Dianne Pajo https://backflowdirect.com 2m 404 #backflow
The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.
As the seasons change and bring more stable and pleasant weather conditions, it’s important to take stock of the industrial equipment in and around your commercial building. Primarily, intense weather conditions can cause significant complications for your plumbing infrastructure, from your mainline water cross-connection to building fire suppression systems. Here are three common backflow preventer issues to look for after winter.
Worn Washer Seals & Leaking
Considering the many different components used throughout a backflow preventer assembly, something small like a washer seal can appear insignificant. However, these elements play a crucial role in the functionality and reliability of your backflow prevention equipment. Washer seals ensure the valve mechanism is airtight and 100 percent effective at preventing backflow conditions, but washer seals are also very vulnerable to extreme weather conditions like below-freezing temperatures. Following a challenging winter season, check the washer seals for excessive wear and tear, including rips and breakage. Additionally, keep an eye out for leaking around your backflow preventer, which clearly indicates washer seal complications.
Cracks & Ruptures
Insulating and protecting above-ground backflow prevention equipment throughout the winter is important to avoid internal freezing. However, even with the proper protections in place, this situation is quite common; more so, it often produces catastrophic effects that can render your backflow preventer useless. The most severe outcome of internal freezing includes cracks or ruptures along the exterior of the preventer—this occurs when the water inside expands and pushes the external assembly to its limit. Unfortunately, a cracked, ruptured, or physically damaged backflow preventer must be replaced immediately.
Subpar Performance
Even backflow preventers that appear in ideal condition following a nasty winter season can experience weather-related complications. For instance, disruptions to underground water levels can introduce debris into backflow preventer valve chambers and hinder the mechanical functions of the equipment. As a result, the overall performance of your backflow preventer will be noticeably less effective than normal. Slow drainage is often the number one indicator that your valve chambers are clogged; fortunately, clearing out these elements doesn’t require professional help, saving you on repair and servicing expenses.
Plumbing equipment is complex and often challenging to manage—anything from flow rate to the size of a backflow preventer can affect performance. However, with this guide on the most common backflow preventer issues to look for after winter, you can minimize some of the obstacles of operating prevention equipment and ensure safe plumbing conditions.
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