Any connection to Sydney Water’s pipes, including fire services, must be protected by installing backflow prevention devices. Backflow devices are fitted at the boundary of your property or commercial premises to prevent contaminated water from flowing into the public water supply.
Backflow may happen when the water from your property flows backwards into Sydney Water pipes. For instance, where there is a pressure difference in a water supply, water may travel back into the mains. Resulting in contaminated water being drawn back into the domestic water supply, causing people to become ill from drinking the unclean water.
Backflow prevention devices are essential as they protect water quality and are installed to stop contaminated water from flowing into the public water supply. Backflow devices will generally use one of three elements to stop the backflow of polluted water:
- A valve that only permits water to go in one direction
- An air gap
- A break tank
Premises that may Need a Backflow Device
Due to the severe consequences of the backflow of water into Sydney’s water supply, it is essential backflow prevention devices are installed by certified professionals and tested yearly.
Some types of premises that may require backflow prevention devices include:
- Cafes and restaurants
- Shopping centres and high-rise buildings.
- Mechanic workshops
- Carwashes
- Swimming pools
- Laundries and dry cleaners
- Golf courses or sporting ovals
- Caravan parks
- Manufacturing premises
- Medical facilities such as hospitals and veterinary clinics
- Chemical plants
Common Causes
The backflow of water at an unprotected cross-connection can occur in two ways: backpressure backflow and back-siphonage backflow. Backpressure is a result of the pressure downstream increasing above the system pressure, which causes a reversal in the flow of water. On the other hand, back-siphonage occurs in scenarios where there is a build-up of pressure at a given source, more significant than the pressure in the pipes. An example of this is when Sydney Water shut off the water main due to things such as a break or leak in the water main, and as a result, water is siphoned back into the public water supply.
Backpressure and back-siphonage causes including:
- Hand held toilet sprayer’s
- Bathtubs & showers, where there is an extension on the water outlet that can be submerged. ( Such as those extension hoses that connect onto the bath spout)
- Kitchen sinks that have a retractable handpiece that can sit in a full sink of water.
- Car washing bays.
- A house that can reach into a grease trap.
- Chemical plants.
- Garbage areas where a hose is used to wash out bins.
- Swimming pool areas where a hose can reach the pool.
All the scenarios above are just some of the causes of water back flowing into a water system.
Potential ‘backflow risk’ means that if there are not adequate measures taken, then both you, your family, and other people in your neighbourhood are at risk of consuming contaminated water.
How Ellison Plumbing Can Help
Ellison Plumbing is a fully licensed and certified backflow prevention device testers. Working 24/7 across Sydney, we install, maintain and test backflow devices for real estates and other commercial clients every day.
If you require backflow device installation or if it’s time for your annual backflow device service, please contact Andrew from Ellison Plumbing for immediate assistance on 1800 99 58 58.