Protecting our local water supply from backflow is a well-known concern, given its potential threat to water purity. Contamination can occur anywhere and at any time if your plumbing system lacks proper safeguards. Many people want to stop backflow and make sure their drinking water is safe, so they look for solutions. To address this, it’s important to understand the distinction between backflow preventers and check valves.

• Construction: Although backflow preventers and check valves share a common goal, they operate with slight differences. Check valves employ a hinged plug mechanism that permits water to flow through the pipeline but prevents it from flowing back. In contrast, backflow preventers use increased pressure within a pipe to ensure water flows in only one direction.
• Reliability: Backflow preventers are generally more effective in maintaining the proper flow of wastewater because of their high-pressure design. They also incorporate multiple fail-safe features to further safeguard sensitive drinking water sources. Check valves are generally reliable but can fail in certain situations, which could result in sewage water contaminating certain supplies.
• Backflow preventers are reliable and preferred for protecting drinking water sources, irrigation, and sprinkler systems.

The use of backflow prevention devices and annual testing is necessary to prevent the contamination of drinking water.