Backflow is a serious plumbing condition. One that can affect any home or business owner unless proper precautionary measures are taken. In case you’re not familiar with the term, let’s start by defining backflow and why it poses a potential health hazard.
Backflow occurs when water reverses its flow inside your pipes. If backflow occurs, it can pose a significant health and safety risk. That’s because the water coming back into your home is likely to be filled with unhealthy contaminants like raw sewage, pesticides from your lawn sprinkler system, and soapy water from washing your car, just to name a few.
Not only does backflow sound nasty, but it also poses a serious hazard to your health. The best way to prevent backflow issues is to install a backflow prevention device. Backflow devices help to keep the water in your plumbing system flowing in the right direction, and they must be installed by a licensed plumber. Another way to prevent backflow issues is to have your plumbing system regularly inspected by a licensed plumber. This will help to identify any potential problems so that they can be fixed before they cause any serious damage.
At Swan’s Plumbing we regularly install Backflow prevention devices. Backflow prevention devices are installed in your plumbing system to ensure that water pressure changes don’t lead to contamination. There are several types of backflow preventer assemblies – rest assured that we’ll recommend the one best suited to your residential or commercial plumbing needs.
In Western Australia, there are 3 main backflow installation methods. These include:
Backflow prevention devices have springs, rubber seals, and other moving parts that wear out over time. That’s why they need the same regular maintenance your car, HVAC systems, and other mechanical equipment receives.
In addition to backflow valve installation, we inspect and repair all valve makes and models for your added protection. Has it been a year or more since your last inspection? If so, contact us today so we can give your family home or business the added backflow protection it needs. Contact the team at Swan’s Professional Plumbing for all plumbing and gas services, including backflow prevention testing.
Backflow testing is a process of checking the water pressure in a building's water supply to ensure that it is strong enough to push water up and out of the building, instead of allowing it to flow back down into the water supply. Tests involve using valves on a backflow testing device.
Backflow can potentially contaminate a building's potable water supply with harmful bacteria, chemicals, or other pollutants, so it's important to have regular backflow testing to ensure the safety of the residents and staff.
Yes, in Western Australia, Water Corporation requires every property to have an approved backflow prevention device installed. The backflow device requires installation by a licensed plumber and must be registered. Due to the serious risk contaminated water has to health, there is legislation in place that also mandates backflow prevention devices and testing.
Commercial and Industrial properties that have Restricted Pressure Zone Devices (RPZD) installed, require annual testing. This is a mandatory requirement.
If your house is in Perth, it likely has a backflow prevention device installed. To check that yours is working properly, you should call a licensed plumber to carry out a backflow inspection.
There are two main causes of backflow. These are known as backsiphonage and backpressure.
Backpressure
Backpressure is a situation that can arise when water from a non-potable water supply becomes greater than the pressure of your main water supply. This can cause dirty or polluted water to flow back into your potable water system and contaminate it. Backpressure can also be caused by a blocked drain, which will prevent normal drainage and create excessive backpressure.
Backsiphonage
Backsiphonage is the process of water being forced back up into a home or building's water supply line due to higher water pressure in the main supply line. This can happen when there is a break in the main supply line, or when there is an excessive demand on the system (such as during a fire). Backsiphonage can contaminate the water supply with bacteria and other pollutants and can cause significant damage to plumbing fixtures and appliances.
Backflow devices are chosen based on a property’s risk rating for potential contamination. Once our plumber has identified your backflow risk rating, a backflow prevention system suitable for your property will be installed.
Swan’s Professional Plumbing offers great, on-time service and value when you need a plumber across Perth and the Peel region. Get in touch today.
