Backflow Testing Services | Baumbach Plumbing & Remodeling

Backflow is a severe issue that can happen in nearly any home. This term refers to the act of water running in reverse and causing clean water to become contaminated. Backflow can lead to property damage and health risks if it isn’t addressed immediately. Fortunately, Baumbach Plumbing & Remodeling provides backflow testing services.

Potential Causes Of Backflow

On nearly every property, water lines must cross-connect at a certain point. When backflow occurs, wastewater, solids, and gases often get mixed with clean water. In houses, variations in water pressure can lead to backflow from bathroom or kitchen sinks, washing machines, or swimming pools. Water sources all throughout the home can thus become contaminated.

If your toilet makes a gurgling sound, this is generally an indication of negative air pressure (i.e. “suction”) buildup. In these instances, water in your bowl may likely bubble and your toilet may flush on its own.

Frequent causes of backflow include:

Broken or burst pipes
Leaking or burst water mains
Frozen pipes
Higher-than-average demand for water

How To Prevent Backflow

A professional plumber can offer you recommendations for how to prevent backflow on your property, whether it’s residential or commercial. Common backflow prevention methods include:

Air Gap

An air hole is formed at one end of the water supply line to keep pressure. This solution takes time to solve backflow issues.

DCV

This refers to “double-check valves,” which have spring-loads and a shutoff function. This solution is ideal for preventing underground backflow.

AVB

An atmospheric vacuum breaker is set up at the end of your pipes to keep water pressure.

PVB

A pressure vacuum breaker regulates water pressure by utilizing a spring-loaded valve that has a shutoff function. It’s important to note that certain PVBs can experience leaks.

RPZA

These are Reduced Pressure Zone Assemblies, which are highly reliable and efficient. A pressure differential relief valve, a shutoff valve, and test cocks are used to separate a shutoff valve and a pair of spring-loaded check valves with this solution.

Depending on the type of property you own, some of these solutions may be more effective than others. Also, you should ideally ensure your backflow prevention system is tested by a professional at least once a year. There are many different types of devices for preventing backflow, each of which provides a unique level of protection from this problem. Most professional plumbers are licensed and insured, which means they are extensively trained in resolving backflow and other maintenance issues.

Get Efficient Backflow Testing Services From Baumbach Plumbing

Reach out to the professionals at Baumbach Plumbing & Remodeling to receive high-quality backflow testing services. Since 1928, we have been dedicated to providing plumbing and remodeling services to clients throughout Northern Virginia. If your property has backflow issues, we will resolve this problem efficiently. We are also licensed, bonded, and insured.

Call Baumbach Plumbing & Remodeling today at (703) 250-4200 or schedule a service online to ensure your water system is free from backflow.

Sherry May

13:10 16 Apr 21

Andy has been working for me for 20 years - great service and great plumber. Just installed a new hot water heater....

Qing Shi

16:25 10 Mar 21

I called Andy for kitchen sink problems and he came and replaced the food waste disposal, all within 90 min from my first call. I don't know who else would be this fast and efficient! Andy is also good to work with, very professional.

Beverly Baird

16:08 04 May 20

I have used Baumbach since Andy saved me during a rental property emergency 20 years ago. He has done jobs large and small for my home and rental properties. He knows what he is doing and the job is always right the first time. He is very responsive, and was even very helpful when I texted him on h is wedding day. Andy is not a cuddly fellow, and can come off as abrupt, but I enjoy working with him and know that he will make sure that my jobs are done correctly and safely.

Kevin Turner

20:03 25 Nov 19

Very Professional and Very Friendly! This plumber does good work at reasonable prices!Every time we have used their services, the Techs have always been very friendly!

Stephanie Leveque

06:07 04 Jan 18

I have been using Baumbach Plumbing and Remodeling for years and am very satisfied with the level of service. Andy, the owner, and his team are quick, responsive, and very professional. In particular, my most recent experience with him demonstrates his exceptional level of service and dedication. On New Year’s Day, I discovered water on my condo floor – under the laminate, soaking the drywall – you get the dreadful picture. There was water on the HVAC closet floor. I called Baumbach’s in a panic and Andy was out – on a major holiday, mind you, and in the freezing cold – within 45 minutes. He assessed the situation, identified where the leak was coming from, and quickly proposed a solution. The leak was due to an incorrectly installed common use pipe, an emergency drain pipe, that catches any hot water heater overflow from the two units upstairs, and is supposed to drain to the outside. Since it was not installed correctly, it was frozen solid and, as a result, water could not evacuate out the pipe; it was gushing into my unit instead. He immediately examined the hot water heaters of the neighbors upstairs (their heaters were indeed malfunctioning), persuaded them both to let him fix their heaters, and the leak stopped. He saved my condo unit from any further total damage. I only have praise for Baumbach Plumbing and Remodeling and I highly, highly recommend Andy and his team of seasoned professionals.