Backflow: Causes and Consequences 

In December 1983, in a wastewater treatment plant in San Antonio, a mix up in maintenance related activities caused a nasty backflow into the facility’s potable water. Contaminated water caused eight employees to fall ill, though they recovered. Backflow, which is the unwanted flow of water or liquid in the reverse direction, can be a major health risk. It can also cause a financial burden, like in the case of a meatpacking plant that ruined $2 million worth of meat by spraying it with contaminated water. Even though dozens of similar cases have been documented throughout the decades, many businesses still do not have proper precautions to prevent such incidents. That’s why we at Wyler Industrial Works thought to shine a little more light on the problem of backflow.

Backflow Causes

Backflow is caused by a disparity in pressure. In a normal system, the supply pressure is greater than the system pressure, causing liquids to flow in one direction. Backflow will occur when there’s either back pressure or back siphonage. Back pressure simply means that system pressure has increased to be higher than the supply pressure. If there isn’t sufficient pressure to drive the system, the liquid will flow in the opposite direction. Back siphonage is the opposite—it occurs when the supply pressure is lowered in some way. 

Backflow Consequences

Like the two opening examples would suggest, backflow can pose a serious problem for any business. Backflow contamination from HVAC, poultry farms, contaminated ponds, and many more places all highlight how a mistake can ruin potable water for a company or house, and contaminate the public water supply. Dangerous chemicals can make you and the population around you extremely ill, so it’s best to have a system in place to prevent backflow. Wyler Industries has the backflow system to fit your needs, and the technicians to make sure it’s installed properly. 

Backflow Prevention You Can Trust

Here at Wyler Industries, we know all too well the dangers of backflow. That’s why we have certified backflow technicians that can prevent backflow, and keep your water, employees, and bank account safe. Contact us to see what we can do for you! 

Turn to a Certified Expert for Backflow Prevention

man working on pipes in order to work on backflow preventionWhen you want to take care of backflow you want to be sure to turn to the right company with a backflow prevention certification. Inserting the right device and ensuring it is properly installed is no easy task. This device, when installed properly, prevents contamination to your drinking water. Not only that, certified technicians can inspect your current system and ensure your backflow devices are installed properly.

How Does Backflow Prevention Help

Water that flows into your plumbing system should only flow in one direction into your home. However, pressure changes in the water can make it flow backwards. This is called backflow. A break in the main water line or a fire hydrant in use can cause this. This can cause contamination of the main drinking water supply. Fertilizer, harmful pesticides, chlorine from swimming pools, soap and worst yet, human waste can enter the supply.

A backflow prevention system only lets water to flow in one direction. Any residential or commercial irrigation system requires a backflow device be installed. In all actuality, a device should be installed in any cross connect where water and wastewater meet.

Benefits of Turning to a Company With a Backflow Prevention Certification

Preventing backflow is a serious job. Contaminated water can cause serious diseases and sickness. When you turn to a company with backflow prevention certification you can be sure the job will be done right. Their technicians receive training and testing in order to learn and master the installation of backflow prevention devices and the science of cross connection control. You can be sure than any device installed by a certified expert will work smoothly without problems. Not only that, backflow prevention certification affords technicians the ability to repair and test devices installed by others. You can ensure that your device is working properly for your residential or commercial area with the help of an expert.

Contact Us Today

Our technicians at Wyler Industrial Works are certified to install your backflow prevention device with expert precision. You don’t have to worry about the safety of your drinking water or the city main water supply for that matter. We can also test your current devices and conduct repairs as needed. Our team offers prompt, reliable service in El Paso. Please give us a call today to get started. One of our experts will be happy to answer your questions or set up an appointment.