Sunday, 10 November 2013

What To Look For In An Irrigation Backflow Installation

By Katy Kline


When looking for an irrigation backflow installation system it is important to know why they are so important. These devices protect the public water system from contamination that may happen when water flows back into the pipes from your operation. The selection of different systems is wide and choosing the one that best suits your needs will take some time. All of these devices must be inspected by a certified professional at the time of installation and every year after that for performance.

The problem of backflow is caused by what is commonly known as back pressure. Water remaining in the pipes after the system is shut off runs back into the pipes. This creates the opportunity for contaminants to enter the public water system. Most businesses are legally bound to install these devices prior to opening the doors for customers. There are several systems available and they must be inspected by certified professionals yearly as well as at the time of installation.

This is especially true if chemicals are introduced into water for pest control or fertilization of the crops. Sprinkler systems generally come with a shut-off valve but this is an inadequate answer to the problem because valves tend to leak causing the opportunity for potentially hazardous or toxic conditions. Most states have laws that demand that these devices be installed.

A double check valve assembly is not approved for systems that plan to inject chemicals into the system. They are the most common of all inline underground systems. They are less apt to freeze in harsh weather because they are under the soil or in basements or out buildings.

The easiest whole system device to install is the pressure vacuum breaker assembly. It's also the least expensive and the most popular of all of the systems. It comes with an anti freeze function that protects the device itself. Since the lines are underground it does not need to protect the pipes attached to it. Another aspect of this device is that it frequently ejects water from its system and needs to be placed in a well drained area.

For commercial properties the industry standard is the reduced pressure zone assembly. You will find these at apartment buildings and condominiums because they are the most efficient method of prevention against pollutants and toxins. They are the most complex and difficult to install but by far the most efficient means of protection. You may also find this type of assembly at major factories and businesses that use large amounts of water that may become contaminated from chemicals or other pollutants.

If you have a smaller operation you may want to find the simplest of all the systems. That will be the atmospheric vacuum breakers system. It is the least expensive of all of the options available to you and it can be set up to run up to six out lets on your property. Each line must have its own assembly and this device cannot be used as a whole system option.

There are many choices to make when choosing a backflow installation system for your project. The size of area, the option of adding chemicals to the water, the amount of water pressure needed are just a few. The main goal behind your decision should be the safety of the population served by the water source you are using. By investigating and choosing the highest form of protection for your system you can assure that your neighbors will not be affected by leakage from your system.




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