What exactly is backflow?

Backflow is the when the water in the pipes goes backward or in the opposite direction of its normal flow. There are two situations that can cause backflow. One is backsiphonage and the other is backpressure.

Backpressure – Backpressure is any condition that could create pressure in the non-potable piping system greater than in the potable water piping system. Pressure caused by gravity due to elevation differences is an example or when the water user’s water system is at a higher pressure than the public water system.

Backsiphonage – Backsiphonage is a form of backflow due to a negative or sub-atmospheric pressure within a potable water system. For example, a loss of pressure in the public water system due to a main break may cause contaminated water to be siphoned back into the distribution system.

Either condition is a backflow situation. When this occurs, if contaminants are present, they can flow back into your business, home or the community’s water supply. Contaminated water can lead to illness and in some cases death.