Backflow Prevention and Testing in El Cajon

Types of Backflow Prevention Devices

There are a few different ways our plumbers in El Cajon design systems to prevent backflow. Typical methods include:

• Air Gaps: This is the simplest way to stop water contamination. It’s often used for bathtubs, dishwashers, and sinks. When installing these systems, you leave a small gap between the outlet and the flood level of a fixture. This little pocket of air ensures the two will never mix.
• Atmospheric Pressure Breaker: A float drops to stop backflow if pressure in connected fixtures drops. This often involves ball-cock valves such as those in your toilet. These will not work for systems under constant pressure.
• Vacuum Breakers: These use a float to open and close a line. When pressure drops, the valve closes. These are best for systems under constant pressure, like lawn sprinklers or sump pumps.
• Double Check Valve Assembly: This type of backflow preventer uses two separate switches in a single device. This lets them tackle both back-siphonage and back-pressure. You often see these on commercial fire sprinkler systems.
• Reduced Pressure Zone Assemblies: When it comes to backflow prevention in El Cajon, this is the most effective option. It uses two valves with a hydraulic one in between. If backflow occurs, the hydraulic relief opens and drops the contaminated water from the plumbing systems. You rarely see these outside of chemical plants or hospitals.

While you might be tempted to Google “backflow prevention device near me” and pick one up, we advise against it. Without the proper certifications, it can be difficult to know which exact device fits your needs. They vary widely based on use, pipe size, material, local regulations, and hazard level.

What Leads to Backflow Problems in El Cajon and Santee

Most backflow issues can be traced back to major damage to your main water line. Typically, a sudden or drastic change in pressure is to blame. In our 21 years offering plumbing service, we find one of the following is usually at the root of the problem.

• Open fire hydrants
• Poorly designed pipes
• A large clog that causes excess pressure
• Nearby construction work that crushes or collapses main lines
• Burst or frozen pipes
• Sewer line breaks or blockages
• Faulty backflow prevention devices

Signs You Might Have Backflow

For the most part, the symptoms of a backflow issue in San Diego County aren’t all that different from the other signs it’s time to call a plumber. That’s why it’s so important to hire a backflow-licensed plumbing company that understands the phenomenon and how to test for it. Homeowners typically cannot determine if the following are the result of contaminated water or due to something like hard water or pipe degradation:

Discolored or Foul-Smelling Water:

Does your water smell like sewage or come out of the tap as anything other than clear? This is one of the most obvious signs that you have contaminated water. Annual inspections from a certified backflow repair company in El Cajon are one of the best ways to prevent this problem.

Low Water Pressure:

Has the water from your faucet or tub dropped to a trickle? A failure in a backflow prevention device can lead to a sudden drop in water pressure. The best way to determine if a broken pipe or preventer is to blame is to schedule an inspection with Remedy.

Strange Noises:

Whistling or gurgling can sometimes be caused by back-siphonage in your pipes and the air pockets they cause. This can also be caused by normal clogs in your drains or pipes.

Visible Leaks:

If you notice water near your irrigation controls or water meter, a failed backflow preventer might be to blame. This might not be the case if the water appears near your water heater, however.

Unexplained Health Symptoms:

Backflow contamination can result in gastrointestinal or flu-like symptoms if the water is ingested. This is more likely if multiple people are impacted at once.

If you spot the above signs, don’t wait to give us a call! Putting it off can impact not just you, but the entire municipal water supply. We invite you to call 619.579.7979 to schedule a full evaluation.

The Testing Process

If you own a home in San Diego County, you’re likely subject to annual backflow testing. Regulations state these yearly checks must be completed by a certified backflow technician like those at . The results will then be submitted for review. Though a yearly test sounds like a lot of work, our El Cajon company does our best to keep it simple:

1. Water is Shut Off: The first step in the process is to shut off your water supply. This is required to ensure accurate readings during the test.
2. Test Cocks Numbered and Bled: Every backflow prevention device, minus air gaps, has a hookup for testing. Our plumber will number them before they get to work. Any water in them will be drained.
3. Adapters are Assembled: At this stage, we’ll start assembling what we need for testing. This includes placing adapters on the test cocks.
4. Test Kit Hoses are Attached: Now, we hook up the hoses. These allow us to pressurize the device through a connected gauge.
5. Relief Valve is Checked: We test to make sure water leaves the relief valve. If water does not exit the relief valve, or if it takes too long to drain, your device has a problem that needs to be fixed.

Once we’ve gathered the results, we’ll go over them with you. We’ll then submit them to the city, so they can make their final determination.

Leave Backflow Issues in San Diego County to

Most people never think about backflow prevention until something goes wrong. But when contaminated water gets into your plumbing system, the damage can be expensive and potentially dangerous.

That’s why Remedy helps homeowners and businesses throughout San Diego County stay protected with backflow testing, repair, and installation. Whether you need yearly testing for compliance or want to add protection to a new plumbing fixture, our team will make sure everything is up to code.