Backflow Prevention

Backflow Prevention Services in Mount Vernon, WA

Let’s be honest. Water reversing course and coming back up through your toilets or drains is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. It’s, well, messy. We don’t need to explain why that scenario is so bad, but we do need a solution when it happens. Or, better yet, what if you could do something more powerful than just fixing the problem? What if you could prevent it from ever happening at all?

With the power of Skagit Plumbing, you can do just that. You can stop plumbing disasters before they even begin. Our proven and effective backflow prevention services give Mount Vernon residents a way to protect their home’s entire plumbing system like never before. Speak with us today to learn how!

What Is Backflow, and What Causes It to Happen in the First Place?

Backflow is when water in your pipes flows in the wrong direction. Your plumbing is a one-way street designed to bring clean water in and send used water out. Backflow turns that street into a free-for-all, allowing potentially contaminated water from the ground, your irrigation system, or even the sewer line to reverse flow and enter your home’s clean water supply.

This reversal is usually triggered by a change in pressure. A few things can cause this dangerous pressure shift:

A sudden drop in the main city water supply pressure.

A water main break somewhere in your neighborhood.
Firefighters using a nearby hydrant, causing a massive pressure draw.

When this happens, a siphon effect can be created, pulling dirty water backward through any connection point, like a garden hose left in a puddle or an irrigation line. The risk here is a serious contamination of the water you drink, cook with, and bathe in.

Watch for These Red Flags That Signal a Potential Backflow Problem Is Brewing

You might get some warning signs before a major backflow event occurs. Your senses are your best tool here. Is the water coming from your tap suddenly looking cloudy, yellow, or brown? Does it have sediment or rust particles in it? An even bigger warning is a noticeable change in taste or a foul odor, like sulfur or sewage. Also, pay attention to the flow itself. If your water flow sputters or is unusually slow, it points to pressure problems that can lead to backflow.

Reduced Pressure Zone Assemblies

To truly shield your home, we often install a backflow prevention device called a Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) assembly. It’s a sophisticated assembly that creates a buffer zone between the city’s water and your home’s water supply. An RPZ uses two independent spring-loaded check valves and a pressure-regulated relief valve between them. In a normal situation, water flows right through. However, if a pressure drop occurs that could cause backflow, the system activates. The relief valve will open and dump the trapped, potentially dirty water out of a port and away from your pipes. This action physically makes it impossible for contamination to pass through the device and into your home’s water.

Using Vacuum Breakers as Targeted Protection for Hoses and Irrigation Systems

Not every part of your home needs an RPZ assembly. For specific connection points, a simpler device is often the perfect solution. Your outdoor hose spigot and lawn irrigation system are two of the most common points for backflow contamination. A simple vacuum breaker can protect these areas effectively. An atmospheric vacuum breaker is a simple but clever valve we can install on your hose spigot. If water pressure drops, this valve opens to let air into the pipe. This air breaks the siphoning action, instantly stopping any water from being pulled backward through the hose. This prevents fertilizer, pesticides, or dirty puddle water from entering your clean water. This small addition to your tap or irrigation line makes a huge difference in your plumbing safety.

Why Getting Your Backflow Prevention Device Tested Every Year Is So Important for Protecting Your Family

Installing a backflow prevention device is the first step. The second, equally important step is regular testing. These are mechanical devices with springs, seals, and moving parts. Over time, those parts can wear down or get clogged with sediment from the water. We recommend having your system tested annually to verify that every valve and every seal is working perfectly. This quick test verifies that your pressure is correct and the relief valve will activate properly during a backflow event. It’s a simple check-up that gives you peace of mind that your water filter and faucets are delivering nothing but safe, clean water to your family.

Additional Services

Stop Plumbing Problems Before They Start By Calling Skagit Plumbing

When you are ready to safeguard your home’s water supply from backflow, give us a call for backflow prevention services in Mount Vernon, WA, and the surrounding Skagit County area. We are prepared to tackle any potential plumbing problem by preventing it in the first place.