Any home maintenance issue is not ideal. Although when it comes to plumbing maintenance, one of the most important things you’ll want to avoid is for your plumbing system to backflow. If this has happened in your home before, you’ll know backflow is a serious problem as it often can contaminate your water supply and drinking water. The key to keeping your plumbing working properly on any premises is through prevention testing. Today we are covering everything you need to know about backflow and what to expect during a backflow prevention test.
What Is Backflow Anyway?
To have healthy water pipes, it is important your water supply system flows at a consistent pressure to reach the tap. If pressure from certain water systems is not consistent, this pressure might cause contaminated water to return into the main water supply system. A professional plumber calls this occurrence backflow. Backflow mainly occurs when the main water delivery is performing at a lower pressure than your plumbing system. This pressure inconsistency is generally due to ruptures or bursts in a main water supply system or overuse of water.
Two Symptoms To Detect A Backflow Problem.
1. Discolouration of water The first sign of a backflow issue may be the discolouration of the water appearing from your taps. However, this small sign can be misleading and difficult to pick up early. More often than not, the contaminated water may have already been digested.
2. The smell of water If your tap water has an unusual smell, there may be a need to conduct a backflow test to ensure the water is not polluted. If this water has already been consumed, there is a high chance you may have experienced stomach cramps, vomiting or nausea. This is why it is extremely important to have regular and routine plumbing services to ensure you are meeting requirements for backflow prevention and protecting the health of yourself and others around you.
What Are Backflow Prevention Devices?
A backflow prevention device is a fitting which stops water contaminated with faeces, pesticides or chemicals flowing into our clean consumable waterways. To stop contamination, a backflow prevention device uses a valve which only lets water proceed in one direction and stops it from flowing backwards. It is an Australian Government standard that all properties should be fitted with backflow devices to ensure the safety of our drinking water. Therefore it is standard for plumbing devices to ensure our water is being distributed safely. Particularly in commercial and industrial properties, it is a plumbing requirement that the property is fitted with a prevention device at the building’s meter. These devices clearly signal the safety of the water through a hazard ranking key which benchmarks from Low-Risk to High-Risk contamination. In the case the meter is signalling a high risk, emergency plumbing services are needed to protect from severe illness occurring upon consumption. Plumbers undertaking Backflow Prevention work use their critical knowledge and skills to protect the health and safety of the home and commercial properties serviced. Seeking a licensed plumber is highly recommended for backflow maintenance as they understand and initiate what is required to keep communities safe from contamination.
When Will I Need To Replace A Backflow Device?
Knowing when to replace a backflow device is one of the multiple plumbing jobs that require professional attendance. To ensure the water being used on your property is safe, regular backflow testing is vital. Your backflow device on any commercial or industrial property once fitted, requires annual testing to abide by the Australian water safety and plumbing standards. Therefore mitigating any risk of Occupational health and safety hazards for tenements, staff or employees within the building. When selecting a plumber to assist with your properties backflow device maintenance, it is essential to ensure the plumber is certified in backflow prevention. All plumbers conducting service need additional backflow accreditation in order to replace or repair a backflow device. This is why it is best to seek a professional in this circumstance. Once the job is complete, is the plumber’s responsibility to respond to the return the backflow prevention results to the council after testing the device.
Is Backflow Prevention Testing Mandatory?
As a property owner, it is your responsibility to ensure your backflow device is regularly tested every year after the device is installed. Depending on the type of property you have, there are various prevention devices which can be installed. After installation, it is essential the device is tested on a yearly basis to avoid expensive plumbing repairs and abide by OHS requirements. To ensure quality testing consistent on your premise, it is best to partner with a plumbing business who are experienced and certified backflow professionals.
