What is a Backflow Preventer in a Boiler

You don't always need to call a plumber to figure out why your boiler suddenly stopped working. If you know the role of different boiler parts in the working of a boiler, you can try fixing it on your own. A backflow preventer valve is one of the key components of a heating boiler. You don't want water to re-enter the water supply of the building. You can find this valve on the boiler water feed line of steam boilers or hot water boilers. Even when it is not a building code in your jurisdiction, it is a good plumbing practice. This article covers the function and location of this valve.

This valve prevents heating system water contaminants from entering a private building's water piping and public water mains. Hot water flows at high pressure inside the heating system. If the water enters the main water supply, this can cause a sanitation concern. Your steam heating boiler or hydronic heating boiler is supplied with cold water. Hot water in the boiler should not enter the building water supply and contaminate it.

When the water pressure is low on the heating boiler's building supply side, backflow or back-contamination is likely to occur. Depending on the temperature, water inside the boiler can be at 12-30 psi. Boiler water contains contamination like debris, chemicals and even bacteria. At this pressure, water in the boiler can be forced into the potable water supply system of the building. Modern backflow preventer valves come with a built-in device to prevent backflow. The valve sits between the boiler controls and components and potable water supply piping. Not only boilers, but a connection with any appliance can also contaminate potable water if it is directly connected to the potable water piping. This cross-connection can increase the risk of diseases. This is the reason why boilers come with a backflow preventer. When you are buying a new boiler or visit the website of a boiler parts supplier to buy a backflow valve, don't forget to check your local plumbing codes.

You can install a backflow preventer on the water supply piping either vertically or horizontally. However, position it before the pressure regulator. Depending on the boiler, it can also be ahead of the boiler's expansion tank.

You can find a website supplying boiler parts for HB Smith Boiler, Peerless Boiler, Weil-McLain Boiler and other manufacturers.

It is important to buy authentic parts manufactured by the boiler's manufacturer. You can also use boiler parts by a manufacturer recommended by the boiler's manufacturer. If you check the user's manual, you can find instructions to replace a backflow preventer or any other part of the boiler. Always check boiler specifications before buying a boiler part. There are counterfeit parts being sold in the market. You should buy authentic parts for the following reasons:

• It is easy to install authentic parts.

• Authentic parts are manufactured for the model and therefore, help in improving the performance of the boiler.

• Authentic parts are safe to use and minimize downtime.

• Authentic parts come with warranties.

My name is Ranny Watson. I'm a professional Digital Marketing Expert.