Customer Care

Backflow Prevention Program

HCWSA Encourages Customers to Install Thermal Expansion Devices

The Henry County Water & Sewerage Authority (HCWSA) is in the process of upgrading existing operations to continue to provide the safest and highest quality drinking water possible for its customers. To continue to ensure this quality of service, the Authority will begin a multi-year program to install backflow prevention devices throughout the county on customer water meters that do not currently have them in place. (This typically includes homes built prior to 2001).

A backflow prevention device is a safeguard in the event a customer's hot water heater or other household appliance warms water and causes it to expand to a point where it might be forced back into the public water system. In addition, Georgia's Environmental Protection Division (EPD) now requires households, which are connected to public water utilities, to have backflow prevention capabilities as a matter of public safety and security.

While protecting a public drinking water system from potential backflow, these devices also seal water off inside a customer's home. As a result, a backflow preventive water meter could create higher pressure on an existing plumbing system (both on the hot water and cold water side).

For some homeowners, a spike in pressure also could set off the relief valve on hot water heaters or cause other damage to the plumbing system and/or the house. Thus, customers should check to make sure pressure relief or thermal expansion devices are installed and operating properly on or within their plumbing systems.

As a result of a change in the plumbing code in 2001, all homes built since that time are required to have such thermal expansion devices included in their construction. However, homes built prior to 2001 may not have these capabilities inside the house. Customers should consult a certified plumber if they have any doubts about their plumbing's condition. The HCWSA will not be responsible for any plumbing problems that may arise as a result of non-existing or improperly installed thermal expansion or pressure relief equipment.

Some HCWSA customers have received a letter detailing the program to inform that a backflow prevention device will be installed on their water meter. In addition, the Authority will leave a colored door hanger at a customer's home at least two weeks before work begins in that immediate area.

"We ask for patience and cooperation during this period of upgrades and conversion, as we make sure these backflow prevention devices are in place to protect the water quality and safety of our customers," explains Stephen Hogan, engineering division manager at the HCWSA.

For further information on backflow prevention, customers may call us at (678) 583-4555. In addition, a dedicated email address has been set up at Backflow@HCWSA.com to address concerns with the program.

Below are links to various types of Thermal Expansion Devices commonly used in homes:

Thermal Expansion Relief Devices can be found at most hardware stores. They are made from a variety of manufacturers including:

For additional information on backflow prevention and thermal expansion, please refer to the following documents: