Imagine pouring yourself a glass of water, only to discover it’s been tainted by contaminants from a nearby hose, sprinkler, or even your neighbor’s boiler system. Sounds gross, right? That’s exactly what backflow prevention is designed to stop.

What Is Backflow, Anyway?

Backflow occurs when contaminated water flows in reverse through your plumbing system, mixing with clean water. This can happen due to backpressure or back siphonage, and it poses serious health risks. Contaminants like fertilizers, chemicals, and bacteria can enter your drinking water, creating a dangerous situation in homes and commercial properties alike.

Types of Backflow: Back Siphonage vs. Back Pressure

Understanding how backflow happens helps you realize why testing and prevention are so critical. There are two main causes of backflow:

Back Siphonage

Back siphonage happens when there is a drop in water pressure in the main supply line, like during a water main break or when a nearby fire hydrant is used. This sudden drop can suck contaminated water from sources like garden hoses, boilers, or irrigation systems into your clean supply.

Example: A hose submerged in a bucket of fertilizer-infused water can back-siphon that liquid into your drinking water if pressure drops.

Back Pressure

Back pressure occurs when the pressure in your system becomes greater than the pressure in the water supply, forcing water to flow in the wrong direction. This is common in pressurized systems like heating boilers, pumps, or elevated tanks.

Example: If your boiler system generates high pressure and doesn’t have a proper backflow preventer, it could push treated or contaminated water back into the main supply.

Common Problems That Can Lead to Backflow

Even with a good plumbing system, certain issues can increase the risk of backflow. Here are the most common triggers:

• Broken Water Mains: A sudden rupture in your area’s supply line can create a vacuum that draws in contaminants.

• Improper Hose Use: Leaving a garden hose submerged in a pool, bucket, or chemical mix can cause back siphonage if the pressure drops.

• Faulty Backflow Devices: Devices wear out or fail over time and need periodic testing and maintenance.

• High-Pressure Equipment: Boilers, pressure washers, and pumps can create excess pressure if not properly checked.

• Irrigation Systems: Lawn sprinkler systems often connect to fertilizer injectors or open water sources and need proper isolation.

• Unlicensed Installations: DIY or unregulated plumbing installations may bypass safety measures and create risk.

Pro Tip: If you’ve made changes to your plumbing system, installed a pool, or added a sprinkler system, schedule a backflow inspection with Madsen, Inc. to ensure your water remains safe and compliant.

Backflow Services from Madsen, Inc.

Our licensed and insured team provides:

• Backflow Testing – State-certified inspections.

• Backflow Repair – Fast, effective repairs to restore protection.

• Backflow Installation – Custom installation for homes, businesses, and industrial facilities.

With decades of experience and continuing education, our technicians know how to meet Pennsylvania water authority standards with confidence and care.

Don’t wait until contamination strikes. Stay safe, stay compliant, and keep your water clean with expert backflow services from Madsen, Inc.

Call now or visit madseninc.com to schedule your backflow service today.