Backflow occurs when the flow of contaminated fluids containing sewage, chemicals or foreign matter reverses and then enters the main water supply line of a property. This could result in high-risk contamination, making it essential for all property owners to keep their backflow prevention devices functioning properly at all times.
Is Your Property Using the Right Backflow Device?
Your local council has the right to issue penalties for non-compliance, so failing to have the right backflow device may not only result in costly contamination but also a fine. At O’Neill and Brown Plumbing Service, we provide fully licensed and insured backflow prevention and maintenance services for property owners across Brisbane, Canberra and surrounds.
What’s A Backflow Prevention Device?
A backflow prevention device prevents mains and drinking water contamination by stopping contaminated water from flowing in the reverse direction. There are two main backflow device types — Dual Check Valves (DCV) and Reduced Pressure Zone Devices (RPZ), both of which are testable devices and must be installed, maintained and repaired by a licensed plumber. As these backflow devices are designed for different contamination risks and different property types, it’s very important that your property is secured with the right preventative device.
Dual Check Valves (DCV)
Dual check valves (also known as double check valves) are testable devices intended for use under continuous pressure conditions and for medium-level contamination risk conditions. These backflow devices are used for a wide range of applications, including fire hose reels, taps in garbage disposal areas, and rainwater, greywater and irrigation systems, to prevent backflow caused by backpressure or back-siphonage.
Reduced Pressure Zone Devices (RPZ)
A reduced pressure zone device is a high testable backflow prevention device designed for use in whole areas identified as containing ‘high hazard’ conditions. Like DCVs, RPZs are also used for continuous pressure conditions, and to prevent backflow caused by backpressure or back-siphonage. Applications for which RPZs are widely used include commercial laundries and kitchens, commercial and residential building water mains supply, and plant rooms with chemical dosing facilities.
Pressure Reducing Valves (PRV)
Despite similarities in appearance, pressure reducing valves aren’t backflow devices and shouldn’t be used to prevent backflow. PRVs are used to limit downstream water pressure and compensate for fluctuating upstream water pressure and have absolutely no effect on backflow.
Is Preventing Backflow Your Responsibility as A Property Owner?
Yes, as a property owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure that backflow doesn’t occur on your property. This means if your property has been assessed as medium or high risk, you must:
- Have the right backflow prevention device installed by a licensed plumber
- Have it tested annually (by a licensed plumbing professional)
- Report any potential hazards (if hazards arise) to your local council immediately.
Our experienced plumbers provide backflow services for commercial and residential buildings in Brisbane, Canberra and the surrounding areas. Call O’Neill and Brown Plumbing Service to arrange for our plumbers to visit your property and check your backflow prevention device. Alternatively, send us a message online and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can.