The term 'backflow' means any unwanted flow of used or non-potable water or substance from any domestic, industrial or institutional piping system into the pure, potable water distribution system. The direction of flow under these conditions is in the reverse direction from that intended by the system. Backflow may be caused by a loss of pressure in the supply main called backsiphonage, or by the flow from a customer's pressurized system through an unprotected cross-connection, which is called backpressure. Thus the term backflow covers both a backsiphonage condition and a backpressure condition.

A reversal of water flow can be created when the pressure at the supply point becomes lower than the pressure at the point of use. When this happens in an unprotected situation the water at the point of use will be siphoned back into the system; thus, potentially contaminating the remainder of the customer's system. It is also possible that the contaminated water could continue to backflow into the public distribution system. The point at which a non-potable substance comes in contact with the potable drinking water system is called a cross-connection.

To prevent backflow from occurring, a backflow prevention assembly must be installed. Many homes that have irrigation systems are required by the local water company to have their backflow prevention device tested annually by a certified inspector. At Mattex Service Company, our certified inspector will come to your home or business to ensure maintanence of your backflow prevention equipment and optimum water quality! Call us today with any questions or to schedule your test.

Sump pumps are responsible for pumping excess ground water from a basement or crawlspace to the outside of the home. There are two types of standard sump pumps commonly used - pedestal pumps and a submersibles. Pedestal pumps are not meant to get wet. They stand upright with a motor a few feet above it. Submersible pumps are installed in the ground and work under water.

For those who have ever experienced a water back up in your basement, you know the amount of  cleaning involved and how much damage can be caused. A professionally installed quality sump pump is your best defense against this ever happening. A quality sump pump can prevent thousands of dollars of water damage to your home and personal property, lost time dealing with emergency clean-ups, the head aches associated with insurance claims, and a host of other unknowns.

The plumbers at Mattex Service Company are fully qualified to install, repair, or replace failed sump pumps and sewage ejection pumps, and to install emergency back-up sump systems that continue to operate even through the longest power outages.

Sump Pumps (Water Driven)

A water driven sump pump is a non-electric backup sump pump that uses your home’s water pressure to operate – no battery or electricity is needed. The Water Commander from Tane Corporation will pump, as needed, during power outages or primary sump pump failure. It will also work in tandem with your electrical sump pump if necessary in an extreme downpour. If you want maximum protection from water damage resulting from power outages or a failed main pump, Mattex Service Company highly recommends installing the Water Commander.

To learn more about this unique water-powered sump pump, visit the Tane Corporation website by simply clicking the link below, or by speaking with one of our plumbers. 

Water heaters are responsible for supplying your home with heated water by using energy to covert cold water to hot water. Traditional water heaters use a storage tank to hold heated water until it is needed. They typically run off of natural gas, but electric and propane heaters are also common. When purchasing a new water heater, or simply replacing your old one, you should decide on which model and size tank will best suit your needs for your home or business. Mattex Service Company

will help you make the right decision. Call us and talk to one of our licensed plumbers about all the plumbing needs for your home or business.

Tankless water heaters heat water without the use of a storage tank. Therefore, they avoid the standby heat losses associated with storage water heaters. When a hot water tap is turned on, cold water travels through a pipe into the unit. Tankless heaters are available in both electric and gas models, both heating the water in a similar method as it passes by a heating element. As a result, they deliver a constant supply of hot water. You don't need to wait for a storage tank to fill up with enough hot water. Typically, tankless heaters provide hot water at a rate of 2 – 5 gallons per minute. This type of water heater is frequently used in radiant heat applications.

Although we are qualified to work on any make and model of tankless heater you may in your home, Mattex Service Company highly recommends the Navien or Rinnai line of heaters. You can learn more about their excellent products on the Navien or Rinnai websites by clicking on their links below, or calling and talking to one of our licensed plumbers.