Backflow is the undesirable reversal in the flow of water from a real or potential source of contamination back to the potable (or clean) water supply. Consider having a garden hose in a bucket of soapy water at your home, and having backflow event occur causing that soapy water to "backflow" into the drinking water portion of your home. Various types of backflow preventers exist for different applications and health hazard conditions, check state and other local administrative codes or other regulation on the correct backflow to use. The most common are reduced pressure backflow preventer and double check backflow preventer valves. Backflow preventers are primarily used in sewer, wastewater, residential backflow preventer, sprinkler and irrigation backflow applications.

Copyright ©2024 Mr. Rooter. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for information purposes only. Mr. Rooter is a registered trademark of Mr. Rooter LLC

Various types of backflow preventers exist for different applications and health hazard conditions, check state and other local administrative codes or other regulation on the correct backflow to use. The following backflow preventer types are available in all sizes:

How can you tell whether it’s time to have a backflow preventer replaced? If the device needs extensive repairs, replacing it may be more economical and will get your water service back faster. Old and outdated backflow preventer valves are more likely to have more repair needs in the future, so keep your valve’s age in mind when making this decision.

Searching through dozens of home service providers is a thing of the past. Rely on Neighbourly’s national network of trusted, local home service professionals for all your home service needs.

Depending on the type of device, testing can be as simple as a visual inspection on some devices. Testing some devices requires the use of a precision-reduced pressure valve test tool. However, we recommend having your local plumber perform backflow prevention testing and explain the best solutions for any problems identified.

With locations across Canada, Mr. Rooter Plumbing is your local source for backflow preventer installation, repair, and replacement. Think of backflow prevention as inexpensive insurance; you’ll never know when you need it, but when you do, you’ll be glad you have reduced the chances of contamination of your home water supply. Protect your home and gain peace of mind. Give Mr. Rooter a call or request an estimate online.

Residential backflow preventers are designed to keep contaminated water from flowing into your home’s potable water supply. Without an operational backflow valve, sudden changes in water pressure can allow contaminated water to flow backward in the pipes, bringing harmful substances with it. Your local Mr. Rooter® Plumbing performs all backflow preventer valve services, including installation, repair, testing, and replacement.

After completing a repair service, we can also perform backflow prevention device testing to ensure the fix was effective.

A backflow preventer is most often installed where municipal or well water enters the home. Another popular spot for a backflow preventer is at an irrigation system’s intake point.

In most cases, several components of backflow preventers can be replaced, such as rubber gaskets. This is a cost-effective repair option. But if the backflow preventer valve is very old or corroded, these repairs may not be possible. Your local Mr. Rooter Plumbing will assess the system to see if a repair is feasible.

The term "Cross-Connection Control" is essentially is referring to backflow prevention. The definition of a Cross Connection is "A cross connection is the actual or potential connection between a non-potable substance or source." Local authorities will dictate what types of backflow preventers may not be used depending on the backflow risk and health hazard. Sewer, irrigation, wastewater and residential are the main areas. There are two types of backflow, the first is back pressure where the pressure in the downstream piping is greater than the supply pressure, this is caused by a pump or elevation of water in a high rise building, the other type of backflow is back siphonage which is caused by sub-atmospheric pressure in the water system piping.

© 2024 The Dwyer Group Canada, Inc. d/b/a Neighbourly. All rights reserved. Neighbourly is a registered trademark of Neighborly Assetco LLC. This site and all of its content is protected under applicable law, including laws of Canada and other countries. Each location is independently owned and operated. Territorial, provincial, and local laws may impact the services this independently owned and operated franchise location may perform at this time. Please contact the franchise location for additional information.

When you notice water coming out of a backflow valve, the first thing to do is turn off the water main to limit water contamination and property damage. Then call your local Mr. Rooter to inspect and repair the valve.

Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker - Model GFAVB - The atmospheric vacuum breaker is one of the least expensive backflow prevention assembly. The GFAVB is a non-testable unit and are good for back siphonage only for non-health hazard or health hazard conditions. They must be installed downstream from any shut off valves and cannot be under pressure for more than 12 hours. If an GFAVB is used backflow prevention on a irrigation system you must install one GFAVB after every valve for each zone in the system. It must also be installed at least 6 inches (150 mm) higher than the highest outlet in the system (some GFAVB manufacturers, and some local officials, require that they be installed 12 inches (300 mm) higher than the highest outlet). Some municipalities do not allow the use of GFAVB’s. These units will NOT prevent backflow pressure and can only protect against back siphonage.

© 2024 The Dwyer Group Canada, Inc. d/b/a Neighbourly. All rights reserved. Neighbourly is a registered trademark of Neighborly Assetco LLC. This site and all of its content is protected under applicable law, including laws of Canada and other countries. Each location is independently owned and operated. Territorial, provincial, and local laws may impact the services this independently owned and operated franchise location may perform at this time. Please contact the franchise location for additional information.

Dual Check Valve - Model GF8080, GF8080E - The Dual Check Valve or double backflow prevention valve is basically a stripped down Double Check Valve without shut off valves and test cocks. They are non-testable and are typically used by water companies and installed after a water meter to prevent the meter from running backwards and low protection against backflow. This piece of equipment is the center of controversy with many backflow authorities and should never be confused with Double Check Valves. Check with local authorities for required installation, as most do not recognize these as backflow prevention devices.