Licensed Plumbers Offering Backflow Prevention and Testing Services
Whether you’re moving to a new property and need backflow prevention installed or you’re looking for a resource for annual backflow testing, Brotherhood Plumbing is ready to help you keep your drinking water clean. Our team of licensed plumbers offer backflow prevention in Baton Rouge, as well as the testing required by local municipalities to ensure residents and businesses alike have consistent access to clean drinking water.
What is Backflow Prevention?
Backflow prevention involves the installation of a valve or a barrier to prevent polluted water from flowing backwards into your drinking water supply. Contaminated water may originate from your sprinkler system, landscaping, sewer lines, and more.
While ideally water should never flow backwards into your home or commercial property, it happens when there is a pressure differential between the supply side of your system and your property. When the pressure is low in the supply pipe, it is called back-siphonage, while pressure that’s too high on your property is called backpressure.
Types of Backflow Preventers
There are several primary locations throughout your property where you may install a backflow prevention device in Baton Rouge. These include:
- Hose Bib Backflow Preventer: This is a device called a vacuum breaker installed directly in your outdoor hose spigot. It prevents any contaminated water from entering your clean water supply through the hose.
- Main Backflow Preventer: This is the most important type of backflow preventer, as it is connected to your main water line.
- Sewer Backflow Preventer: The sewer backflow preventer is installed in your sewer line and greatly reduces the chance of a sewage backup. These are also called backwater valves.
Frequently Asked Questions About Backflow Prevention & Testing
How does backflow testing work?
A plumber will use a backflow testing kit to determine if the backflow prevention devices installed throughout your plumbing system are functioning correctly. The goal is to ensure that no water leaks back through the preventer into your system.
We will connect a kit to test ports in your system, then manipulate valves to simulate a pressure change. Then we will evaluate whether or not the backflow preventer is working as expected.
If you require backflow prevention testing in Baton Rouge, Brotherhood Plumbing is certified to provide it. You must work with a qualified professional to test your backflow prevention devices annually.
Do you need a plumber to install a backflow preventer?
You must have your backflow preventer installed by a Louisiana Master Plumber licensed by the state. This is not a DIY project, even if you are handy with a toolkit. Backflow prevention requires code compliance, which may vary depending on the municipality, so working with a local plumber for backflow prevention in Baton Rouge is critical to ensure your device is properly installed.
Do I really need backflow prevention?
If there is any chance that water on your property may be cross-contaminated, then yes, you must have a backflow preventer installed. This ensures your drinking water stays clean and potable. In Baton Rouge, many residential and commercial properties are required to have backflow prevention as well as annual testing mandated by the Louisiana Department of Health and local water suppliers.
