The water in your home should move in one direction from the main supply line to your faucets, appliances and irrigation system. However, in certain situations, that flow can reverse and allow contaminated water to enter your clean water supply. This issue is called backflow. It can introduce bacteria, chemicals and other harmful pollutants into the water your household uses every day.

In the state of Georgia, there are specific rules that define when a backflow preventer is required. Local counties add another layer of requirements. For instance, Georgia Rule 391-3-5-.13 mandates that water suppliers and, by extension, property owners take active steps to prevent cross-connections between the public supply and any potentially contaminated source.

In practice, homeowners with certain types of systems connected to the public water supply are legally required to have an approved backflow prevention assembly installed and maintained.

Residential situations where backflow preventers are required include:

• Lawn irrigation systems: Any home irrigation system connected to the public water supply must have a backflow prevention assembly installed.
• Swimming pools and hot tubs: Fill connections to pools and hot tubs represent direct cross-connection risks and require proper backflow protection.
• Properties with private wells: Homes that have both a well connection and a public water connection present a specific cross-contamination risk that Georgia's plumbing regulations address directly.

Backflow prevention assemblies must be tested upon installation and retested every year. This is a regulatory requirement. Documentation of that testing should be submitted to the local water authority.

Backflow typically occurs when something disrupts normal water pressure, allowing contaminated water to reverse direction and enter your clean water supply. There are two primary types of backflow:

1. Back-siphonage occurs when water pressure suddenly drops, such as when there's a break in the main water line or when firefighters use nearby hydrants. When that happens, a vacuum-like effect can pull contaminated water from other sources back into your plumbing system.
2. Backpressure happens when water flows in the wrong direction through the plumbing system. It usually occurs when a connected system or pump creates more pressure than the main water supply can withstand. For instance, a sprinkler or irrigation system can force water backward if its internal pressure exceeds the city water pressure. Without proper backflow prevention measures, contaminated water can flow back into your household water supply.

If contaminants enter your drinking water supply, you and your family may be exposed to bacteria, chemicals and other harmful pollutants. This exposure can create serious health concerns, including stomach illnesses, skin irritation and breathing issues.

Backflow prevention devices help protect your drinking water supply by stopping water from flowing in the wrong direction and preventing contaminants from entering your clean water.

Backflow issues are not always easy to spot, but several warning signs may indicate a problem in your plumbing system.

• Changes in water taste, smell or color: Sudden changes in how your water looks, tastes or smells should be assessed promptly. Cloudy, brown or yellow water coming from your faucet may indicate contamination, and strong chemical or chlorine-like odors can also suggest that unsafe water has mixed into your clean water supply.
• Low water pressure: If faucets or fixtures are not flowing as strongly as usual, your plumbing system may be experiencing a backflow-related pressure issue.
• Unusual noises: Gurgling sounds in pipes or bubbling coming up through drains may signal pressure imbalances caused by backflow within the system.

If you suspect a backflow issue, shut off your water supply and contact a plumbing professional right away. Even a small backflow event can allow harmful contaminants into your pipes, and the longer polluted water remains in the system, the harder it is to fully clear.

Backflow prevention devices are installed at key points in your plumbing system to keep contaminated water from flowing backward into your clean water supply. While there are several types available, they all serve the same purpose by creating a barrier that prevents water from reversing direction.

• Pressure vacuum breaker (PVB): Frequently installed on lawn sprinkler systems, PVBs contain a check valve and an air inlet that opens when water pressure drops. This device prevents contaminated water from being siphoned back into the clean water line and should be tested yearly to confirm it's operating correctly.
• Reduced-pressure zone (RPZ) valve: These devices use multiple check valves along with a relief valve that releases water if pressure changes are detected. This setup helps ensure contaminated water is discharged safely instead of entering your drinking water. RPZ valves are commonly used in irrigation systems and other plumbing systems with a higher risk of contamination.
• Double-check valves (DCVs): Used in many residential and commercial plumbing systems, DCVs feature two check valves connected in sequence to provide added protection against backflow. While simpler than RPZ assemblies, they still offer reliable protection from contamination.

Plumbing regulations in Georgia require annual backflow testing in Atlanta and throughout the state for any property equipped with a backflow prevention assembly. Because these devices contain moving mechanical parts that wear down over time, routine testing is important to catch failures before they put your water supply at risk.

Reynalds Brothers offers backflow prevention assembly testing, repair and replacement services. We serve homeowners in Carrollton and surrounding areas west and northwest of Atlanta, and we're available 24/7. We're certified to provide residential plumbing services in Georgia, meaning we understand both the technical demands and regulatory landscape of Georgia's water safety requirements and can provide complete solutions for BFPA compliance.

Schedule a consultation to learn more about backflow prevention for Georgia homes and other plumbing services we offer.