What Is a Backflow Valve?

A backflow valve is a plumbing device designed to prevent wastewater from flowing backward into your home. Under normal conditions, sewage and wastewater move in one direction through your home’s plumbing system and into the municipal sewer line. However, during certain situations such as heavy rain or sewer system overload, water can reverse direction and flow back toward your home.

A backflow valve acts as a protective barrier. When wastewater attempts to flow backward, the valve automatically closes to stop contaminated water from entering your pipes and fixtures.

Why Backflow Can Be a Serious Problem

Sewer backflow is more than just an inconvenience. It can cause serious damage to your home and pose health risks. When wastewater backs up through floor drains, toilets, or basement plumbing fixtures, it can bring bacteria, debris, and contaminated water into living spaces.

The cleanup process can be expensive and time consuming, especially if the water damages flooring, walls, or personal belongings. Installing a backflow valve can significantly reduce the risk of this type of plumbing disaster.

If you are concerned about sewer backups, the team at Putman & Sons Plumbing can help evaluate your home’s plumbing system and determine whether a backflow prevention system is recommended.

When Homes Are Most at Risk

Certain homes are more vulnerable to backflow problems than others. Houses with basements, older sewer connections, or plumbing fixtures located below street level often face a higher risk.

Backflow can also occur during:

• Heavy rainstorms
• Rapid snowmelt
• Municipal sewer system overload
• Blocked sewer lines

When these conditions occur, pressure in the sewer line can push wastewater backward through connected pipes.

How Backflow Valves Work

A backflow valve contains a mechanical flap or gate that allows water to flow out of your home but prevents it from coming back in. Under normal operation, the valve remains open as wastewater flows toward the sewer system.

If backflow begins, the valve automatically closes, creating a barrier that stops reverse flow. Once the pressure in the sewer line returns to normal, the valve opens again so wastewater can continue draining properly.

Benefits of Installing a Backflow Valve

Installing a backflow valve provides several advantages for homeowners.

Key benefits include:

• Protection from sewer backups
• Reduced risk of water damage
• Improved plumbing system safety
• Greater peace of mind during storms

For homes in areas with heavy rainfall or aging infrastructure, backflow prevention can be an important safeguard.

When to Consider Installing One

You may want to consider installing a backflow valve if your home has experienced sewer backups in the past or if your plumbing fixtures are located in a basement.

A professional inspection can determine whether your plumbing system is at risk. Scheduling a consultation with Putman & Sons Plumbing allows experts to review your system and recommend the best prevention options.

Protecting Your Plumbing System

Backflow valves are a simple but highly effective way to protect your home from one of the most unpleasant plumbing problems. By preventing contaminated water from reentering your home, they help safeguard both your property and your health.

The post What Is a Backflow Valve and Why Your Home May Need One appeared first on Putman & Son's Plumbing.

When the lights go out, most homeowners think about keeping food cold and staying warm — but your plumbing system also needs attention during a power outage. Without power, certain systems can fail, leading to leaks, backups, or even flooding.

Here’s how to protect your home and plumbing when the power goes out.

1. Protect Your Sump Pump

If your home has a basement, your sump pump is your first line of defense against flooding. But during an outage, it won’t operate without power.
Tip: Install a battery backup or water-powered sump pump. These units automatically activate when power fails and can keep your basement dry.

2. Prevent Frozen Pipes

If a winter storm causes an outage, your heating system might stop working — putting your pipes at risk of freezing.
Tip: Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate, and let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving.

3. Limit Water Use

If your home relies on a well pump, power loss means no water flow. Limit water use until power returns to avoid running your system dry.

4. Turn Off Electric Water Heaters

When power returns, a sudden surge can damage electric water heaters.
Tip: Turn off your breaker for the water heater during an outage and restore power only once the system stabilizes.

5. Be Cautious with Gas Appliances

If you smell gas or suspect a leak, shut off your main gas supply and call a professional immediately. Never attempt to relight pilot lights yourself until the area is safe.

6. Inspect After the Power Returns

Once electricity is restored, check for leaks, test your sump pump, and flush faucets to clear air pockets or sediment.

Stay Prepared with Putman & Son’s Plumbing

Power outages are unpredictable, but you can protect your home with the right precautions and professional support. Our team installs sump pump backups, insulates pipes, and ensures your plumbing is ready for any emergency.

Serving Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties since 1985 — we’re always here to help.

📞 248-652-0990 | 🌐 pnsplumbing.com

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When faced with a slow drain, many homeowners reach for a chemical drain cleaner. While these products promise a quick fix, they can actually cause serious long-term damage to your plumbing — and your health. Here’s what you need to know.

The Hidden Dangers of Chemical Drain Cleaners

Chemical cleaners use harsh ingredients like sodium hydroxide or sulfuric acid to dissolve blockages. These substances create intense heat that can corrode metal and plastic pipes.

Risks include:

• Pipe corrosion and leaks
• Toxic fumes that irritate eyes and lungs
• Environmental harm when chemicals enter groundwater
• Burns or injury if splashed during use

Even “safe” or “green” chemical cleaners can still be too harsh for older plumbing systems.

Why They Only Provide Temporary Relief

Chemical cleaners often eat through part of a clog but leave residue behind. Over time, this buildup causes recurring blockages — meaning you’ll have to use more product, causing more damage.

Safer, More Effective Alternatives

1. Plunging
   A sink or toilet plunger creates suction to dislodge clogs safely without chemicals.
2. Drain Snakes
   A manual or powered auger physically removes debris and hair buildup — an inexpensive and eco-friendly solution.
3. Baking Soda & Vinegar
   Pour a half-cup of baking soda followed by a cup of vinegar. Let it fizz for 15 minutes, then flush with boiling water. It’s a natural way to clear minor clogs.
4. Professional Drain Cleaning
   For persistent or deep clogs, hydro-jetting or mechanical cleaning from a licensed plumber completely removes buildup and restores full flow without harming pipes.

Prevention Tips

• Use drain strainers to catch hair and food
• Run hot water regularly to prevent grease buildup
• Schedule professional drain maintenance annually

Trust the Safe Solution

At Putman & Son’s Plumbing, we use safe, effective drain-cleaning methods that protect your plumbing and the environment. Skip the harsh chemicals — call the professionals who care.

248-652-0990 | 🌐 pnsplumbing.com

The post The Truth About Chemical Drain Cleaners (and Safer Alternatives) appeared first on Putman & Son's Plumbing.

Backflow can pose serious risks to your home’s water supply, especially when there are sudden changes in water pressure. This reversal of water flow can allow contaminants like fertilizers, pesticides, or sewage to enter your clean water lines. Fortunately, backflow prevention devices are designed to keep this from happening.

These devices work by allowing water to flow in one direction only into your home, not back out into the main water supply. They are especially important in homes with irrigation systems, swimming pools, or boilers, where contamination risks are higher. Regular testing and maintenance of your backflow preventer are key to ensuring it’s working properly and complies with local safety codes.

At Putman & Son’s Plumbing, our certified technicians install, inspect, and maintain backflow prevention systems with expert care. Don’t leave your home’s water quality to chance—schedule your backflow inspection today by calling (248) 652-0990 or visiting www.pnsplumbing.com.

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Plumbing emergencies can happen anytime, but they’re even more common during winter when freezing temperatures put extra strain on pipes and appliances. Knowing how to handle these situations can prevent major damage and costly repairs.

1. Shut Off the Main Water Supply

If a pipe bursts, turning off your main water supply immediately will minimize water damage. Make sure you and your family know where the shutoff valve is located.

2. Thaw Frozen Pipes Safely

If you suspect a pipe is frozen, use a hairdryer, heating pad, or space heater to gradually warm it up. Never use an open flame, as this can damage the pipe and pose a fire hazard.

3. Prevent Drain Clogs

Grease, soap, and food particles can clog your drains, leading to backups. Avoid pouring grease down the drain, use strainers to catch debris, and flush drains regularly with hot water.

4. Keep the Heat On

Maintaining a steady indoor temperature, even when you’re away, helps prevent frozen pipes. Set your thermostat to at least 55°F to keep your plumbing safe.

5. Have an Emergency Plumber on Call

Plumbing emergencies require quick action, and having a trusted professional ready to help can make all the difference.

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