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Backflow Prevention

BODEK INC. - Binghamton's Backflow Professionals

BODEK INC. is experienced and certified to work on most all brands of backflow devices including Watts, Wilkins/Zurin, Ames, Febco, Hersey, and many others. We will be there every step of the way from backflow installation to testing and certification. Give us a call if your backflow prevention assembly is in need of repair or annual certifcation.

 

The Safe Drinking Water Act (1974) requires that you must have an approved backflow prevention device installed and maintained. This backflow prevention assembly is installed to ensure that cross connections cannot occur. We have the expertise and institutional knowledge to ensure that your backflow prevention device is in tip-top shape. For backflow testing near Binghamton, NY, give us a call!

Who Needs A Backflow Device?

In New York State, the regulations requiring backflow prevention assemblies are decided by your water supplier (often the city you live in). Though they are required for most businesses, not all homes may necessarily require a backflow device.

Backflow devices are often required for homes connected to the public water supply that have a pool, sprinkler system, treated boiler, or anything else with the potential to contaminate water. They are also often required for residencies connected to both the public water supply and another water source, like a well. The backflow device helps prevent any potential contaminates from these sources from getting into your water and the public water supply.

Water main pipe with back flow prevention valve
Inground sprinkler system

What Is Backflow?

Backflow is when water flows backward due to a change in pressure. If backflow is occurring, the water has passed the water meter and, due to either back pressure or back siphonage, is flowing in the opposite direction of its normal flow.

 

This backward flow of water can carry contaminants like pesticides or human waste into the drinking water supply through a cross connection—any area where drinking water could come in contact with another water source. A backflow prevention device ensures that the water can only move in one direction, preventing drinking water contamination that can lead to sickness and even death. ​​​​​​​​

What Causes Backflow?

BACK PRESSURE

Back pressure is when the pressure in your pipes is greater than incoming water pressure. This can be caused by things like water heater expansion or blocked drains.

BACK SIPHONAGE

Back siphonage is when a pipe develops negative pressure. This can occur when water is temporarily shut off for a repair.

CROSS CONNECTIONS

Cross connection is when your drinking water and another source of water is allowed to mix. Potable water can be exposed to unwanted contaminants if it is allowed to mix with another source of water.

CAUSES OF CROSS CONNECTIONS

[These can lead to backflows and drinking water contamination]

  • Filling your swimming pool by placing your garden hose in the pool.

  • Putting a hose in your pet's water bowl, bucket, trough, or tank.

  • Snaking a garden hose down a slow moving or clogged drain to try to clear out debris.

  • Connecting your garden hose to plant fertilizer or bug sprayer units.

  • Standing water in sprinkler systems can backflow if the water main is turned off.

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