break up a clog and send it down your pipe to be flushed harmlessly away.

It’s Always Best to Hire Expert Help

Keep in mind that these are solutions that are best applied by a trained professional. Plumbing is a field that contains more than its share of potential hazards. You do not want to apply a self-help solution that ends up making the problem even worse than it already is. For example, you do not want to end up with burns from carelessly handled hot water.

The best way to avoid such mishaps is to hire the services of an expert local plumbing service. Doing so will give you instant access to the latest plumbing solutions. Your plumber can quickly diagnose and fix the issue while also giving you expert advice on related matters.

Contact Crystal Blue for Expert Drainage Solutions

Crystal Blue is here to be your full-service plumbing contractor in Sacramento, CA and the surrounding metro area. We offer full drainage and plumbing services. We can also assist with all issues regarding cooling and heating systems. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help you keep your drains in tip-top shape.