Denver Backflow Specialists

Backflow occurs from two primary situations, the first is backflow pressure. Backflow pressure is common in commercial and industrial uses, such as fire-prevention sprinkler systems. The water contained in the sprinkler system is above the incoming water so that water can flow back into the community drinking water supply if the backflow preventer malfunctions. The same is true of pressurized water systems, such as those used in industrial and medical cleaning systems.

The second reason for backflow is backflow siphonage, which can also occur in many of the same situations, including single family domestic homes with automated irrigation. For instance when the water is turned off for plumbing repairs, it creates a vacuum from which the water from the irrigation system can literally be sucked back into the home’s drinking water if the backflow preventer malfunctions.

More common home situations can also create this backflow siphonage, which is much like sucking on a hose to start a siphon. Showers, toilets and laundry and dishwashers can create this vacuum, allowing herbicides, pesticides and fecal matter from pets and wild animals to enter the home’s drinking water.