This safety device is not very common in residential properties. But you do see them often enough that you might have wondered what they are and do. Most home buyers have no idea what it is or why it’s there, so let’s explain it. Water plumbed to anything other than regular home plumbing (examples: water heater, tub, sinks, toilet, dishwasher, washing machine) pose a threat of back feeding contaminated water into the public water system. Residential properties are required to have installed on the water line feeding non residential equipment an approved back flow device. A back-flow device acts as a one way check valve allowing potable (drinkable) water flow to non drinking water equipment without the possibility of the non drinking water been able to flow back into the drinking water piping and creating “a cross contamination”, a potential health hazard for the whole community. Seeing this piece of equipment immediately suggests that the home most likely has a lawn sprinkling system, possibly a swimming pool and as a long shot a fire suppression system.
NOTE: These devices must be tested and certified annually by an approved tester who issues a certificate of compliance and attaches a dated tag to the unit. Most utility departments then want the certificate sent to them or the water supply will be shut off.
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