PROTECTING YOUR WATER SUPPLY
Backflow Prevention Services in British Columbia
Backflow can allow water to move in the wrong direction through a plumbing system. Proflow provides backflow prevention assessment, device service and installation for homes and businesses across British Columbia.
PREVENT
Unwanted reverse water flow
PROTECT
The potable water supply
SERVICE
Backflow prevention devices
UNDERSTANDING BACKFLOW
Water Should Travel in One Direction.
Your plumbing system is intended to deliver potable water toward fixtures and equipment. Backflow is a reversal of that intended flow.
Under certain pressure conditions, water from another part of a plumbing system can potentially move backward toward the potable water supply. Backflow prevention devices are designed to help stop that reverse movement.
The appropriate device and installation depend on the plumbing system, the connection being protected and the potential source of cross-connection.
THE BASIC PRINCIPLE
Normal Flow vs. Backflow
NORMAL FLOW
WATER SUPPLY
→
BACKFLOW DEVICE
→
PROPERTY
Water moves in the intended direction from the supply into the property’s plumbing.
UNWANTED REVERSE FLOW
WATER SUPPLY
←
PROTECTION POINT
←
CROSS-CONNECTION
Backflow prevention is intended to stop water from reversing toward the potable supply.
WHY IT MATTERS
Backflow Prevention Helps Protect Potable Water.
A plumbing cross-connection can create a pathway between potable water and another water source or system. If flow reverses through that connection, water can move where it was never intended to go.
Backflow prevention devices create protection at these points by controlling or stopping reverse flow.
BACKFLOW PREVENTION IS ABOUT DIRECTION.
The goal is to keep water moving through the plumbing system
the way it was designed to move.
HOW FLOW CAN REVERSE
What Can Create a Backflow Condition?
Backflow is associated with changes in pressure and cross-connections within plumbing systems.
Pressure Changes
Changes in supply or system pressure can alter the normal direction in which water wants to move.
Cross-Connections
A connection between potable plumbing and another source creates a potential pathway for reverse flow.
Downstream Pressure
If pressure on the property side becomes greater than the supply pressure, water may attempt to move backward.
Supply Pressure Drop
A significant reduction in supply pressure can change the pressure relationship within connected plumbing.
Experiencing abnormal pressure rather than a backflow issue?
Water Pressure Repair →
WHERE PROTECTION MAY BE NEEDED
Backflow Prevention Can Apply to Different Plumbing Connections.
01
Residential Plumbing
Certain residential connections or plumbing arrangements may require appropriate backflow protection.
02
Irrigation Connections
Outdoor water systems can create cross-connections that require separation from potable plumbing.
03
Commercial Properties
Commercial plumbing systems may contain equipment and connections requiring specific backflow protection.
04
Mechanical Equipment
Some equipment connected to a water supply can require protection appropriate to the application.
BACKFLOW DEVICE SERVICE
A Device Is Only One Part of the Protection.
Effective backflow prevention depends on selecting an appropriate device, installing it correctly and keeping the surrounding plumbing in suitable condition.
If an existing assembly is leaking, damaged, deteriorated or suspected of not operating correctly, the device and related plumbing should be assessed.
Request Backflow Assessment →
01
Existing Device Assessment
02
Backflow Device Installation
03
Leak & Connection Inspection
04
Device Repair or Replacement
05
Related Plumbing Repairs
DON’T CONFUSE THE TWO
Backflow Prevention vs. Pressure Reduction
Both involve water pressure, but they perform different jobs.
BACKFLOW PREVENTION
Controls Direction
A backflow prevention device is intended to stop unwanted reverse flow through a protected plumbing connection.
Purpose: protect against reverse flow.
PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE
Controls Pressure
A pressure-reducing valve controls the downstream pressure supplied to the property’s plumbing system.
Pressure Reducing Valves →
BACKFLOW FAQ
Common Backflow Prevention Questions
The correct backflow protection depends on the plumbing system and the type of connection being protected.
What is plumbing backflow?
Backflow is the reversal of the intended direction of water through a plumbing system or connection.
What does a backflow preventer do?
A backflow prevention device is designed to stop unwanted reverse water flow at a protected plumbing connection.
Is a backflow preventer the same as a pressure reducing valve?
No. A pressure-reducing valve regulates downstream water pressure, while backflow prevention equipment is intended to stop unwanted reverse flow.
Why is my backflow device leaking?
Leakage can have different causes involving the device, its components, pressure conditions or connected plumbing. The assembly should be assessed to determine the cause.
Can Proflow replace a backflow prevention device?
Proflow can assess backflow prevention equipment and provide plumbing repair, installation or replacement where appropriate.
Do all properties use the same backflow device?
No. The appropriate protection depends on the plumbing application, connection and system requirements.
BACKFLOW PREVENTION SERVICE
Protect the Direction of Your Water Supply.
Need a backflow device assessed, repaired or installed? Contact Proflow for plumbing service across British Columbia.
