Wayward Water Mayhem: 5 Reasons You Have a Backflow Preventer Leaking in Columbia, SC

Steeped in rich history and culture, Columbia, SC's historical landmarks give each resident a sense of deep connection with the past. From South Carolina State House to Robert Mills House, it's a place any history buff doesn't want to miss. Along with its vibrant arts scene, boasting galleries and renowned theater, there's something for everyone. Columbia is also home to three rivers—the Saluda, Broad and Congaree. These rivers pulse through the city and offer Columbia's community of homeowners fun activities like river rafting and gorgeous areas to gather on the water's edge on those warm summer days. The very same water flows through homes in Columbia, bringing convenience and refreshment to homeowners. However, indoor water systems are bound to falter from time to time and can lead to issues like your backflow preventer leaking. Columbia homeowners who leave it unaddressed can risk facing major plumbing disasters.

So, when you've got a leaking backflow preventer, the local Columbia plumber from Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Columbia SC is here for you.

Our licensed plumbers have been in the plumbing business for many years! That means we're the top experts in our field and the most trusted plumbing company in Columbia and the nearby cities. You won't find service professionals with more experience, expertise, or a higher commitment to delivering the utmost in customer satisfaction. This includes solving all your leaking backflow preventer problems.

In this blog post, we'll go into the specifics of how a backflow preventer works and the common reasons your backflow preventer leaking issue has come to fruition. Let's dive in!

Is Your Backflow Preventer Leaking? Here’s How a Backflow Prevention Device Works

When it comes to your home's water supply lines, the flow of water should only ever move in one direction—into your home. But, when changes in water pressure occur inside your pipes, it can cause the water to flow back out into your main water supply line. When pressure has been lost due to an open fire hydrant, for example, the reduced pressure that pushes the water forward into your home will lose power and cause it to backtrack. When you're faced with the issue of your backflow preventer leaking, it can put domestic water and community drinking water at risk, contaminating it with pests, fertilizers, sewer water, and soaps, and jeopardizing clean water supply.

This is where a backflow prevention device comes in. This device forces water to flow into your home in a steady stream and prevents it from flowing in the opposite direction or backflow of water. The preventer is installed within the pipes and works to protect your family and the general public from backflow water contaminants and a leaking backflow preventer. So, when your backflow preventer is leaking, it can result in the contamination of drinking water.

But, you might be asking: Why is my backflow preventer leaking? What causes this issue?

Read on to find out more about the common causes behind leaking backflow preventers in Columbia, SC!

5 Common Reasons Why You Have a Backflow Preventer Leaking in Columbia, SC

Keeping your family and community water contamination-free is an importance that can't be overstated. Leaking backflow preventers cause contaminated water, which can lead to sickness and disease, and can even be fatal. But, it's important to know the causes behind a backflow preventer leaking to determine how to go about fixing it. Let's dive into 5 of the common reasons your backflow preventer leaking issue has taken up residence.

Relief Valve

One of the most common reasons for a leaking backflow preventer is likely because your relief valve is misaligned. When the valve is positioned too high, internal water pressures are allowed to surpass the minimum threshold. If the valve is placed too low, it will become susceptible to corrosion and cause leakage.

Debris and Other Foreign Objects

During backflow preventer assembly, debris and mineral buildup may get into the seals of the device during the installation process and into the valve body, causing a backflow preventer leaking problem. Or if other work is done on your water pipes, pieces of pipe may get lodged in the compromised checks. This will ensure the checks don't seal.

Worn-Out Washer Seal

The washer is located in the female connection portion of the backflow preventer. Washers can dry out quickly and will need to be replaced regularly. Ensure this component is seated downwards on the fitting.

Worn Springs

Worn springs are another common reason why your backflow preventer is leaking. When the springs in the relief valve begin to wear, they become less effective in lifting at the correct pressures. Since the springs are made of metal, they're bound to corrode and deteriorate over time, causing them to lift at higher pressures, and you've got a leaking backflow preventer in your hands. Because of these pressure differentials, it's incredibly important to inspect the relief valve regularly to ensure all components are operating to optimal efficiency.

Leaking Gaskets

If you've recently installed a backflow preventer, it's common for gaskets to leak upon installation. To prevent the backflow preventer from leaking, you can apply a bit of water to the gaskets before installation, and this should help with leakage. It's also important to perform backflow preventer testing. Otherwise, your gaskets may need replacement.

Preventative Maintenance: How to Put a Stopper In a Backflow Preventer Leaking Issue Before It Begins

When it comes to leaking backflow preventers, freezing is a major issue. When cold winter conditions settle in, a backflow preventer leaking issue will quickly turn into ice. Some preventative measures to prevent your leaking backflow preventer from freezing are:

• Turn check valves to release pressure
• Use foam pipe insulation to wrap up backflow preventer pipes
• Measure and cut water pipe insulation
• Replace the worn-out backflow preventer valve knob
• Use pipe wrap tape for insulation

Is Your Backflow Preventer Leaking? Call Mr. Rooter Plumbing to Put a Stopper on It Today

Stop that major plumbing disaster in its tracks! Our dedicated leaking backflow preventer team is well-versed in leakages of all kinds, including backflow preventer leaking problems. Trust Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Columbia SC to handle all your backflow preventer leaking problems. We also offer a wide range of other plumbing services to our current community, such as sewer and drain cleaning, gas line repair, and more! If you're a believer in functioning backflow preventers, contact us today for a closer inspection! Whether you have a backflow preventer leaking in Columbia or the nearby areas of Irmo, Lexington, or Cayce, trust our professional plumber for exceptional service!