Backflow prevention servicing by an accredited plumber

Keeping water sources clean is an ongoing and critically important challenge of any community. With modern plumbing infrastructures one of the potential threats to water quality is backflow. It’s a phenomenon where water flow is accidentally reversed and contaminated water enters the clean water supply, posing a risk to public health. 

Backflow can happen in two scenarios:

• Back pressure: when the pressure in a source of used or potentially contaminated water becomes higher than the pressure in the adjoining clean water pipes and contaminated water is pushed into the clean water system. For example elevated tanks, heating systems and booster pumps can cause back pressure.

• Back siphonage: when the pressure in the clean water pipes drops to become lower than adjoining used/contaminated water sources and contaminated water is sucked into the clean water system. For example during water mains leaks, firefighting activities, or even routine maintenance.

Backflow happens at cross connection points – spots in the plumbing infrastructure where there are actual or even potential connections between the drinking water supply and contaminated water.  These points exist in domestic, commercial, industrial and institutional locations. Without proper prevention measures, backflow can introduce harmful substances like chemicals, bacteria, and debris into the public water system.

The risk to public health from backflow at a cross connection point varies depending on the water use at each specific site. Risk labels in NSW range from low hazard (or nuisance) to medium (could endanger health) and high hazard (potential to cause death). 

To manage these risks backflow prevention devices are installed and must be actively managed, monitored and tested through servicing by government-accredited plumbers like Parrish Group. Backflow prevention devices can consist of a valve that only lets water move in one direction, an air gap, or a break tank. Over time, these devices can wear out, malfunction, or become damaged, compromising their ability to prevent backflow. Routine maintenance and testing helps identify issues before they become a problem.

In the Shoalhaven, property owners are responsible for registering backflow devices with council and for providing annual test and maintenance reports by a backflow accredited plumber.

Get in touch today with the plumbing team at Parrish Group to book a backflow service appointment or if you need advice on backflow prevention devices at your property.