# Backflow Floods

Toilets and sink backflow 1-2x/year, under very heavy, fast rain.

Water floods gym from rear bathroom, rains into basement through floor.

Water floods kitchen from front bathroom, goes as far as 1/2 way across space. When viewed from the basement, tends to "rain" in about a 5-15' radius from location of upstairs water fixtures.

Basement floods soak ceiling, accelerating ceiling sag, and other unknown effects re: rot and pests.

Response in the past has been to snake main drain. Results of this snaking (e.g. was a blockage detected, material removed, etc.) are unknown.

Backflow prevention mechanisms exist:

According to neighbors: 583, 585, and 587 (we are 585) all have issues, not clear if this means slow basement wall leaks or backflow issues.

**Mitigation thoughts**

- Short article discussing backflow and backflow prevention devices: [https://aquacarewater.com/what-causes-backflow-in-plumbing/](https://aquacarewater.com/what-causes-backflow-in-plumbing/)
- Another, with more detailed listing of devices: [https://www.nfpa.org/news-blogs-and-articles/blogs/2022/10/28/backflow-preventer-types](https://www.nfpa.org/news-blogs-and-articles/blogs/2022/10/28/backflow-preventer-types)
- Yet another, basically identical to above, diff pics and text: [https://school.sprinklerwarehouse.com/backflow-devices/types-of-backflow-preventers-overview-of-four-common-backflow-preventers/](https://school.sprinklerwarehouse.com/backflow-devices/types-of-backflow-preventers-overview-of-four-common-backflow-preventers/)
- Yet another, basically identical to above, diff pics and text: [https://backflowdirect.com/blog/understanding-the-different-types-of-backflow-preventers](https://backflowdirect.com/blog/understanding-the-different-types-of-backflow-preventers)
- Specific explanation of difference between Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) and Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ): [https://www.bigfrogsupply.com/blogs/big-frog-blog/the-difference-between-a-pressure-vacuum-breaker-and-a-reduced-pressure-backflow-preventer](https://www.bigfrogsupply.com/blogs/big-frog-blog/the-difference-between-a-pressure-vacuum-breaker-and-a-reduced-pressure-backflow-preventer)

[![signal-2025-11-06-212417_002.jpeg](https://wiki.ridgewoodcommons.nyc/uploads/images/gallery/2026-08/scaled-1680-/signal-2025-11-06-212417-002-jpeg.jpeg)](https://wiki.ridgewoodcommons.nyc/uploads/images/gallery/2026-08/scaled-1680-/signal-2025-11-06-212417-002-jpeg.jpeg)

^^^ backflow prevention valve placement info via plumber via electrician

## Plumbing services to check with

## Misc info

from: [https://www.nyc.gov/site/dep/about/backflow-prevention-frequently-asked-questions.page](https://www.nyc.gov/site/dep/about/backflow-prevention-frequently-asked-questions.page)

### Cost

[![Screenshot 2026-06-03 at 3.28.13 PM.png](https://wiki.ridgewoodcommons.nyc/uploads/images/gallery/2026-08/scaled-1680-/screenshot-2026-06-03-at-3-28-13-pm-png.png)](https://wiki.ridgewoodcommons.nyc/uploads/images/gallery/2026-08/scaled-1680-/screenshot-2026-06-03-at-3-28-13-pm-png.png)

#### Where to find contractor

[![Screenshot 2026-06-03 at 3.29.01 PM.png](https://wiki.ridgewoodcommons.nyc/uploads/images/gallery/2026-08/scaled-1680-/screenshot-2026-06-03-at-3-29-01-pm-png.png)](https://wiki.ridgewoodcommons.nyc/uploads/images/gallery/2026-08/scaled-1680-/screenshot-2026-06-03-at-3-29-01-pm-png.png)

#### Licensed backflow testing people in Queens County

[https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/cross/backflow\_testers/queens.htm](https://www.health.ny.gov/environmental/water/drinking/cross/backflow_testers/queens.htm)

This list doesn't have contact details. via general search I found one person listed under "Maspeth":

[https://nycmpc.org/members/?id=81926155&terms=%22armon%22](https://nycmpc.org/members/?id=81926155&terms=%22armon%22)

[https://skaggswalsh.com/nyc-backflow-prevention-requirements-sw/](https://skaggswalsh.com/nyc-backflow-prevention-requirements-sw/)