Automatic sprinkler systems are essential tools for homeowners who are determined to maintain beautiful lush lawns and gardens. With a lawn irrigation system, this can all be done while saving effort and minimizing water waste. Underground sprinkler systems, in particular, help conserve time, money, and water, therefore making them an excellent investment. In this article, we will cover what a sprinkler backflow valve is, its role in protecting your water supply, and the potential hazards of not installing one on your home irrigation system.
Do All Sprinkler Systems Have a Backflow Valve?
Importance of Installing a Backflow Preventer
When your sprinkler system is connected to your home’s municipal water supply, it’s critical to install a backflow preventer device. A sudden water pressure fluctuation can cause water to reverse flow, potentially allowing contaminants like pesticides, fertilizers, and bacteria to enter your home’s water supply line, potentially contaminating water that you use for drinking, cooking, or bathing. The backflow preventer system keeps water flowing in one direction, preventing cross-connection contamination from entering your municipal water supply that could pose serious health risks. Many sprinkler system regulations require homeowners to install a certified backflow preventer to comply with plumbing backflow prevention standards.
People who are considering an automatic sprinkler system will quickly discover that sprinkler systems are technically complicated and challenging to install. Numerous factors have to be considered as you decide what sprinkler system is right for your yard. One factor includes the type of soil you have. To top it all off, there are surprising safety considerations.
Sooner or later, someone will mention that your irrigation system needs a backflow valve or backflow preventer. In some cases, you might even hear that your safety depends on it. Do all sprinkler systems have a backflow preventer?
No, you need to ensure that any sprinkler system you install has a backflow preventer yourself.
Sprinkler Systems: What Is Backflow?
As handy as automatic sprinkler systems are, let’s take a moment to appreciate all the steps in the irrigation process. As your local water main branches off into the supply line for your property, a water meter meets it to keep track of your water usage. The sprinkler system breaks off from the water supply to your home. This creates an independent sub-system that you can turn on and off with the help of a shut-off valve.
Despite the shut-off valve, your home water supply remains connected to your automatic sprinkler system. Water from your sprinkler system can come into contact with a variety of contaminants ranging from pesticides to soil-based bacteria. Contaminants can potentially flow into the water you use to drink, cook, or brush your teeth with. A backflow preventer is essential because it prevents contaminated water from flowing back into your home’s municipal water supply.
That is why the installation of a backflow prevention mechanism is necessary. Backflow prevention valves help stop water from making its way back into the water supply fed to your home. Backflow preventers keep your drinking potable water supply.
Do All Sprinkler Systems Have a Backflow Preventer?
No, not all sprinkler systems have a backflow preventer, which may or may not be a problem. Some homes use well water or collected rainwater to “fuel” their irrigation systems, reducing the risk of municipal water contamination. The same potential for backflow exists in this case. However, should the water become contaminated, you will not be drinking it.
If your automatic sprinkler system uses the same water source as your home water supply — most commonly the city main — you have a different situation. Failing to install a backflow prevention system will be a building code violation in this case.
Various types of backflow preventers are on the market for automatic sprinkler systems, including pressure vacuum breakers (PVBs) and double-check valve assemblies. It is important for buyers to research which irrigation backflow preventer will meet their demands. Backflow preventer systems can vary in price depending on how sophisticated the system is. If you are not sure what kind of backflow preventer is right for your irrigation system, consult a professional — and have them install the system, too.
Hiring a Professional for Backflow Preventer Installation
Installing a sprinkler backflow preventer requires expertise to ensure proper placement, secure connections, and compliance with local irrigation system regulations. A licensed backflow prevention specialist can assess your sprinkler system, recommend the right backflow prevention device, and handle the installation process.
Professionals also conduct backflow testing to verify that the device functions correctly, preventing cross-connection contamination. Some areas require certified specialists to install and inspect backflow prevention assemblies to comply with municipal water safety standards. Hiring a professional not only ensures safety but also helps avoid costly fines and system failures.
Additional Reading: Cross Connections and Backflow
Pioneer Underground Lawn Sprinklers | Omaha’s Best Commercial & Residential Sprinkler Systems
Contact Pioneer Underground Lawn Sprinklers to schedule a free estimate on a system install or to find out what you can do to make your existing system more efficient. We welcome commercial and residential clients. And remember, whether you need our services now… or later in the season, Your Healthy Lawn is Our Passion and we are only a phone call away! Call 402-934-7900 to schedule your service.
