What is backflow?
Water flows to your property at a consistent pressure, so you’ll usually have the same water pressure from your taps and fixtures every day.
If the pressure in the pipes is reduced, it’s possible for contaminated water from your property to be drawn back into the water supply system. This is called backflow.
Backflow can happen when:
• a water pipe bursts nearby
• water is pumped from the main water supply for fire fighting
• a customer uses water at a higher pressure than what the water authority supplies (eg you use a pressure pump on your rain water tank for your garden watering, car washing etc.)
• high demand from the mains water supply reduces water pressure to your property.
Backflow prevention
Backflow can pose a public health risk if pollutants or contaminants, such as chemicals, enter the drinking water supply from your property.
A backflow prevention device allows water to enter the property through the water meter, but it prevents water from flowing back into the water supply network.
All water service connections need to be fitted with an appropriate containment backflow prevention device to protect the water supply network.
Most residential properties will be considered low risk properties. Devices installed in high or medium risk properties need to be registered with the water authority and tested at least annually by a licensed plumber endorsed for backflow prevention testing.
Examples of high or medium risk properties:
Abattoir
Car / plant washing facility
Car yard
Caravan Park
Day Care Facility
Dental surgery
Dry cleaner
Factory
Food & beverage processing plant
Funeral home
Hairdressing salon
Hospital
Hotel
Kindergarten
Marina
Medical surgery
Mortuary
Nursing home
Panel shop
Pathology laboratory
Petrol station
Premise with chemicals
Premises with grey water re-use system
Premises with rainwater tanks
Public swimming pool
Restaurant / Café
Sanitary depot
School
University
Call Tomlinson Plumbing on 5261 2422 ~ we’re accredited backflow prevention device testers.
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