Backflow Testing in Middletown

Plumbing First Helps You Keep Your Water Safe & Clean

We love fresh, clean water. Backflow prevention and testing are part of what ensures this. Your plumbing system is designed to have water flowing in one direction only. Water enters your home at the municipal connection (typically located at the edge of your property) and exits through your sewer line. If this one-directional flow is disrupted, your water may become contaminated. Backflow prevention devices are your first line of defense against this. 

At Plumbing First, we know how crucial it is that your backflow devices are working correctly. If you have a backflow problem at your commercial property or need your backflow preventer device tested, we are here to help. Our plumbers are licensed and insured, and we have the skills necessary to do the job.

Call Plumbing First at (302) 233-7693 or contact us online for expert backflow testing in New Castle and Kent Counties. 

What Is Backflow & Why Does It Matter?

Backflow preventers are installed at cross-connections in your plumbing system and are designed to prevent blackwater or sewage from moving backward in your system, contaminating your fresh water supply. Backflow can be caused by several conditions: backpressure and back-siphonage.

Backpressure occurs when water is forced back into your plumbing system due to an imbalance in pressure. Usually, this means that the water pressure in the sewer side of your plumbing system is suddenly significantly greater than the pressure in your potable water section.

Back-siphonage occurs when a vacuum forms in the freshwater side of your plumbing system. This can be caused by many issues, often with the municipal water source, such as a break in the line or a sudden increased demand on the system.

Signs you may have backflow problems:

• Your water is brown, yellow, or otherwise discolored
• You can see sediment in your water
• Your water smells like rotten eggs or sulfur
• Your water has a bad flavor
• You have water pressure issues, particularly low water pressure

How Often Should You Schedule Backflow Testing?

City and county plumbing codes require backflow prevention devices. Delaware's State plumbing code also requires them. Depending on your city or county, commercial property owners and managers must have their backflow prevention assemblies inspected annually. These inspections must also be performed by a State approved and certified backflow tester.

Types of backflow prevention devices include:

• Pressure vacuum breaker (PVB)
• Reduced pressure zone (RPZ)
• Double check assembly (DCA)

Atmospheric vacuum breakers (AVBs) are another type of backflow prevention device, but they are considered less reliable than your other options, and many municipalities and counties do not allow them. If you need to replace your backflow prevention assembly, contact Plumbing First for guidance on which type of preventer is best for your situation.