Backflow prevention helps to ensure that dirty and used water doesn’t flow back into the clean water supply and contaminate water supplies for your home or business. Routine testing by a professional can ensure that your stored water is clean and safe. Backflow can occur when the pressure changes in the pipe. This may occur when a broken water main is being repaired, the water is temporarily turned off, the broken section is repaired and then water will burst out of either side of the broken section of the pipe. This may lead to contaminated water being drawn back into the pipes and then back into your stored water supply.
A few examples of cross-contamination via a backflow incident include:
- Where metals in solutions or chemicals used for metal processing come into contact with the water supply
- In market gardens, where chemical injectors, irrigation systems and garden hoses are connected to the water supply
- If a hose is left running in a container with chemicals such as fertilisers
- In car wash facilities, where there is a connection between the scrubber and rinse cycles
- Pipework that allows recycled water to enter the drinking water supply.
Why is a backflow prevention device necessary?
Your hazard rating can be assessed by a qualified licensed plumber Gold Coast to determine the type of device that would best suit your needs.
If you have cross-connection or installation on your property that has the potential to cause backflow you may be at risk of water supply contamination. You may be exposed to the following:
- Illness of occupants
- Contamination of products and subsequent exposure to product liability claims
- Litigation and possibly penalties, as the result of actions brought by the health departments under Occupational Health and Safety legislation
- You may be liable for any damages caused to other adjoining premises that are serviced with the same water supply as your property.
Backflow prevention helps protect your main source of water before entering your house or business. Cross-contamination due to backflow issues could lead to serious health issues. For residential homes, we recommend getting your backflow prevention system tested every 12 months to avoid contamination. The best practice would be getting a certified professional that can access your current plumbing system to identify whether the prevention system is working correctly.
For professional services, you can rely on, contact our experts at QLD Coastal Plumbing!