You may not realize this, but water well backflow can cause water contamination. As we have written in blog posts in the past, it’s crucial to have your well water tested regularly to ensure it does not contain contaminants that are dangerous to you and your family. King Water Wells cannot only test your well water but also install a backflow preventer in your well system that will do as its name suggests: prevent water well backflow. Let’s talk more about this below.
I Don’t Understand What Backflow Is!
No problem! Let’s talk about what backflow is first. If your water flows backward through your plumbing system, this is backflow. Normally the water should flow away from your home, but backflow can cause it to flow toward your home. In severe cases, you may end up with water coming up through your household drains. As the water moves in the opposite direction, it can pick up contaminants
What Causes the Water to Flow Backward?
Changes in your water pressure from a faulty water well pump can cause water backflow. Usually, you see a drop or reduction in your water pressure if the well pump is malfunctioning. Consequently, the loss of water pressure will allow the water to flow backward rather than force it out of the plumbing system in the right direction. An annual pump inspection can help prevent this problem.
What Is Well Backflow Prevention?
There are specific devices that can be part of your water well system that help prevent backflow from happening, even if the water well pump malfunctions. The two most common on the market are called a double-check valve assembly and a reduced pressure zone assembly, known as DC and RP, respectively. If you do not have either assembly installed in your water well system, give us a call right away.
These assemblies prevent backflow, obviously, which ensures the water that flows into your home does not come in contact with hazards such as agricultural waste, chemicals, and sewage. In addition, the double-check valve assembly helps control your water’s color, odor, and taste. You could be at risk for backflow contamination if you use your garden hose on a regular basis, as it can pick exterior waste.
Call King Water Wells in Rockford, MI, today if you are uncertain whether your water well system has a backflow preventer installed in it. We will inspect the system and install a backflow prevention device if necessary to protect you and your household.