Backflow Prevention

In most circumstances backflow devices are installed at the boundary of the property at the water meter. This is done to protect the potable water supply and is referred to as containment. Where a backflow protection device is installed the backflow protection device must be registered with the relevant water authority.

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The backflow device is typically required to be tested on commissioning, after any maintenance and every 12 months thereafter by a licensed plumber.

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Our local water authority will send a letter annually to the property owner regarding maintenance of a backflow device, with penalties applying if the backflow protection device is not tested.

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We are happy to place you on a backflow protection device testing schedule if needed. These services are commonly used by facilities such as building, body corporates, hospitals and schools.

 

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A BACKFLOW PROTECTION DEVICE?

Generally the purpose is to stop contaminates from entering the drinking water where a risk exists. In commercial plumbing situations this may be where chemicals could siphon back into the drinking water. While the chances are lower similar risks exist in domestic plumbing situations.

Siphoning back via a hose pipe is a common cause and therefore the law states you must have back flow prevention in place. A hose connection vacuum breaker (HCVB) can be installed at the outlet of your hose tap, this will protect your mains water supply from the siphon of contaminated water back into your drinking supply. To use a domestic plumbing example if you used your hose to fill the weed killer spray bottle and leave the hose in the bottle while attending to something urgent a siphon may set itself up and contaminate your drinking water. A backflow prevention device stops this.

 

TYPES OF BACKFLOW PROTECTION

In Australia, water authorities require containment protection on our water or fire services in order to protect the community’s water supply.

 

There are 3 types of backflow protection installation methods:

 

Containment protection – where the device is installed at the property boundary, just downstream of the meter assembly serving the property, including all fire services located at the boundary.

 

Zone protection- where the device isolates an area or building within the property boundary.

 

Individual protection – where the device Device installed at point of potential contamination within the property.

Some properties may have more than one device as is common with commercial plumbing situations or larger domestic properties and farms.

 

LOSS OF WATER PRESSURE

Installation of a backflow protection device will reduce water pressure and flow rate downstream of the device. Rob Ripepi Plumbing can resolve loss of water pressure for you if needed. We discuss any potential loss of water pressure with you when installing a backflow protection device should we believe that a loss of pressure or water flow will occur.