Services - Backflow Chicago

Backflow & RPZ Importance

Why are backflow devices and reduced pressure zone valves important?

We rely on the water utilities to provide clean, safe drinking water through our faucets. In most cases, they are successful in removing contaminants and delivering pure water to our homes. However, there are certain situations where the reverse flow of water, known as backflow, can occur. This can pose a significant risk to both public health and the overall freshwater supply. It is important to take precautions and prevent backflow from occurring.

Backflow devices are used to prevent contaminants from flowing back into a water supply system. They are installed in a plumbing system to protect against the risk of cross-contamination between the potable (drinking) water supply and potentially hazardous fluids or substances.

Backflow prevention is important because it helps to ensure the safety and quality of the drinking water supply. If a backflow incident were to occur, it could potentially lead to the contamination of the water supply, which could be harmful to public health.

Roanoke Virginia - Chlordane Poisoning - Backflow Failure Example 1.

In October of 1979, the town of Roanoke, Virginia suffered from a water contamination problem. The city mains were down for repair and an exterminator was working at home nearby, he left a hose connected to the outdoor faucet, and the other end was attached to a barrel of poisonous Chlordane. The chemical was back siphoned into the house and then it made its way to the city main. After $200,000 in repairs and six days of flushing out the lines, the water was still unsafe to drink. We've heard of similar situations where funeral homes were leaking corpse blood into the neighborhood water supply. The neighbors started to notice an "iron" like taste in the water, and a plumber discovered the problem, lack of a backflow device.

Cincinnati, Ohio - Turns Water Into Wine - Backflow Failure Example 2

In 1970, a wine distillery contaminated a neighborhood's drinking supply and turned water into wine (not really, but they did backflow wine into the drinking supply which made its way into some of the faucets and showers of nearby residents). The backflow happened because they lacked a Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) valve, and the pressure at the distillery was greater than the pressure of the city mains. This resulted in wine being backflowed into the freshwater supply.

Keep The Water Supply Clean

Looking for a trained expert to inspect your backflow device? At BackflowChicago.com, we offer backflow device testing and certification services to help you stay compliant with city regulations. We also offer backflow device installation services for your convenience. Let us handle the technicalities for you

1000's of Backflows Tested

We've installed, repaired and tested thousands of backflow devices throughout Chicago and it's surrounding suburbs.

Cross Connection Control Certified

Our plumbers are certified by the state of IL. The equipment they use is checked annually and certified as well.

Chicago & Des Plaines, IL

We have convenient locations in Chicago and Des Plaines. Whether you're in the city or the suburbs we've got your backflow covered.

Professional Backflow Installs

Our plumbers can install any type of backflow / rpz device.