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Tag: home safety

Backflow

Have you ever wondered what stops dirty water from flowing back into your clean water supply? It’s a scary thought. Your drinking water could mix with contaminated water from your sprinklers, toilets, or washing machine. The good news is that a simple plumbing device can protect your family from this hidden danger.

What Is Backflow and Why Should You Care?

Backflow happens when water flows in the wrong direction through your pipes. Instead of clean water flowing into your home, dirty water can reverse course and contaminate your drinking water. This can happen during a sudden drop in water pressure.

Think about your garden hose sitting in a bucket of fertilizer. If the water pressure drops suddenly, that fertilizer water could get sucked back into your home’s pipes. This is a real health risk for your family.

Common causes of backflow include:

  • A broken water main in your neighborhood
  • Heavy water use from firefighting
  • A pipe burst somewhere in the system
  • Pressure changes from nearby construction

Your Tempe plumbing system faces these risks every day. The Arizona heat can stress pipes and cause pressure drops. That’s why backflow prevention is so important in our area.

The Hero Device: Your Backflow Valve

A backflow valve is the plumbing device that stops water from flowing the wrong way. Think of it like a one-way door for your water. It lets clean water in but won’t let dirty water back out into the main supply.

These valves work automatically. You don’t need to flip switches or push buttons. They sense when water tries to flow backward and slam shut to protect your water supply.

There are different types of backflow prevention devices for different situations. The most common ones you’ll see in Tempe homes include:

Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB)

This is the simplest type. You often see these on outdoor faucets and sprinkler systems. They use air pressure to stop backflow. When water pressure drops, air enters the valve and prevents reverse flow.

Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)

Similar to an AVB but more reliable. These work well for irrigation systems. They have a spring-loaded check valve that adds extra protection. Many Tempe homeowners have these installed on their outdoor watering systems.

Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA)

This device has two check valves in series. If one fails, the other still protects you. These are great for home water safety in areas with moderate hazard levels. They’re common in residential plumbing.

Reduced Pressure Zone Device (RPZ)

This is the gold standard for cross-connection protection. It has two check valves plus a pressure relief valve between them. If anything goes wrong, water dumps out through the relief valve instead of backing up into your clean water. These are required for high-hazard situations.

Where Do You Need Backflow Protection?

Your home has several spots where contaminated water could enter your clean supply. Here’s where you need protection:

Sprinkler Systems

Your lawn sprinklers are a major backflow risk. They sit on the ground where fertilizers, pesticides, and dirt can enter the water. Every sprinkler system should have a backflow prevention device.

Hose Bibs

Those outdoor faucets where you connect your garden hose need protection too. A simple vacuum breaker can prevent problems here. These plumbing fixtures are often overlooked, but they’re a common source of contamination.

Pool and Spa Connections

If your pool or spa connects to your home’s water supply, you need a backflow preventer. Pool chemicals are dangerous if they enter your drinking water.

Fire Sprinkler Systems

Commercial buildings and some homes have fire sprinklers. The water sitting in these pipes can become stagnant and contaminated.

Boiler Systems

Heating systems that use water need backflow prevention. The chemicals used in boilers are toxic.

How Tempe Regulations Protect You

Arizona takes water safety seriously. Tempe has specific codes about backflow prevention. The city requires these devices on many properties. They also require regular testing to make sure the valves work properly.

Your backflow prevention device must be tested annually by certified plumbers in Tempe. This isn’t optional. It’s a legal requirement designed to prevent water contamination throughout the community.

During testing, the plumber checks:

  • That all valves open and close properly
  • Pressure levels are correct
  • No water leaks through when it shouldn’t
  • The relief valve works if you have an RPZ

If your device fails testing, it must be repaired or replaced immediately. You’ll receive a notice from the city if you don’t complete your annual test.

Signs Your Backflow Device Needs Attention

Backflow

Even between annual tests, watch for these warning signs:

  • Water dripping or spraying from the device
  • Reduced water pressure in your home
  • Discolored water coming from your taps
  • Strange tastes or smells in your drinking water
  • Visible rust or corrosion on the valve

Don’t ignore these signs. They could mean your backflow prevention is failing. Your family’s health depends on this device working properly.

The Importance of Professional Installation

Installing a backflow valve isn’t a DIY project. It requires specific knowledge and tools. The device must be installed at the right location in your plumbing system.

It needs to be the right size for your water flow. And it must meet local codes.

Professional plumbers understand these requirements. They know which device works best for your situation. They install it correctly the first time. This saves you money and protects your water supply.

Poor installation can actually make things worse. A valve installed backward does nothing. One that’s too small restricts your water flow. One that’s too large won’t seal properly.

Keeping Your Device in Top Shape

Regular plumbing maintenance extends the life of your backflow prevention device. Here’s what you should do:

Schedule Annual Testing

Mark your calendar. Don’t wait for the city to remind you. Professional testing catches problems before they become emergencies.

Visual Checks

Look at your device monthly. Check for leaks, rust, or damage. Make sure nothing is blocking it or putting pressure on the pipes.

Keep It Accessible

Don’t bury your backflow preventer under landscaping. Technicians need easy access for testing and repairs. Keep plants and decorations away from the device.

Make sure you know where your main shutoff valve is located too. In an emergency, you may need to turn off water quickly to prevent damage.

Winter Protection

While Tempe winters are mild, we do get occasional freezes. Some backflow devices need insulation or draining during cold snaps. Ask your plumber what’s right for your specific device.

Replace When Needed

These devices don’t last forever. Most need replacement every 10 to 15 years. If yours is older or keeps failing tests, replacement might be more cost effective than constant repairs.

Protect Your Family’s Water Today

Your home’s water safety depends on proper backflow prevention. This simple plumbing device stands between your family and serious contamination. It works silently every day to keep your drinking water clean and safe.

Don’t take chances with your water quality. Whether you need a new backflow prevention device installed, your annual testing completed, or repairs on an existing system, Action Plumbing Arizona has the expertise to help.

Our certified plumbers in Tempe understand local codes and can ensure your home has the right protection. We provide fast, reliable service that keeps your water safe.

Contact Action Plumbing Arizona today to schedule your backflow testing or to learn more about protecting your home’s water supply.

In part one of this multi-part blog, we went over some of the concerns associated with indoor space heaters. Used by many homeowners to supplement heating in a given room or area, these products may increase heating capacity – but also pose several risks, from basic safety to health and, of course, a rising utility bill.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, we offer a wide range of safer, more efficient alternatives, from basic furnace repair and installation services to mini-split ductless heating systems and many others. Today’s entry will focus on a few more specific types of indoor heaters and the issues they pose, while part three will dig into the steps you can take to improve your HVAC system so there’s no need to look for risky alternatives like these.

Filler Heaters

Filler heaters are those generally used for smaller spaces, utilizing oil as their heating fuel. This is the first risk: Oil can be spilled and become dangerous to anyone in the area, or can just create a mess you’ll have to deal with.

In addition, like with fuel-burning heaters we discussed in part one, there’s a significant risk of carbon monoxide leaking and causing negative health effects. Especially given that these heaters are used in smaller areas, this is a risk to keep an eye on. If you have a smaller space you need to heat, we recommend our mini-split ductless system instead.

Convective Heaters

Convective heaters do a good job heating a room evenly, but they come with safety risks similar to those of radiative heaters: They become extremely hot to the touch and are not safe for children or animals in the home. In addition, if anyone in the home has issues with allergies, asthma or any respiratory condition, dust movement created by convective heaters can be a significant burden.

Steam Heaters

Steam heaters are among the oldest options we’re discussing here – they’ve been used for decades in varying circumstances. There are even a few new models being made, though this is a rarity today.

Steam heaters are actually relatively safe and healthy, but the issues arise when you get into cost and maintenance areas. They are expensive to purchase, first of all, and older models have tons of potential issues that require repairs and hassle. They’re also not efficient at all, meaning you’ll spend a ton just to get the same level of heat you could accomplish for a much more affordable price by maximizing your HVAC system. Finally, steam heaters are noisy and annoying to be around.

For more on these heater types and the risks they carry, or to learn about any of our furnace installation services or other alternatives, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today.

At Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical, we’re proud to offer several solutions for improving your home’s indoor air quality. From air cleaners and home humidifiers to duct cleaning, central AC repair and numerous other potential services, we’ll ensure you and your family always breathe clean, comfortable air.

When it comes to the safety areas associated with clean air, there are few areas more important than carbon monoxide prevention. This gas, which is virtually impossible to detect with normal human senses, can create major health risks when breathed in regularly. Let’s go over the risks and symptoms associated with carbon monoxide, plus the general areas you should be looking at to prevent this from ever becoming a concern in your home – plus how our HVAC professionals can help.

Carbon Monoxide Risks and Symptoms

As we noted above, carbon monoxide is very difficult to detect using our senses – impossible, in fact. It cannot be tasted, smelled or even seen within the standard human color spectrum, meaning it can be present in a room you’re breathing the air from without you even realizing it.

In a home situation, this can be extremely dangerous. Those who are continuously breathing in air mixed with carbon monoxide can see significant health risks, but another issue is the fact that their initial symptoms often appear very similar to a standard cold or flu: Things like headaches, dizziness or aching. People may not realize they have carbon monoxide poisoning until even more severe symptoms begin to show up, such as loss of consciousness, cardiorespiratory failure or even death in some extreme cases.

Safety Tips

There are several basic areas you can cover that will help prevent any risks of carbon monoxide poisoning to anyone in your home:

  • Detectors: Every floor in your home should have at least one functioning carbon monoxide detector, one with working batteries at all times. You should test these regularly to make sure they are working properly.
  • Inspections: One major benefit of HVAC inspections from our professionals? We’ll help you detect carbon monoxide leaks from equipment or poor previous installations.
  • Maintenance and upgrades: Keep up with standard HVAC maintenance, and consider upgrades to components as they age to prevent the risks of carbon monoxide leaks.
  • Cleaning: Regularly clean air passages like vents, chimneys, fireplaces and others so air can flow properly, including out of the home when needed.
  • Leak detected: In cases where your home’s carbon monoxide detector goes off and signals a leak in the home, evacuate everyone from the home right away, including pets. There’s no need to bring belongings with you, as they will not be damaged. Call the fire department first to inform them of the leak, then assess whether anyone from inside the home needs medical assistance. From here, call our HVAC pros to assess the issue.

For more on ensuring carbon monoxide doesn’t become an issue in your home, or to learn about any of our plumbing or HVAC services, speak to the staff at Action Plumbing, Heating, Air & Electrical today.

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