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The First Line of Defense Against Floods: Sump Pumps

What is a Sump Pump?

Sump pumps are found below the basement of homes, just below the surface. This carved hole is known as a basin. The basin is where the sump pump is located, and the pump is equipped with valves. These valves can sense rising water levels and pressure. As the water levels get too high, the sump pump removes the excess water from the basement to the outside through a discharge line.

How Does a Sump Pump Work?

Sump pumps work by detecting water levels that are elevating and getting too high, as well as pressure from the water. This ensures that these water and pressure levels do not climb too high before a switch in the basin activates and turns the pump on.

The sump pump then guides water through a discharge pipe and away from the home’s foundation, protecting the home from flooding and other damages. Primarily, pumps are powered through wires electrically, but several sump pumps have a backup pump installed within them in case of power outages. These backup pumps are powered by a battery or water.

Types of Sump Pumps

There are two main types of sump pumps: submersible units and pedestal pumps. As the name suggests, a submersible sump pump is a sump pump that is designed to be submerged in water. On the other hand, a pedestal pump is placed inside the sump pit, but the motor is placed outside of it since it is not designed to be submerged.

Due to the stark differences between these two pumps, with one being submersible and the other not, it should be no surprise that the pedestal pump is louder than the submersible one since the motor for the pedestal pump is left out of the pit.

The submersible pump is more expensive than the pedestal pump and more difficult to repair because it is located deep within the pit. However, the submersible pump can effectively handle bigger bouts of water as well as solids and particles. Unlike the submersible one, the pedestal pump cannot handle solids or particles, making it less effective.

Still, when it comes to sump pump repair and sump pump installation, the pedestal pump is both easier to repair and easier to replace. Plus, the pedestal pump can usually last up to 5 times longer than the submersible pump and are much cheaper.

Sump Pump Benefits

Sump pumps provide a lot of benefits to homeowners. The primary benefit of having a sump pump is that it can reduce water and moisture-related problems and damage. This includes wood rot, insects that feed on wood, pests that are attracted to stagnant water, mold and mildew growth, and electrical problems that could result in fire hazards.

Those aren’t the only benefits, though. Sump pumps also provide prevention for flooding and prevent extensive water damage. It also protects against backups of sewage and structural damage to the home.

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. is a family-owned and operated company serving Annapolis, MD, and the surrounding areas since 1947. They provide flat-rate pricing, emergency assistance, and unparalleled customer service. Call them today for sump pump installation or repair in Annapolis, MD.

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Plumbing on the Edge: The Dangerous World of DIY Repairs and Reasons to Avoid It

Why Homeowners Should Never Do Their Plumbing Repair

There is a whole world of entertainment devoted to DIY or do-it-yourself projects. The subject has its cable channel, and there are also hundreds of videos online via websites like YouTube and TikTok that show everything from cleaning a cast-iron skillet to changing knobs on a sink.

While some of these videos are helpful and useful, it is good to remember that plumbing professionals undergo extensive training to do what they do, so plumbing repairs should be left to the professionals.

DIY Plumbing Lacks Experience

Nobody would want a major surgery done by someone who had not been to medical school. That person is more likely to make a person’s health worse than better. It is a similar situation with plumbing repair.

Before calling themselves plumbers, they must undergo multiple years of training and pass exams for licenses and certifications. They also have specialized tools that can help them repair whatever plumbing problem they come across and analyze and diagnose the problem.

Several symptoms look very similar but may stem from different problems.

Slow Moving Drains: This can be a symptom of a simple clog or a much larger problem like a collapsed drain pipe or encroaching tree roots. It may involve clearing the line or digging the yard to replace the pipe.

Low Water Pressure: A sudden change in water pressure that seems sourceless can be due to a few things. There may be a leak in a supply pipe, problems with various valves, or hard water buildup in the lines or the fixtures.

Rust Colored Water: This symptom can indicate a wide range of problems, from aging pipes to needing a new water heater.

If a homeowner misdiagnoses their problem, it could lead to frustration and wasted time and money. This leads right into the following argument.

DIY Plumbing Does Not Save Time

While working with a plumbing company to find an appointment that fits a particular schedule may seem daunting, there is no way for the average homeowner to save time by doing it themselves. Because plumbing technicians are familiar with the issues, they can much more easily fix the problem than someone trying to learn how to do it for the first time.

If the problem is misinterpreted and the homeowner gets the wrong part, they have used up time that could have been better spent elsewhere. However, the professional would have the correct position on their fully stocked truck and can install it with ease. Additionally, professional service is important because if parts are not installed correctly, it may prove dangerous for the household and cause structural damage and personal injury.

DIY Plumbing Does Not Save Money

Saving money is one of the primary reasons people try fixing their own plumbing. In theory, it is sound reasoning, but homeowners often fail to consider certain factors. Here are a few of the things that save clients money when they work with a professional plumber:

Insurance to cover the cost of mistakes or damage
Proper tools
Proper training
Knowledge

Homeowners will have peace of mind even if something doesn’t go as planned, and they will not have to pay for any damage that may be done as a result of any mistakes.

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. is a family-owned and operated company that has served Annapolis, MD, and the surrounding areas since 1947. They pride themselves on putting their customers first and offer emergency assistance and flat-rate pricing on all their plumbing services. Call them today for plumbing services in Annapolis, MD.

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A Complete Guide To Drain Cleaning

What Drain Cleaning Methods Are Most Common?

At first, it doesn’t seem like much, but it slowly gets worse until it’s impossible to ignore. The kitchen sink starts draining slower than usual, and water pools up in the shower. The toilet isn’t fully flushing on the first try. Whatever form it takes, a clogged drain is no fun. When it happens, the solution can’t come soon enough.

But what is the solution? Chemical drain cleaners? A plunger? Or is it best to call a plumber and let them handle it? This article will answer all of these questions and compare some common drain cleaning methods to help homeowners find the best one for their situation.

DIY Drain Cleaning Methods

Homeowners can try several popular do-it-yourself methods before calling in the big guns. An ordinary toilet plunger can be effective at clearing blocked bathroom sink, tub, or shower drains but won’t work in a kitchen sink with garbage disposal. The key is to make sure that the bottom edge of the plunger is completely submerged in water to form a pressure seal.

Pouring boiling water down the drain may help melt or dissolve substances like grease and soap scum forming a clog, but this method should never be used on PVC pipes as it can damage them. Another great way to clear minor obstructions and remove nasty odors is to pour a cup of baking soda into the drain, followed by a cup of white vinegar. After waiting 15 minutes while the mixture fizzes, homeowners can run hot water down the drain and repeat the process.

Liquid drain cleaners are another popular method, but it’s best to avoid them. The harsh chemicals they contain can damage the plumbing, release toxic fumes, and interfere with the biological processes in septic systems – plus, they often don’t work against tough clogs.

Drain Snakes

A drain snake is essentially a long cable with a corkscrew-like auger at one end that plumbers can use for a clog. The line is fed into the pipe until it reaches the blockage, then is rotated using a hand crank, power drill, or large motor, depending on the snake’s size. The auger drills into the clog and allows it to be extracted.

Drain snakes of various sizes are sold in hardware stores so that homeowners can use this method themselves. Still, professional plumbers are experienced in using this method to clean drains and clear clogs without damaging pipes. Drain augers effectively remove clogs but aren’t quite as useful for preventative drain cleaning, as they don’t entirely clean residue off of the pipe walls.

Hydrojetting Machines

A hydro jetting machine is a little like a pressure washer for pipes. It uses a long hose with a special nozzle to spray water at 5,000 PSI. The nozzle sprays a powerful jet stream forward while simultaneously spraying backward at an angle to propel the hose on and scour the pipe walls. This takes care of any blockages ahead and any residue collected inside the pipe.

Hydro jetting is the ideal drain cleaning solution for preventative maintenance and removing clogs. However, the exceptionally high water pressure involved can damage more fragile pipes (such as those used in landscape drainage systems) and cause serious injury if mishandled. The machines themselves are also quite expensive, as they’re primarily intended for industrial use. For these reasons, this is one method best left to the professionals!

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. serves its neighbors in Annapolis, MD, and has been family-owned and operated since 1947. They always provide flat-rate pricing and are available around the clock for emergency assistance, so don’t wait to call them for professional drain cleaning services in Annapolis, MD.

Eco-Friendly Appliances and Fixtures Homeowners Should Install for Earth Month

Make Plumbing More Eco Friendly This Earth Day

This Earth day, homeowners should be focusing on getting and using eco-friendly and energy-efficient appliances. Although plumbing mainly deals with water and water conservation, it also has a connection with electricity since the water needs to be heated and used. Thankfully there are water-saving appliances, energy-efficient fixtures, and unique pipe materials to help save water and energy.

Look for Water-Saving Appliances

Water-saving appliances are a favorite for many homeowners because they help the environment and save them money each month! A popular water-saving appliance at the moment is the smart washer.

There are washing machines that use smart technology and are often connected to Bluetooth or the internet. It works to ensure that the right amount of water is used for the size of a load of laundry and no more is being wasted. It also requires less energy than standard non-smart washing machines.

An eco-friendly toilet is also a great water-saving appliance as it saves water with each flush since it requires less water to flush the toilet. An example of an eco-friendly toilet is a dual flush toilet.

Touch faucets have a motion sensor that senses a person’s hand and only then starts the water. This ensures that the water is not overused. When a homeowner does not need the water, it automatically turns off and waits for the sensor to be tripped again.

Energy-Efficiency Fixtures and Appliances

Some other appliances and fixtures also related to plumbing focus on energy efficiency instead of water conservation. For example, water heaters that are energy-efficient use minimal electricity to work. One such water heater is a tankless water heater.

Other energy-efficient appliances are water-saving toilets and showerheads. The water-saving toilets don’t use a lot of energy if any at all. The water-saving showerheads are personalized so that homeowners can get creative with their features, and they also use less energy with hot water as they change pressure and longevity.

Pipe Materials

One eco-friendly plumbing option that is often forgotten is pipe insulation. These materials wrap around a pipe to keep the hot and cold temperatures insulated. While a stainless steel pipe is best at not corroding, it does leak a lot of heat, forcing the electricity and the water to work harder.

The best thing about carefully choosing pipe materials is that they each have different benefits. Professional plumbers are likely to recommend a foam-like material to homeowners. This material does a great job at insulating and is often used in locations where it reaches freezing temperatures during the winter. This insulating material keeps the pipe safe from breaking, bursting, and cracking and traps the temperature inside.

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. is a family-owned and operated company serving the Annapolis area since its founding in 1947. They provide flat-rate pricing, so clients know exactly how much they will spend with no surprise charges. Let their reliable, expert team help with plumbing solutions in Annapolis, MD.

How to Avoid Getting Pinched By Rising Water Bills This St. Patrick’s Day

Go Green This St. Patrick’s Day To Save Green

Forgetting to wear green this St. Patrick’s Day is less important than failing to save green with rising water bills! In this blog post, plumbing experts share their favorite tips for cutting back water bill spending. Water conservation is good for the wallet and good for the environment. By cutting back on water use at home, homeowners can protect their wallets from getting pinched by the price of water bills and reduce their home’s environmental impact.

Turn Off the Tap While Brushing Teeth

This tip applies for all tasks where the tap could be shut off, such as washing hands, washing dishes, or brushing teeth. Being mindful of how much water is being used during daily grooming and cleaning routines can go a long way in cutting back on how much water the household uses. Many people do not think that when water goes down the drain unused, it is essentially the same as money going down the drain.

Homeowners can upgrade their bathroom plumbing to keep water costs low by installing a touchless faucet in the bathroom sink. Touchless faucets use motion-detecting technology to turn the water off automatically when not in use. This helps to prevent the faucet from being accidentally left running.

Take Shorter Showers

Most people think that taking a shower vs. a bath will automatically save them more water, but long showers are more wasteful than baths. To keep water expenditure low, homeowners should take five to ten-minute showers. While shampooing hair or shaving, the showerhead should be shut off for maximum water efficiency. Water use can also be limited when taking baths by using less water.

Another option for making the shower plumbing more efficient is upgrading the showerhead. New showerheads are made eco-friendly and use less water. Low flow showerheads are designed to create more water pressure while using less water. Installing a new showerhead can reduce water use without sacrificing water pressure.

Be Careful Flushing

A clogged toilet can cause problems for the overall bathroom plumbing and increase water waste. The toilet connects to the main water line, so it can affect the entire plumbing system when a clog occurs. Another reason why clogged toilets may increase water usage is that the homeowner may need to flush multiple times to remove the clog.

The general rule homeowners should follow is never use the toilet as a trashcan. The only thing that should be flushed down toilets is the appropriate toilet paper or wipes. Any other debris should always be disposed of in the bathroom wastebasket.

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. has been serving the Annapolis area with outstanding plumbing and heating services since 1947. This trusted local company is family-owned and operated and offers flat-rate pricing, so homeowners don’t have to deal with surprise charges. Call them today to schedule an appointment with an experienced plumber in Annapolis, MD.

Self Care Tips for Valentine’s Day Bliss

Create a Spa Day in a Home Bathroom Oasis

Imagine having a long day at work and driving home to a relaxing experience in the bathroom designed with care by an expert team to provide the best care to the tired muscles of the homeowner.

Self-care is the best love we can show ourselves. The benefits of taking baths and relaxing showers have been studied worldwide. Bathtub installation of a spa tub is key to any luxury bath installation.

Benefits of Luxurious Baths

Baths elevate mood, especially with proper mood lighting and scents that relax minds constantly racing towards the next goal. Those with depression and stress can benefit from baths because of the comfort and quiet introspection they provide.

Taking a bath directly before bed can aid in falling asleep faster because body heat drops rapidly when leaving the tub, which is ideal for assisting the body in releasing melatonin used for sleep. Retreating to sleep in a cool, dark room is best for quality sleep.

Hot baths can relieve muscle pain or cramping, great for circulation. Add Epsom salt or aromatherapy options to reduce inflammation caused by arthritis or diabetes.

Baths can burn as many calories as a short walk because it raises body temperature and causes sweating.

Add Some Color to Bathtime

Dermatologists have studied LED lighting and color therapy for anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties for the scalp and skin.

Bathroom remodeling can include installing chromotherapy lights operated by remote to change hue. Adding light to the bathroom doesn’t have to be expensive or time-consuming. Waterproof LED light strips are submersible or can safely run around the shower’s interior.

Red helps with vitality and increases energy while improving the atmosphere for creative ideas.
Blue is a calming hue that relaxes the mind and reduces anxiety.
Green mimics nature and reduces tension while putting one into a meditative state.
Pink is truly the color of love and gratitude. Pink hues help with self-love and put one into a romantic mood.
Orange helps with sexual desire and building into a playful mood.
Yellow helps with cheerfulness and uplifting mood. Add yellow to the shower when in need of sunshine or are experiencing a period of self-doubt in life.

Relaxing Rain Showers

Shower installation should always include a rain showerhead with a wide diameter to mimic soft rainfall during a luxury shower remodel. These showerheads sometimes include lighting as part of a shower replacement package that offers various hues to improve mood or decrease anxiety.

Speakers playing soft music in the shower can amplify the luxury shower experience to the next level, creating the ideal spa oasis to start or end the day ideally.

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. has been the industry leader in plumbing and heating solutions in Annapolis, MD, since 1947 and is family-owned and operated. Expect flat rates and excellent customer service from trusted technicians.

Plumbing FAQs For 2022

Avoid Plumbing Problems in 2022 With the Answers To The FAQs

When it comes to plumbing systems, there are a lot of FAQs from homeowners. Plumbing systems are simple in nature, but they are made up of a lot of tiny pieces that can make things complicated for those living in the home. That is why it is always best to hire a plumbing service company when plumbing problems arise in the house. A professional plumber will know how to handle the problem in the quickest and safest way possible. Whether it is water line leak repair, drain cleaning, or simple plumbing maintenance, homeowners can feel secure knowing a professional plumber will get the job done right.

Below are three common FAQs that can help homeowners prevent as many plumbing problems this year as possible.

The Most Common Plumbing Problems: What Are They?

The most common plumbing problems in today’s world are:

Clogged drains
Leaky pipes
Leaky faucets
Low water pressure
Water heater issues
Toilet issues

Clogged drain repair, toilet repair, and burst pipe repair are some of the most common plumbing services that professionals are hired for today. For every call wondering about these services, most homeowners do not partake in regular plumbing maintenance once or twice a year.

All of these problems can be minimized with regular maintenance.

These problems can cost homeowners hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in damages. The bad thing about plumbing problems is they can quickly escalate to an emergency status that involves water damage covering much of the home. The last thing any homeowner wants is water damage throughout their home, so it is best to catch these problems early with regular maintenance.

How To Know When To Call a Professional Plumber

A professional plumber should be called the moment a homeowner realizes a problem with their plumbing system. There are a few signs that every homeowner should be on the lookout for.

These signs include:

slow-to-flush or trouble flushing the toilet
A toilet that won’t quit running
Leaking faucets, toilets, pipes
The sound of constant running water
Low water pressure
Rattling pipes
Increased water bill

What Are the Different Ways To Prevent Plumbing Problems

As mentioned above, the best way to reduce or prevent these common plumbing problems from happening is with regular maintenance. Professionals recommend that homeowners have their plumbing professionally maintained at least once a year. Doing so will ensure that all potential problems are eradicated before they cause expensive damage.

However, having drain cleaning services done after heavy rainfall is also encouraged because rainwater can cause the pipes to get clogged with unwanted mud, leaves, and other debris. If the yard starts to become flooded, this is a good sign that the piping system needs to be cleaned and that homeowners should call in a professional right away.

Heidler, Inc. Is There To Answer the Tough Questions

Heidler, Inc. keeps Annapolis homeowners safe with their decades of experience in the industry. They always work hard to provide the best customer service and get their customers the best prices possible. Call today to learn more about their professional plumbing services!

Put a New Water Heater At the Top of Your Holiday Wishlist!

A New Water Heater Is the Gift Every Homeowner Deserves This Holiday Season!

It’s not uncommon to wish for new appliances during the holidays. Usually, it’s something to beef up the kitchen like a handy breadmaker, a bigger toaster oven, or even a fancy new smart refrigerator. But for some homeowners, it’s a replacement for that old clunker of a water heater that keeps breaking down.

The water heater is the heart of the home’s plumbing system. Things can get pretty uncomfortable if it’s constantly malfunctioning or failing to provide enough hot water. It’s only a matter of time before the unit gives out completely and leaves the home without hot water. This article will explain how to tell when a water heater is on its last leg, what problems can be solved with repairs, and how a home can benefit from a water heater replacement.

Signs of a Malfunctioning Water Heater

For the most part, it’s usually pretty easy to tell when the water heater isn’t working properly. Some common symptoms include:

The water won’t get hot enough
The hot water runs out quickly
The water temperature keeps fluctuating
The hot water is discolored or has a funky smell
The hot water pressure is weak compared to the cold
The water won’t get hot at all

Other signs can be observed not through the water but at the point of the water heater itself, such as evidence of leaks on or around the unit, unusual noises such as popping, rumbling, or hissing. Some units even have status indicator lights to alert the owner of an anomaly or problem.

When To Repair & When To Replace

In some cases, replacing the whole water heater may not be the best option. Water heaters aren’t exactly cheap, so if the problem can be solved with repairs, why shell out all that money unnecessarily? Simply cleaning the burners or replacing a faulty thermostat may resolve temperature issues. A partially closed valve could be responsible for low pressure. A loose pipe fitting or worn relief valve could cause a leak.

Of course, some issues are more serious and can lead to further damage if left unchecked. If the tank’s anode rod is depleted, for instance, the tank may begin to rust if a new rod isn’t installed immediately. Delayed ignition due to dirty burners can crack the heat exchanger – a very expensive fix. If sediment buildup in the tank isn’t flushed out in time, it could cause the tank to crack and leak, which cannot be repaired and will necessitate replacing the entire unit.

If the cost to repair the unit is half the cost of a replacement or more, it may make more sense to go for the latter. This is especially true if the unit is more than a few years old, as the average lifespan of a water heater is around 10 years (or closer to 20 for tankless units).

Key Benefits of Upgrading the Water Heater

Even if a full replacement isn’t strictly necessary, it does carry some major benefits. For one thing, homeowners can upgrade to a new and improved model that better serves their needs.

Many people find that their old water heater can no longer keep up with the household demand for hot water – particularly if the family has gotten bigger over the years. This may be the perfect opportunity to switch to a larger unit that can handle the load or even to a tankless water heater. These heat water only as needed, reducing standby energy consumption and making it possible to have an endless flow of hot water.

New water heaters, whether traditional or tankless, are also significantly more efficient than their older counterparts, thanks to continuous advancements in water heater technology. In this way, upgrading to a new water heater can end up saving homeowners money in the long run – truly, the gift that keeps giving!

About Heidler, Inc.

The family-owned and operated Heidler, Inc. has been the trusted local plumber in Annapolis, Maryland, since 1947. They offer up-front pricing, 24-hour emergency response, and a range of rewarding maintenance plans. With their award-winning customer service and tailor-made solutions, they are the clear choice for water heater installation in Annapolis, MD.

Save Holiday Dinner From a Plumbing Disaster

Don’t Let Plumbing Problems Ruin Holiday Celebrations

The easiest way to accomplish any big task is to make a list and cross off as much of it as possible before the deadline. This is especially helpful to remember during the holidays when there is so much to do. Making a list and breaking down the items into more manageable steps can be the difference between enjoying a holiday and being totally overwhelmed.

When planning for the holidays, there is simply too much to do at one time. One thing to remember when planning for a holiday get-together is to make sure the plumbing is ready for the holidays. This short guide from local bathroom plumbers can give homeowners the peace of mind that their holiday plans are protected from disaster long before any guests arrive.

Emergency Clogged Toilet Repair Can Ruin a Night

A picture-perfect holiday meal contains family, a turkey, and no problems with the toilet! The fastest way to upset the plans of a holiday dinner host is to have to deal with a clogged toilet. Instead, add “checking the bathroom plumbing” to the list. When checking the bathroom plumbing, homeowners should look for things that indicate a potential problem with the toilet. These signs are:

Slow flushing
Loud flushing
Wobbling tank or toilet
Constant clogging or frequent plunging

Calling for toilet installation or repair before guests show up is the best way to protect the party. Cross this off the list early and move on to more exciting things.

Holidays isAreNo Time for Sewer Line Repair

A more serious problem that could be lurking in the plumbing is a clogged sewer line. Clogged sewer lines can be seen by slow flushing toilets or problems with multiple plumbing fixtures, including sinks and showers. Clogged drain service will be needed to diagnose and treat the problem.

One of the most likely remedies for a clogged drain is a process called hydro-jetting. Hydro-jetting is an easy way to remove years of buildup from inside drain pipes. During the procedure, a high-pressure jet blasts through clogs and scrubs the walls of the pipes, resulting in pipes that are as good as new.

If more serious problems are found, early intervention will be even more important. Who wants sewer line repairs to ruin their holiday? Early detection will ensure that plans stay on track.

Remember to Be Thankful for Plumbing Preventative Maintenance

Preventative maintenance in plumbing takes the form of preventative drain cleaning. Too often, customers wait until a drain is totally clogged before calling for help. This makes the drain clearing process more expensive and involved. The better option is to schedule routine cleaning to prevent problems from ever getting out of hand.

During a routine drain cleaning, a professional will clear the buildup out of a drain so that it doesn’t get any worse. Annual cleaning is recommended to keep things under control. With annual drain cleaning, the homeowner never has to worry about nasty drain clogs interrupting their plans. Scheduling drain cleaning before the holidays every year means that the kitchens and bathrooms are always ready to go!

About Heidler, Inc.

Heidler, Inc. is the choice for prompt and honest plumbing service in Annapolis. They provide comprehensive solutions for residential and commercial customers. Call today for upfront, flat-rate pricing on plumbing service.

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How Important Is Backflow Testing?

All Your Questions About Backflow Testing Answered

Owning a home is amazing. It’s a big part of the American Dream, and it’s a point of pride for anyone who has worked hard to keep their home looking good and its systems operating properly. But for many homeowners, there are things that may come as a surprise. Every homeowner knows the importance of keeping the plumbing system healthy, but not every homeowner is familiar with why this entails backflow testing. They may not even know what backflow testing is and why it’s important.

Luckily, this article will go over these and other questions about the importance of backflow testing.

What Does Backflow Mean?

Backflow is a term for a type of flooding that can happen to a plumbing system that causes water that’s flowing out of the home to flow back into it. As most homeowners can guess, the water that’s flowing out of the home is doing so for a reason: because it’s dirty. So when dirty water is allowed to flow back into the home, it can contaminate the entire plumbing system, making incoming water dangerous.

Backflow happens when there’s a sudden and drastic change in water pressure in the plumbing system. This is often caused by a break in the main water line or a fire hydrant that has been opened nearby. Too much rain can actually cause backflow too.

Why Is Certification Required?

Backflow certification is required because backflow is so dangerous. It can be sneaky because it’s not always apparent that backflow has even occurred. This means that homeowners could be drinking and bathing in contaminated water, not realizing it until it’s too late. This is why many areas require backflow certification by law.

In fact, if backflow happens, it can end up contaminating the water supply for multiple houses or even an entire area. And fixing this issue – decontaminating all that water and those systems – is a costly and involved process. And it’s not just sewage that can cause contamination with backflow. Other dangerous substances, such as herbicides, fertilizer, and pesticides, can also contaminate clean water through backflow. This is why backflow testing and certification are incredibly important.

Who Can Perform Backflow Testing and Certification?

Backflow preventers can’t be tested and certified by just anyone. Even those hand DIY homeowners can’t do their own testing and certification. These important devices need to be tested by a certified plumbing professional. These backflow prevention devices don’t often get used, so it’s somewhat common for them to malfunction. This is why it’s so important to have a professional check the device.

Those homeowners that aren’t sure whether they’ve had their backflow device tested recently should call their local professional plumber to schedule a test. Knowing that the backflow preventer is working can give homeowners confidence in the cleanliness of their water supply and the safety of their family from dangerous backflow.

About Heidler, Inc.

The friendly folks at Heidler, Inc. have been serving Annapolis, MD since 1947. They offer local expertise and flat-rate pricing on every job. They’re a family-owned and operated company that’s happy to provide emergency service any time of day. Call them today for backflow testing in Annapolis, MD.