Your backflow preventer is a key component of both your plumbing system and your irrigation system. It works to stop water that comes from your irrigation system from flowing back into your water supply. This water can contain fertilizers, pesticides, or other contaminants that you do not want going into your drinking water.
Backflow prevention systems are often exposed to various elements that can cause them serious harm. If your backflow is leaking, worn out, or not functioning, you may be wondering, "Why did my backflow stop working?" The Grounds Guys of League City, Pearland and Friendswood are here with a handy guide to demystify all the potential reasons your backflow has begun to malfunction.
We hope this handy guide will help you better understand how to prevent these issues in the future and all the environmental factors that affect your backflow’s functionality and reliability.
These systems are susceptible to wear over time. They age and often have to handle and withstand a wide range of weather conditions. These issues take their toll over time and can lead to damage. So, if you have a leaking backflow, there's a good chance that after an inspection, the culprit will be one of these environmental factors.
Reason 1: Temperature
Texas has both cold winter nights and hot summer days, which can cause serious wear and tear on the components of your backflow. If you are wondering, “Why did my backflow stop working?” Take a look at the weather report. Going below 32°F causes the water in the system to freeze and expand within the device. This can lead to cracked pipes or valve bodies, as well as damage to the rubber seals and gaskets. They become brittle over time and can cause leaks.
Additionally, metal components expand, which can cause misalignment. The same can be said for temperatures above 100°F. Between thermal expansion shifting parts and the acceleration of chemical reactions leading to increased corrosion, high temperatures and low temperatures are both dangerous for your backflow's mechanical components. Resulting in you needing to call a professional for backflow repair.
Reason 2: Water Quality
Minerals in your water system can cause buildup inside the moving parts of your backflow, restricting movement. Scale buildup can cause clogs in small ports and passages within the device and negatively impact the sealing capabilities of the check valves. Debris, dirt, sediment, and sand also contribute to the buildup, accumulating in chambers and interfering with the springs and other vital moving parts.
Performing annual backflow testing will ensure that your water quality is not compromised or that your irrigation system's performance is not negatively impacted.
Reason 3: Water Pressure
If your water pressure is constantly above 80 psi, you could be straining internal components like your seals and gaskets to wear down more quickly than normal. This can also cause issues with alignment and create leaks at any weak connection points. If the pressure is high enough, it can sometimes cause irreparable damage to your parts.
Your backflow preventer is not built for this level of pressure, and severe damage could require you to shell out for a costly replacement. Ensure the proper water pressure in your system to keep your irrigation system working properly.
Reason 4: Chemicals
Certain chemicals, such as chlorine, can enter your backflow system and cause your components to corrode much more quickly. It will wear down rubber components, causing them to deteriorate and wear out faster, causing leaks in your system. Fertilizers and pesticides can damage materials in your backflow preventer and may cause harmful chemical reactions with its components.
You probably don't want a science experiment going on in there. Chemicals can leach into your clean water and can be very detrimental to your health. If you've used a chemical agent on your lawn and your backflow preventer fails, avoid drinking or using the water until a professional confirms it's safe.
Reason 5: Sunlight Exposure
The plastic components of your backflow valve could be the reason your backflow has stopped working. The plastic components can become brittle due to the harsh UV radiation of the sun, leading to cracking. This can also cause your protective coatings and paint to wear out more quickly. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent with backflow preventers open to the air. Heat also contributes to the expansion and contraction cycles, as mentioned earlier, leading to parts becoming misaligned and wearing out more quickly.
Reason 6: Soil Conditions
Soil is a major factor that contributes to the overall functionality and longevity of your backflow prevention system. Acidic or alkaline soil can accelerate the corrosion of metal components and may affect the integrity of protective coatings. If your soil holds lots of moisture, it can create a damp environment, which promotes rust and corrosion of your metal components.
Microorganisms and fungi can also grow in these environments, impacting your system's performance. Soil erosion and movement can also cause unnecessary wear and tear on your components. Shifting soil, in particular, may lead to stress and uneven settling, potentially causing leaks and poor performance or inoperability.
Looking for a Reliable Irrigation System Repair? League City Locals Count on The Grounds Guys: Call Us Today
If you're unsure why your backflow isn't working, turn to The Grounds Guys of League City, Pearland, and Friendswood for help in identifying the problem. We’ll ensure you have a clean water supply and a functioning backflow prevention system. Proper installation and inspections both help reduce the chances of these issues occurring.
Inspections, in particular, are important to catching issues quickly before they cause irreparable damage. Our expert landscapers are here to provide reliable irrigation system repairs for damaged backflow prevention systems or pressure relief valves. We offer a wide range of services to keep your lawn and landscaping looking great.
We provide lawn maintenance, landscaping, hardscaping, and irrigation repair and sprinkler installation services for residential and commercial clients in League City, Pearland, Friendswood, Clear Lake, Webster, Nassau Bay, Bacliff, Manvel, and Dickinson.
We can help keep your irrigation system working smoothly with high-quality replacement parts. Call us today or visit our website to schedule your landscaping services. Let us help you create the outdoor living space of your dreams.