Backflow Prevention on Public Water Systems
What is it, why is it important, & should we care?
Just as it sounds, a backflow preventer prevents water from flowing backward out of your house into the main water supply system.
Why would this happen?
Water usually flows towards your plumbing devices such as sinks, showers, laundry, etc. In the case of a fire nearby, a fire hydrant would be tapped by the fire department to provide sufficient water to put out the fire. Since the pressure and flow of water used during a fire can be enormous, there is the potential that the water would be “pulled” backward out of your house into the main water line.
So, if water were to flow out of your house, plumbing fixtures that normally rely on positive pressure, such as water heaters, boilers, etc., would be under negative pressure and could be damaged. Also, contaminated water in your system, especially pools or hot tubs with chemicals involved, would be pulled back into the main system and contaminate everyone’s water.
As a result of these concerns, the American Water Works Association recommended that all municipalities create a cross-connection (or backflow prevention) plan for public water supplies. The State of Maine, in the process of updating codes for MUBEC (Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code), refers to the International Residential Code (2009) and the Maine Plumbing Code, which require that plumbing fixtures shall be provided with backflow prevention.
New homes obviously must be provided with backflow prevention. However, if the home is on a private well, this is not an issue. Water supply backflow preventers are only needed on public water supply systems.
What about existing homes?
With the new code in place and the concerns presented by AWWA, many communities began to require backflow preventers in all homes on their water systems, regardless of when they were built. A couple of years ago, some municipalities in the area began to send out letters to the residents, requiring installing a backflow preventer on existing homes.
This includes Bangor, Brewer, and Hampden. For more information on a typical system requirement, see Bangor’s program here. Unfortunately, not all water districts in all communities have instituted this requirement.
For a home inspection, how do we handle this?
On any home on a public water system, Perkins Home Services, LLC, checks to see if there is a backflow preventer in place, and we note on our report if verified or if it is lacking. If there is no backflow preventer, we suggest that one be installed, even if the water district in that area does not require it. Chances are, shortly, they will, and the new owner should be aware that this may be a future cost for them.
How much does it cost?
Installing a backflow preventer is relatively inexpensive, usually in the neighborhood of $150 – $200.
KEY POINT TO REMEMBER
The installation of backflow preventers helps guarantee that all of us on public water have safe drinking water.
Customer Reviews
We just wanted to thank you for the comprehensive inspection report. Eric was very nice, extremely professional and thorough, and explained everything he found so we could understand exactly what we were dealing with and what needed to be done, if anything. Please thank him again for us for his great work and attention to detail!
From our initial phone call to delivery of the final inspection reports, Perkins Home Services was a complete delight. Professional, prompt, thorough, and accommodating. We even learned a thing or two from the general home inspector, in addition to the required information. We're satisfied and smarter!
Scott and John who inspected our septic system have completed their work at our home in Deer Isle, Maine. We wish to complement their professionalism, courtesy and willingness to respond to our questions. They were very informative. You sent a very good team and we appreciate it. Thanks for your help too in explaining the process and arranging our appointment.
I just wanted to say thank you and how incredibly happy we were with everyone. Scott & John were beyond friendly and answered any and all questions we had! We hope to recommend you to anyone that is looking for the same service in the future.
Just wanted to say I was pleased with your Septic Check on the Blackwood Rd, Property. But saddened that I was hoping to buy it without incident. Nice to be forewarned of future problems. Thank you. I would recommend you to others.
It has been a pleasure dealing with all at Perkins. Very professional and knowledgeable. Little wonder that you are highly recommended by every realtor that we have met.
This is a very professional, thorough company. Their excellent work takes much of the worry out of buying a new home.
Scott came and inspected a home today I am interested in buying and he was great! I just wanted to say thank you for being so flexible and available. Scott was great about explaining everything to me in depth and answering all my questions. Thank you again!
Many thanks to you and the Perkins team for the great work on inspecting the home I plan to purchase. Your workers (both those who answer the phone and send out reports and those who do the hands-on inspecting of house, water, and septic) are all wonderful- friendly, knowledgeable, efficient- and you came so quickly when I needed you! I especially liked it that I could observe the inspections and ask questions. I learned a lot about the place I will soon call home!