Wanna know what a backflow prevention device is?
There is no disgrace in not knowing what backflow protection is, having never heard of backflow testing, and having no notion that backflow testing reports existed. You are not alone in your ignorance. During our research at Green Planet Plumbing, we discovered that many individuals are unaware with the issue of backflow, why it must be avoided, how backflow testing is performed, why it must be performed, who should do it, and what the heck a backflow test result looks like. So let’s get into the ‘backflow’ of things.
What actually is backflow?
Backflow is the unintentional reversal of water flow from a property into the public water supply. Water pressure is normally maintained at a steady and consistent level in your house to provide a regular flow of water to all water outputs, such as your shower, sinks, and toilets.
Backflow may occur under the following circumstances:
- There is a decrease in water pressure – for example, if a pipe freezes or bursts, a pump fails, or the water supply authority is performing system maintenance;
- The water pressure on a property is greater than the pressure at the water main – for example, if a pump is operating on the site;
- There is a greater than usual demand on the water supply – for example, the increased demand created by fire extinguishing; and there are cross connections in a user’s
Backflow is a severe problem because it may result in possibly polluted water entering the drinking water system. Contaminated water may include germs, chemicals, oil, dirt, and other debris.
Learn about Backflow Prevention Device
To protect public health and the public drinking (potable) water reserves and distribution system, every property linked to the mains water system is obliged to have adequate backflow prevention measures in place. One method of controlling backflow is to instal a backflow prevention device in specified areas throughout your property’s plumbing system where a danger of polluted water flowing back into the supply system has been recognised.
Water supply authorities typically require the installation of a backflow prevention device on the property’s mains fresh water supply pipe, which is typically located near the water metre. The property owner must have their site inspected by a licenced plumber. Who has received backflow prevention certification from a registered training organisation (a ‘backflow plumber’). Who will determine the site’s hazard rating and advise the property owner of their backflow prevention requirements. The danger classification dictates the kind of backflow preventer that is needed.
Numerous smaller water metres. Which are suitable for installation in low-hazard premises, are equipped with a basic, non-testable backflow prevention mechanism. Separate backflow prevention devices are needed for premises with a low hazard rating and an unmetered connection.
Medium and high-hazard properties, as well as low-hazard properties with bigger water metres, must additionally install a separate backflow device. The property owner is responsible for ensuring that a backflow prevention device is installed. And the device is suitable for the danger level of their site.
The fully licenced plumber who installs the backflow prevention device must verify. That it is suitable for the hazard rating of the property. And inform the property owner of the device’s maintenance and testing needs. While any licenced plumber may normally install the device. It must be commissioned and undergo initial testing by a certified backflow compliance plumber.
Sources: Hills Shire Plumbing
