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A technician's hand holding a pressure gauge device near an outdoor gas meter setup on the side of a house. The gauge shows the pressure reading and is connected to various hoses and fittings, indicating a gas line inspection or maintenance work. The background includes gravel and part of the house's exterior wall, suggesting an outdoor work environment
Plumbing Services

Backflow Testing

Keep things flowing smoothly in your home!

Protect Your Home From Backflow With A Professional Inspection

Whether it’s keeping up with family meals every day, getting through bath time at night or entertaining on the weekends, you deserve a plumbing system that can support your lifestyle. One of the most important things you shouldn’t have to worry about is your safety. While some plumbing repairs are mere inconveniences, others can put your family in real danger. At DrainWorks, we’re here to help keep your plumbing safe!

Our team offers a variety of trustworthy plumbing services that help keep you and your property well-protected — including backflow preventer testing! Follow along with our experts as we uncover what this service entails and why it’s important.

Addressing Backflow: What It Is And Why It Matters

Think of your pipes as one-way roads. If all the cars driving on this road were to move in one direction, there wouldn’t be a problem and everyone would get where they needed to go. However, if any cars were to move in the wrong direction, serious consequences would follow.

In the case of your plumbing, water exiting your home should be moving through your pipes in a single direction — just like the cars on a one-way street. However, clogs or pressure issues can cause material to move in the wrong direction, heading back toward your home. This is what’s known as backflow.

A technician's hand holding a pressure gauge device near an outdoor gas meter setup on the side of a house. The gauge shows the pressure reading and is connected to various hoses and fittings, indicating a gas line inspection or maintenance work. The background includes gravel and part of the house's exterior wall, suggesting an outdoor work environment

Protect Your Home From Water Backups

Backflow is dangerous because once any water leaves your property, its quality can no longer be guaranteed. Waste moving through sewer lines can easily pick up hazardous material and any water returning from hoses or sprinklers may have been exposed to harmful outdoor substances.

This is where a backflow preventer comes in, acting like a road barrier on the one-way street that is your pipe. This device prevents the waste or water from flowing past a certain point in your plumbing system, protecting your home from its impact. However, regular testing is required to ensure this device works as it should.

What Is Backflow Testing?

Like any machinery, a backflow preventer can wear down with time, causing its effectiveness to suffer. At DrainWorks, we provide dependable backflow preventer testing services to guarantee your device is in prime condition. To perform this test correctly, your property’s water must be temporarily shut off.

From there, our team will be able to inspect your device and perform a series of tests that measure its response to pressure — pressure changes in your plumbing can contribute to the presence of backflow. If any flaws are found in your system, we’ll be able to let you know and recommend the proper solution.

Are Backflow Problems Common In San Antonio?

While backflow issues aren’t common in San Antonio, they can still occur when you least expect them. Sudden shifts in water pressure can cause water to flow in the reverse direction.

This issue can contaminate drinking water and damage affected properties. To avoid these problems, backflow testing is essential to ensure the integrity of your water system and prevent potential hazards.

Are Backflow Preventers Required In Texas?

Backflow preventers are required in Texas to protect the public water supply from contamination. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) mandates that all commercial and residential properties with potential cross-connections must have backflow prevention devices installed.

This regulation helps ensure that harmful substances do not enter the drinking water system, maintaining the safety and health of the community. In addition to installation, Texas law requires regular testing and maintenance of backflow preventers.

Certified professionals must perform these tests to verify that the devices are functioning correctly and provide proper documentation to local authorities. Compliance with these regulations is crucial to prevent water quality issues and avoid potential fines or penalties.

Who Needs Backflow Preventer Testing Services?

Backflow preventers aren’t always found in households, though some residential properties may need them. For instance, if your yard has sprinklers, a backflow preventer is an important addition to your irrigation system. It’s also important to note that while not all homes have this device, most commercial properties should.

If your property has a backflow preventer, it should be inspected yearly to ensure its safe performance. Check local regulations to ensure your plumbing is up to code. For many commercial properties, getting an annual professional inspection isn’t just a recommendation — it’s a requirement.

Residential Backflow Preventer Repair And Replacement Services In San Antonio

If your backflow preventer reveals signs of a problem during our inspection, we won’t just leave your plumbing to fend for itself. Instead, we offer continued support through our repairs and replacements.

Explore Our Backflow Preventer Installation Services

In relation to other plumbing systems, your backflow preventer has a relatively short lifespan. These systems only last about five to ten years, making semi-frequent replacements necessary to protect your property.

Be sure to schedule regular tests for your system and reach out to a professional when you suspect an issue. At DrainWorks, we’ll be able to help you determine when a replacement is needed — as well as perform the installation with care and expertise.

Choose Us To Repair Your Backflow Preventer

Not all trouble with a backflow preventer will require a full replacement. In some cases, we can perform repairs that get your system up and running as it should again. After an inspection, a certified backflow tester from our team can determine the best course of action. If repairs are possible, we can complete the job efficiently, returning safety to your home as quickly as possible.

Call On DrainWorks For Dependable Plumbing Services In San Antonio, TX

If you have a backflow preventer, it’s crucial to ensure that yours works correctly. Take steps to protect those on your property by scheduling your annual inspection with the experts on our team. At DrainWorks, we’re always happy to help, so reach out to set up your service!

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