a water droplet coming from a faucet with a toxic particle inside

Signs You Need a Backflow Preventer

Backflow isn’t something most homeowners think about until something smells off, water runs brown, or pressure drops without warning. But when water reverses direction in your plumbing, it can carry contaminants right into your drinking supply.

For families and businesses in Illinois communities like Bloomington, Peoria, Collinsville, and Springfield, a backflow preventer isn’t just smart plumbing. It’s essential protection.

What Is a Backflow Preventer and Why It Matters

Water is supposed to flow one way: out from your taps, showers, and sprinklers. But in some situations, such as a pressure drop or plumbing failure, that flow can reverse. When it does, chemicals, fertilizers, or even sewage can back up into your clean water system.

That’s what backflow prevention is designed to stop.

Backflow preventers, such as check valves and pressure vacuum breakers, keep water moving in the right direction. These devices are especially important in properties with:

Lawn irrigation or sprinkler systems
Fire suppression setups
Swimming pools
Boilers and commercial equipment

Without a working backflow valve, there’s a real risk of contamination. In some cases, this can violate local plumbing codes or, worse, endanger the health of everyone using the water.

Key Signs You Need a Backflow Preventer or Backflow Preventer Repair

If you’ve noticed anything off about your water, or if your property includes higher-risk plumbing systems, it may be time to install or service a backflow preventer. Here are some common red flags:

Discolored or Foul-Smelling Water
Water that looks rusty, brown, or smells strange could indicate a cross-connection with a contaminated source.
Low Water Pressure
A sudden drop in water pressure isn’t always a leak. It might be caused by a backflow issue or a faulty preventer.
Plumbing Backups
Frequent clogs or backups, especially across multiple drains, can point to underlying pressure imbalances, which increase the risk of backflow.
Sprinkler or Irrigation Use
Outdoor systems are common entry points for pesticides or lawn chemicals to be siphoned back into the home’s water. A preventer blocks that reversal.
Appliances That Use Large Volumes of Water
Boilers, fire systems, and pool equipment may require their own backflow protection to stay compliant with plumbing code.
You’ve Been Told Your Area Requires It
In many Illinois municipalities, backflow preventers are required by law, especially in commercial properties or homes with complex water systems.
Recent Backflow Testing Failed
If you’ve had a professional test your backflow system and it didn’t pass, don’t delay repairs or replacement. The longer you wait, the greater the risk.

Consequences of Ignoring Backflow Issues

The stakes are higher than most people realize. A single backflow event can expose your water to bacteria like E. coli, cleaning chemicals, or industrial waste.

The consequences can include:

Health risks from contaminated drinking water
Damage to plumbing systems and appliances
Costly repairs or even fines for non-compliance with local ordinances
Environmental harm if contaminants enter public water systems

Even a relatively minor incident can require expensive mitigation, and the liability for water contamination can fall on the property owner.

Backflow in Illinois

Backflow prevention is more than a plumbing recommendation. It’s part of statewide water safety enforcement. According to the Illinois EPA, recent backflow incidents across the country and within Illinois have led to tighter monitoring of cross-connection control.

In 2021 and 2022, testing revealed PFAS contamination in the water supplies of 21 Illinois communities, including some near Collinsville, like Edwardsville. Over 400,000 residents were affected. In Lincoln, PFAS levels measured 5.5 parts per trillion, well above the federal limit of 4 ppt.

While PFAS is often linked to industrial runoff, poor backflow protection can allow these chemicals to migrate into residential or commercial plumbing systems. It’s a statewide concern, and it starts with individual responsibility.

What to Do If You Notice These Signs

If you suspect a backflow problem, don’t try to diagnose or fix it yourself. Here’s what to do:

Call a Licensed Plumber
A trained plumber can inspect your system and identify whether a backflow issue is developing. Our water treatment specialists can determine the source of the issue and take immediate action to solve it.
Arrange for Backflow Testing
Testing is often required by local ordinances, and it’s the only way to know if your system is working correctly.
Discuss Installation Options
If your property doesn’t yet have a backflow preventer, your plumber can walk you through the best solution, whether it’s a basic check valve or a more complex reduced pressure zone assembly.
Stay Compliant
Plumbing codes vary by city, and failing to meet them could lead to fines or required upgrades. A professional will make sure your installation meets all local standards.
Avoid DIY Fixes
These devices protect public health and require proper configuration. When it comes to water safety, guesswork isn’t an option.