Backflow is when wastewater comes up into your potable water system. When backflow occurs, it’s usually not your fault. Backflow occurs when there’s a sudden shift in pressure on either the freshwater or wastewater side. It can occur when the freshwater side loses pressure, like when the fire department opens a fire hydrant or if a lot of pipes break in the utility’s pipeline system. Backflow can also occur when the pressure on the wastewater side increases, like when there’s a problem in the municipal sewer system.

A backflow prevention device ensures that sewage can only flow one way through the plumbing system: out. If either the freshwater or waste water side experiences a change in pressure, the device closes a valve. A backflow prevention device can be part of residential and commercial plumbing systems. Some types of businesses are required to have backflow prevention devices.

If you have a backflow prevention device, it should be tested annually. 

Freedom Plumbing and Drain can install and test backflow prevention devices.