Keeping your grass well-nourished throughout the year is easily accomplished with a property-wide lawn irrigation system. Whether you already have one of these systems or are considering one for your property, you've probably heard of backflow preventers. These systems are essential add-ons to irrigation setups, keeping your water systems safe and your property adherent to local ordinances.

A Guide to Backflow Installations for Irrigation Systems

What is backflow?

Backflow is an issue caused by reduced water pressure in a sprinkler system. When the water is turned off, it no longer has pressure pushing it out into your lawn. As a result, the unused water can back up into your water supply, contaminating it with minerals and chemicals picked up on its route through the pipelines.

What kind of damage can backflow cause?

The effects of backflow are damaging to both your health and home pipelines. Backflow water can pick up many contaminants, including illness-causing bacteria and dangerous chemicals, such as chlorine, fertilizers, and pesticides. 

As these pollutants back up into your home, they release a foul odor and make your family sick. These contaminants can also corrode your pipelines, causing cracks and leaks that can lead to water damage and expensive repair costs. 

How can a backflow preventer help?

Backflow preventers are built to impede this dangerous process. They create air gaps in the space between your faucets and pipelines, giving the water a place to collect, so it doesn't have to flow backward into your water supply. Some preventers are also built as valves that open to let water flow and seal shut when water is turned off, restricting contaminated liquid from flowing back the way it came.

How do you know if your municipality requires a backflow preventer?

The state of Ohio requires that lawn irrigation systems be outfitted with backflow preventers at connection points, where a water line meets the connector to the main public water supply. If there is a risk of water contamination, you must install a backflow preventer. There are exceptions to this rule, but it requires extensive property inspections and evaluations.

Turn to Anderson Irrigation and Outdoor Lighting for all your irrigation and backflow needs. This irrigation specialist operates out of Williamsburg, OH, servicing residents throughout the Cincinnati metro area. They have 20 years of experience installing and maintaining lawn irrigation systems and can help with every step of the installation process. They'll obtain the permits, build the system, and have a satisfaction guarantee. Visit their website to learn more or call (513) 724-0472 for a free estimate.