Backflow Preventer and Certification Services For the Waukesha – Lake Country Areas

A simple device known as a backflow preventer can prevent most of the more than 10,000 cases of backflow-related drinking water contamination reported each year. Schoenwalder Plumbing delivers certified backflow preventer testing, installation and repair services in the Milwaukee, Waukesha and Lake Country areas. Backflow devices are required by law in most municipalities and many areas are requiring annual testing by a certified, licensed plumber.

Backflow systems prevent household water from flowing backwards into the public water supply. Schoenwalder’s certified professionals ensure your backflow preventer meets the requirements and codes for your municipality.

Backflow is Serious

Back flow is the reversal of water from a home plumbing system into a public drinking water supply. It is water pulled backward because of a loss in pressure in the utility’s main pipe or well pump. There are two types of backflow:

Back Pressure – When a system is at a higher pressure than the public water supply and unwanted fluid can be pushed back into public water supply.
Backsiphonage – When the water supply has reduced, or negative pressure, which allows contaminated substances to be “drawn” into the public water supply.

Backflow Preventer Installations Are ‘Safety Valves’

A solid device inserted in the water line, a backflow preventer makes sure water passes through in only one direction and cannot flow backwards. It’s a simple concept that requires precise engineering. There are two basic types of Backflow preventer:

Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventer – a reduced pressure backflow preventer is used to protect water supplies from contamination by controlling the pressure and directing water flow.
Vacuum Breakers – a properly fitted vacuum breaker ensures water flows in a preferred direction where pressure conditions may otherwise cause a reversed flow.

Backflow preventers may be found inside your home or outdoors depending upon the age of the installation, the local codes and the application – they are used for irrigation systems and may commercial installation.

A Backflow Preventer has Moving Parts That Don’t Last Forever

A backflow preventer has an internal seal, springs and many moving parts. Like any machine with repeatedly moving parts, it is subject to wear and will eventually fail. A backflow preventer can also be bypassed – which is a serious violation in most instances, subject to legal action.

Even if not mandated by law, backflow preventer testing is essential to validate proper function and protect the public water supply. Sometimes a visual review will suffice, however, all mechanical backflow preventers require testing with specialized, properly calibrated equipment. Schoenwalder Plumbing fields a team of backflow preventer experts to perform all related tests, installations and repairs to keep your installation up to code.

Give Schoenwalder Plumbing a call today for the latest in regulatory requirements and backflow preventer technology in Waukesha Wisconsin.