Backflow Hub
Join us 8/16 to recognize backflow preventers and the professionals who install, test, and service them.
Download Backflow e-book Series
The Who, the What, and the Wye
A simple, yet effective device
designed to filter out sediment,
particulates, and foreign matter in
your plumbing or piping system large
enough to clog or damage your
equipment if left unchecked.
Download Backflow Incidents That Could Have Been Prevented
It is our responsibility as water
professionals to maintain standards
and continue to provide communities
with safe, potable water.
Download Top 10 Considerations for Specifying Backflow
A poor choice of backflow preventer
can have disastrous consequences
for your community, environment,
and potentially, your bottom line.
Download Backflow Basics
It’s critical that we, as knowledgeable
and trusted professionals, stay
up-to-date on the changing demands
of our plumbing systems and do all
we can to ensure that our water
systems stay safe.
Download Featured Backflow Innovations
Backflow Training
Catch up on best practices in backflow and water safety anytime, anywhere with eLearning courses and CEU webinars designed to fit your busy schedule.
Examples of Backflow
Backflow Basics
What is Backflow?
Backflow describes the undesirable reversal of
the flow of water from its intended direction in
any pipeline or plumbing system. Caused by
cross-connections that can potentially allow
contaminants into the drinking water system,
backflow incidents occur when wastewater
or other hazardous materials enter a potable
water supply.
Two Types of Backflow
The two types of backflow are known
as backpressure and backsiphonage.
Backpressure is defined as pressure higher
than the supply pressure, caused by a pump,
elevated tank, boiler, or any other means
that may cause backflow. Backsiphonage
describes backflow caused by negative or
reduced pressure in the supply piping, often
caused by a sudden drop in supply pressure.
How Can Backflow Be Prevented?
Backflow prevention isn't just critical – it's
mandated. All major plumbing code bodies
address protection against backflow. Plumbing
professionals ensure our communities are safe
from the dangers of backflow by identifying
cross-connections, specifying and installing
the appropriate backflow preventers, and
inspecting them to ensure they operate
correctly and are up to code.
Backflow Resources
The Watts Family of Brands
For nearly 150 years, Watts has been trusted to innovate solutions on behalf of our customers. Our brands offer a
variety of high-quality backflow prevention technologies that protect our potable water supply. Our solutions help
our customers prioritize safety, durability, and compliance.