If you live in an area where there are a lot of culverts that run under the streets and into storm drains, your plumbing system may need a culvert backflow preventer. These devices help ensure that clean water doesn’t mix with contaminated or non-potable water, which can be hazardous to your health and that of others.
Culvert backflow preventers are required by many local and state plumbing codes. They protect your home and the public from dangerous contaminates in the water, such as bacteria, chemicals and fertilizers.
Typically, they consist of two check valves that shut off when the pressure in a water line is greater than that of the city’s supply lines. The valves also have test cocks that allow an inspector or water authority to check the pressure differential and valve action between the two systems.
A culvert backflow preventer is an effective way to protect the quality of your drinking water, and it’s important for all homeowners and businesses to have one installed. A faulty backflow preventer can cause contamination in your water supply, so it’s best to have it tested by a professional plumber periodically and to replace any rubber parts that may be faulty.
The most common type of backflow preventer is a Sewer Check Valve, which has a flap that lifts up and closes when water starts to flow backwards into your sewer. This prevents sewage from flowing into your house, but it doesn’t stop sewer gases.
This device is relatively inexpensive and easy to install. However, it only stops sewer backflow for a short period of time and can’t be used when the system needs to be shut down completely.
Some cities require that culverts be checked for backflow as part of routine maintenance, so it’s a good idea to have these checks done on your culvert by a professional. They can also make sure that the culvert isn’t causing any damage to your lawn or landscaping.
Another option is to get a specialized backflow preventer, which is more expensive and requires a licensed plumber to install and test. These devices are larger and have more moving parts than a regular culvert backflow preventer, so they need to be cleaned and tested regularly as well.
A specialized backflow preventer is usually installed at the point where your water meter connects to your sewer. It requires a specialized tool for installation, which should be used by a licensed plumber.
There are many different types of culvert backflow preventers available, so it’s important to find the right one for your situation. The type of preventer that you choose depends on the location, type of piping and what’s involved in installing it.
In addition to protecting your home and your community, a culvert backflow preventer can help protect salt sensitive vegetation near storm drains. It can also prevent tidal flooding in areas that are prone to heavy inundation of seawater during high tides.