A backflow preventer is designed to keep your plumbing system from getting contaminated. It is a device placed into a pipe that only allows water to travel in one direction.
Water should only flow one way, which is a cause for concern if you experience backflow. If you have one of those backflow preventers, you might notice a leak one day. Naturally, you’ll want to know why it’s leaking and what you can do about it. Here’s some helpful information about such a leak:
How Much Water Should Leak From a Backflow Preventer?
You can expect to see a small amount of water leaking from the backflow preventer. However, the leaking should only last a few minutes and should go back to providing 100 percent protection right away.
Why Is Water Coming Out of My Backflow Preventer?
Usually, leaks from the backflow preventer are caused by some outside issues. These are some of the most common causes of the problem:
Mismatched Parts
Sometimes, the problem comes from mismatched parts. Unfortunately, not all assemblies go well. Thus, your backflow preventer could quite possibly have problems because it contains incompatible elements.
Some of the parts could be installed incorrectly as well. You will need to contact a specialist if you feel that you might have mismatched parts in your system. The specialist can inspect your system and then let you know what the problem is.
The Pressure Is Wrong
A sudden rise in pressure in the main line can cause the backflow preventer to fail to act accordingly as well. This can occur when the primary system supply malfunctions and intense pressure builds up and causes the water to leak out of the backflow preventer.
Debris Is Stuck
Another thing that can cause a backflow preventer to leak is if debris gets stuck in any part of the system. This could happen if stones, waste, or any other materials get caught up in the system.
The backflow preventer is only made up of ball valves and a vacuum, and its system is susceptible to disruptions. Therefore, a little bit of debris can cause many problems.
What To Do if Water Is Coming Out of My Backflow Preventer
The best thing to do if your backflow preventer starts leaking is to shut off the valve immediately. You’ll do this to stop the leak’s flow. The next thing you’ll want to do is relieve some of the pressure if you are handy.
If you feel you need more confidence messing with this system, you can contact a reliable plumber to help you with it. He or she can relieve some of the pressure in the system or remove the debris in it. The specialist can also replace any parts you might need in your system.
You can now understand why your backflow preventer might develop a leak. Don’t panic if you experience that, though. Simply contact someone who can help right away. If you’re asking, "What is the best way to prevent backflow?", it’s regular maintenance. Have someone look at your system regularly for the best results.