Calgary has made it mandatory for property owners to have a reliable backflow preventer in place. These devices have the primary purpose of preventing contamination of your drinking water and are typically installed in your home’s water pipes. It ensures water flows in one direction but never the opposite direction. Pressure is used to distribute sanitary water through your pipes in a single direction to each plumbing fixture. If an issue like a burst pipe affects the water pressure by decreasing it, your potable water supply can flow in the reverse direction. As soon as the clean water flows backward, it can be contaminated with wastewater.

There are various types of backflow preventers. Calgary residents may see different benefits depending on their intended use. If you’re unsure which would work best for your home, one of our experienced plumbers is happy to help you evaluate your situation and provide a recommendation.

What Types of Backwater Preventer Installations Are Available?

Double Check Valves

This is usually the most simple and common method of backflow preventers plumbers install regularly. Two check valves are designed to close to eliminate the negative consequences of any drastic changes in water pressure. The second check valve can be utilized when the other valve is stuck open. This type can easily be tested by technicians to confirm if the double-check valve is operating properly.

Reduced Pressure Zones

This device is also equipped with two check valves; however, it features a relief valve that is engineered to open and release contaminated water. If it’s flushed from the pipes by the relief valve, this signifies damage to the main water supply pipes. These are popular in cities and suburbs because they can stop contaminants, such as fertilizers, toxic chemicals, and pesticides, from entering sanitary water.

Pressure Vacuum Breakers

These pressure vacuum breakers are engineered to be connected to lawn water systems. This valve can be installed next to an outdoor wall or inside a recessed box below ground. It prevents wastewater from your sprinkler system from entering your sanitary water.

Alberta Plumbing Code – Backflow Preventers Installation

It’s essential for every property owner in Calgary to have a licensed plumber complete a backflow test to check for cross-connections. The City of Calgary has highlighted this issue with its cross-connection control program that encourages property owners to check their:

• Every-day plumbing fixtures
• Irrigation systems, hose bibs
• Hot water tank
• Washbasins

With an experienced plumber, you can rest assured that your plumbing system is in good health and compliant with the Alberta Plumbing Code. Your Calgary plumber brings the necessary knowledge and experience to ensure that your supply is clean with a functioning backflow prevention device.

Why Choose Calgary Pro Plumbing for Backflow Preventer Installation?

Calgary Pro Plumbing has been around for over 50 years, with over 200 recognized franchises spread across North America. As your locally-owned and operated plumbing company, Calgary Pro Plumbing is committed to excellence, respect, and integrity. With our guaranteed workmanship and exceptional customer service, we’ll ensure a successful backflow preventer installation.

When deciding on a plumbing company in Calgary, we know you have many to choose from. That’s why we want to show why we’re a local favorite for plumbing services and a trusted source for backflow preventer installation. Not only do we have exceptional customer reviews because of our customer service, but we have a lot of things to offer.

24/7 Service

We know plumbing emergencies don’t only happen during regular business hours. That’s why we offer 24/7 service in Calgary with no additional charges for work performed outside regular hours. Not only do we not have any overtime charges, but we also offer upfront pricing, making sure you know exactly how much you’ll be paying and giving you control over the service you receive. We’re on standby 365 days a year to provide expert plumbing service and get your system working properly again.

Exceptional Customer Service

Here at Calgary Pro Plumbing, our top priority is our customers. We put customer service above all else because providing a quality, positive service experience is something everyone wants from their plumber. Over our many years of providing plumbing repair services, we’ve seen all sorts of problems and can quickly solve any plumbing issues you’re experiencing. Don’t deal with an average plumber that gets the job done at the bare minimum: we strive to go above and beyond, and our happy customers in Calgary can agree that we hit that goal.

Trusted Technicians

When you call our plumbing professionals, you’re getting a uniformed, licensed plumber in a marked company van. That way, you know exactly who you’re dealing with and that you’re getting professional service. Our technicians perform full diagnostics with state-of-the-art equipment such as maneuverable video cameras, hydro scrubbing machines, and other tools for any scenario.

Trusted Source For Backflow Preventer Installation

If you’re ready to see the benefits a backflow preventer installation will have on your household, give our experienced plumbers a call. We can evaluate your situation and let you know what we recommend for preventing contaminated water. We offer a wide range of services to our local communities in Calgary, including hot water heater repair and maintenance, drain cleaning, and sump pump installation.

To get solutions for your plumbing issue or to book your own backflow preventer installation, call our Calgary office today. Don’t let contaminants ruin your water quality!

FAQs About Backflow Preventer Installation in Calgary

What Are The Warning Signs That I Need Backflow Preventer Installation?

Identifying that you need a backflow preventer in Calgary isn’t always the easiest. A lot of the warning signs are often confused with other plumbing issues. If you’re not sure what the problem is, our experienced plumbers can provide a backflow testing or water testing service. That way, you don’t have to make any guesses on what the issue is and can let the professionals handle it.

Discolored Water

If discolored or cloudy water is coming from your sink or shower, this could be an indicator of a broken backflow valve or a corroded pipe. It may be tempting to avoid dealing with the problem, but it could lead to a variety of health problems if ignored. Dirty water can cause a variety of health problems, including nausea, diarrhea, gastrointestinal issues, stomach aches, and dehydration.

You’re Getting Sick

Not everybody realizes that they are consuming contaminated water until they get sick. If you have a particularly strong nose, you might be able to smell that something might be wrong with your supply. Unlike the odor of chlorine (which indicates the water has been treated and cleaned!), contaminated water should have a slight odor of hydrogen sulfide (rotten eggs). If unsure, have your water tested by a Calgary plumber or use water quality test strips for quick results.

Is a Backflow Preventer in Calgary Worth It?

For your health, it is mandatory. The primary benefit of having a backflow valve put into your home in Calgary is to keep contaminating water out of your drinking water.

Do all Houses Have Backflow Preventer Installations?

We recommend all Calgary homeowners check if they have a backwater prevention installation in place since it is mandatory and for your own safety. If you have a lawn irrigation system and hose bib, it is required. We recommend checking your local by-laws to be sure you’re compliant.

How Much Does Backflow Preventer Installation Cost in Calgary?

Installing a backwater preventer valve into a newly built home is easy and affordable and generally costs less than $300. It can be completed along with the rest of the plumbing steps. Retrofitting an existing plumbing system with a backwater valve will increase the costs substantially. We recommend having one of our experienced Calgary plumbers evaluate your situation to provide an accurate estimate.

How Long Does a Backflow Preventer Installation Last?

They should last at least five years before you should consider replacing them. Testings should be conducted once every three years on residential properties.

Where Does a Backflow Preventer Installation Go?

The device should be installed in an above-ground enclosure with a minimum of 12 inches above the floor. It must be easily accessible for maintenance, testing, and repair purposes.

Do I Need a Plumbing Permit For This Type of Installation Service in Calgary?

You do. Having a licensed backflow tester or plumber installing a backflow preventer, homeowners require a plumbing permit from the city. We’re happy to assist you during the process.

What Are Common Issues With Backflow Preventer Installation in Calgary?

You might experience a drain buildup if you have a defective backflow preventer. Calgary homeowners may also notice clogs in the kitchen or bathroom. The water may also appear cloudy. If that is the case, we recommend that you take immediate action.

Is a Backflow Preventer Installation the Same as a Backwater Valve Installation?

No, but we understand how the terms backflow and backwater are used interchangeably and therefore cause confusion. That said, it is a similar concept.

However, a backwater valve is a device that plumbers install on the sewer line to ensure wastewater won’t flow back into the household pipes and trigger a sewer backup. The easiest way to differentiate between the two is to remember that the backflow preventer is designed for water lines, whereas a backwater valve is made for the sewer line.

Restore Your Peace of Mind And Get a Backflow Preventer Installation in Calgary!

Are you still unsure if you need a backflow preventer in Calgary? Or are you concerned your existing backflow preventer isn’t working properly? At Calgary Pro Plumbing, we are committed to providing our local community with guaranteed workmanship and exceptional customer care. We know our city and climate the best and know exactly what types of precautions need to be taken to ensure our client’s safety and comfort, as well as the longevity and performance of their plumbing systems.

Give our friendly customer service team a call today to schedule an in-house inspection or consultation.