Ever wondered what keeps your drinking water clean and separate from your drains? It’s a simple item called a backflow prevention device.
Think of it as a one-way security gate that keeps your water flowing in the right direction. When water pressure changes unexpectedly, dirty or contaminated water can be pulled or pushed into your clean drinking water pipes. This reversal is known as backflow.
Understanding the importance of a backflow prevention device is the first step in protecting your family’s health. Our professionals at Matt Diamond Plumbing explain how backflow prevention devices protect the water supply and outline some of the benefits.
Why Does Backflow Happen?
[COPY] Backflow occurs when the normal direction of water flow is reversed. This can happen in two main ways, both of which pose a serious risk by allowing contaminants to enter your water system.
- Back-Pressure: Think of this as a pushing problem that occurs when the pressure in the non-drinking water system becomes higher than the pressure in the clean water line. The dirty water is pushed backwards and mixes with the clean water.
- Back-Siphonage: Think of this as a sucking problem caused by a sudden drop in pressure in the clean water supply from a burst main or an open fire hydrant. This low pressure creates a vacuum effect, sucking contaminated water into your system.
Preventing this reversal is where backflow prevention devices come into play.
Backflow Prevention Device Benefits
Installing a backflow prevention device is the simplest way to keep your home’s water quality safe. Although they are required by Australian regulations, the real benefit is the peace of mind that comes with knowing your drinking water is protected. Under the Australian Standard AS/NZS 3500.1 Plumbing and Drainage Part 1 Water Services, backflow prevention devices must be installed and maintained correctly to ensure your water supply remains protected from contamination.
These devices are essential for three main reasons:
- Protect Public Health: Backflow devices stop harmful liquids, chemicals and bacteria from entering the main water supply.
- Prevent Property Damage: They stop polluted water (from pools or sprinklers) from flowing back into your clean pipes. This prevents bad stains and damage to your appliances and fixtures.
- Stay Legal: Local councils usually require these devices on certain pipes. They also require you to have them tested regularly to ensure they prevent backflow correctly.
Why Choose Matt Diamond Plumbing for Backflow Prevention?
Backflow prevention devices are complex pieces of equipment that require specialised knowledge and certification to install and test. A professional plumber will ensure the device is correctly sized for your system and installed according to local requirements.
Don’t risk your water safety with a DIY job! Here’s why you should call Matt Diamond Plumbing:
- Professional Installation: We select and install the correct device required for your property’s risk level.
- Regular Testing: Our licensed plumber performs annual inspections and submits all necessary council paperwork.
- Quick Repairs: We diagnose and repair device failures quickly to maintain your backflow prevention.
- Council Compliance: We keep you informed about local plumbing codes and regulations regarding your device.
- In Dubbo and Surrounding Areas: require annual testing and certification of backflow prevention devices for many residential and commercial properties.
Is your water supply safe and compliant? Don’t risk the health of your family or potential council penalties. Book your compliance test or installation now!
FAQs
Q: What are the two ways backflow can occur?
A: Backflow can happen via Back-Pressure (dirty water is pushed backward due to higher pressure in the non-drinking system) or Back-Siphonage (contaminated water is sucked in due to a sudden pressure drop in the clean supply).
Q: What are the main benefits of installing a backflow prevention device?
A: The main benefits are protecting public health by stopping harmful contaminants, preventing property damage to appliances and fixtures, and ensuring you stay legal and compliant with local council requirements.
Q: Why is professional installation and testing required for these devices?
A: Backflow prevention devices are complex and require specialised knowledge and certification for correct installation and testing. A professional ensures the device is properly sized, installed to code, and performs annual inspections with the correct council paperwork submission.
