Backflow Testing and Certification Services in Southern Illinois

Don’t risk having contaminated water in your home! Call our specialists for backflow testing in the Southern Illinois area.

While you might not be familiar with backflow, it can pose great dangers to your home and family. This can cause contamination of your drinking water, and other water used in your property, making it necessary to get backflow testing to ensure your family’s safety. For services in the Southern Illinois area, call A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc.

Did you know that yoursewer lineissues are a result of drain clogs? Contact us to discuss your needs and schedule inspection to prevent problems in the future.

Understanding Backflow: A Crucial Explanation

Backflow can cause serious issues for your property, and your health. This is the reversed flow of water in a plumbing system, which can cause contamination of the water. All of the contaminants that are washed down your drainage system can get mixed with your drinking water, or other water on your property, like an irrigation system. This can pose great dangers to your health.

Importance of Backflow Testing

Backflow can pose risks to your family’s health and the overall quality of water on your property. To ensure your water isn’t contaminated, it’s important to have backflow testing performed. This can prevent sewage from backing up into your water supply, which can cause serious health problems for your family if consumed. This can result in harmful bacteria that can cause E. Coli, salmonella and hepatitis to enter the water. Less harmful bacteria that cause eye, nose, throat and ear infections, ulcers and vomiting can also be present. To avoid these risks, you should have backflow testing performed regularly on your property.

Trust our Southern Illinois specialists for all of yourcommon garbage disposalissues. Give us a call for on-time service!

The Backflow Testing Process

Backflow testing is important to ensure the quality of your property’s water. To perform this process, experts will:

  • Shut off the water supply to your property.
  • Focus the testing process on the devices used to prevent backflow. The professional will determine the type of device used, and the flow direction.
  • Next, the contractor will number test cocks and assemble their adapters.
  • After the downstream is shut off, the expert will attach the test kit hoses.
  • If water leaves the relief valve after this, then the expert will clean the check valve.
  • Then a test is performed to make sure the machinery is working properly.

Common Backflow Prevention Devices

Backflow prevention devices are essential components used to protect your home's water supply from contamination. These devices, such as double check valves, reduced pressure zone devices, and air gaps, work to prevent the flow of water in the reverse direction, ensuring that harmful contaminants do not enter the drinking water system.

Each type of backflow prevention device serves a specific purpose and is suited for different applications. For instance, double check valves are often used in residential settings for irrigation systems, while reduced pressure zone devices are typically required in commercial applications where more significant risks of backflow exist. Regular inspection and maintenance of these devices are crucial to ensure their effectiveness.

Signs You Need Backflow Testing

There are several signs that indicate it may be time to schedule backflow testing. If you notice a sudden change in water pressure, unusual smells in your water, or discoloration, these could be indicators of a backflow issue that needs urgent attention. It is essential to act quickly to avoid potential health risks associated with contaminated water.

Additionally, frequent plumbing problems or unexplained illnesses in your family could signal that your water supply has been compromised. Regular backflow testing and maintenance can help identify and resolve these issues before they escalate, ensuring the health and safety of your household.

Why Choose A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc. for Backflow Services?

A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc. stands out as a trusted provider of backflow testing and certification services in Southern Illinois. With years of experience and a commitment to customer satisfaction, our team of qualified professionals understands the nuances of effective backflow prevention for residential properties.

Our dedication to quality service is reflected in our Satisfaction Guarantee, ensuring that if you're not completely satisfied with our work, we will return to fix the issue at no additional cost. Choosing A & W means opting for reliable, prompt, and professional service that prioritizes the safety of your home’s water supply.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the backflow requirements in Illinois?

    Illinois requires backflow prevention assemblies on cross-connections and mandates annual testing by a licensed plumber holding a Cross-Connection Control Device Inspector designation. Results are filed with the water supplier. A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc. performs and documents backflow testing for Murphysboro and Jackson County, Illinois properties under license 058-172255.

  • How often should a backflow preventer be tested?

    Backflow preventers must be tested at least once a year in Illinois, and some water suppliers require testing after any repair or relocation. Irrigation systems, fire lines, and commercial kitchens are watched most closely. A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc. tracks annual test dates for Murphysboro and Southern Illinois customers so deadlines are not missed.

  • How much does backflow testing and repair cost in Murphysboro, IL?

    Repairing a backflow preventer typically costs $150 to $600, usually for rebuild kits replacing worn springs, seats, and rubber components. Full assembly replacement runs higher, so repair is nearly always cheaper on a sound body. A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc. rebuilds and repairs assemblies across Murphysboro and Jackson County, Illinois.

  • How can you tell if a backflow preventer is bad?

    Common symptoms are continuous water discharge from the relief port, a drop in downstream pressure, visible corrosion or mineral crust on the assembly, and a failed annual test report. Southern Illinois freeze cycles crack the body. A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc. tests and diagnoses failing assemblies throughout Murphysboro, Illinois.

  • Do you have to be a licensed plumber to install a backflow preventer?

    Yes, Illinois requires backflow assembly installation be performed by a licensed plumber, and testing requires additional cross-connection control certification, because a failed device can let contaminated water enter the drinking supply. A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc. installs and tests assemblies in Murphysboro and Jackson County, Illinois under license 058-172255.

  • What is the life expectancy of a backflow preventer?

    A well-maintained backflow assembly lasts 10 to 15 years, with internal rubber parts typically needing a rebuild every 5 years. Freezing, debris, and chlorinated water shorten that. A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc. advises Murphysboro and Southern Illinois property owners when a rebuild is smarter than replacing the entire assembly.

  • Why are backflow valves so expensive?

    The cost reflects precision-machined brass or bronze bodies, independently tested and certified internals, and strict code approval requirements, plus the licensed labor and annual testing the law requires. A reduced pressure zone assembly alone can run $300 to $1,500. A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc. explains those line items for Murphysboro and Jackson County, Illinois customers.

  • What are the two conditions that can cause backflow?

    Backflow happens under backpressure, when downstream pressure exceeds supply pressure and pushes water backward, or backsiphonage, when supply pressure drops and creates a vacuum that pulls contaminants in. A water main break can trigger the second. A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc. protects Murphysboro and Jackson County, Illinois properties against both conditions.

Don’t risk your family’s health with contaminated water! Schedule backflow testing today with A & W Plumbing and Heating, Inc. at 618-687-5862 in the Southern Illinois area.