Cross Connection Control Valve

Everyone loves going for a swim, taking a hot shower or downing a cold glass of water directly from a tap. However, we often take for granted what it takes to ensure our water supply is safe to drink and use in our daily lives. Among a myriad of other elements in your home or business’s complex plumbing system, a cross connection control valve or backflow prevention device helps ensure the safety and potability of your water supply.

Cross Connections and Backflow

A cross connection can be defined as any connection, temporary or permanent, between a public or personal potable water system and non-potable liquid materials.

In certain situations, such as when a water main bursts, a pipe freezes, or there is a high demand on a water supply, water pressure may fail or reduce. When this happens, backflow can occur. Backflow is the undesirable reversal of the flow of water from its intended direction, resulting in a suction that forces dirty water into the clean water supply system.

The prevention of backflow at cross connections is critical to protecting the health and wellness of your loved ones and/or customers. A cross connection control valve is a key line of defense against backflow.

Cross Connection Control Valves in Greenfield, WI

There are many ways to combat backflow. Providing an air gap, or an open vertical space between any device connecting to a plumbing device, is one such method.

Overwhelmingly, the most common method to prevent backflow is to install a cross connection control valve. A cross connection control valve is installed on your home’s water pipes and allows water to flow in one direction but never in the opposite direction. Its sole purpose is to prevent drinking water from becoming contaminated due to backflow.

Cross connection control valves range in complexity, composition and price point. Regardless of whatever cross connection control valve is recommended to you based on your home and your unique situation, it’s important that you partner with a certified technician to not only install, but also test your new device. At minimum, cross connection control valves must be tested and certified upon brand new installation, after a repair and a minimum of once a year.

Every cross connection control valve in the state of Wisconsin is recorded. A certified technician will not only take the time to install and test your device, he or she will also record the device with the state of Wisconsin to ensure full compliance with local health and safety standards.

How Does Gee Inspections Help?

At Gee Inspections, we’ve tested, repaired and replaced hundreds of cross connection control valves throughout Southeast Wisconsin and beyond. All of our technicians are fully licensed, insured and certified, and we pride ourselves on our knowledgeability and professionalism. If need a cross connection control valve replaced or installed, please give us a call. One of our technicians will be happy to assist with any questions or schedule a time to meet you and provide an estimate for work.