Find Local Backflow Testing and Prevention in Canberra

What is a Backflow System and How Does it Work?

A plumbing device called a backflow system is made to stop tainted or contaminated water from recirculating into pure water sources, such as potable water systems. Plumbers play a crucial role in installing and maintaining these systems to ensure water safety. Because they guarantee that water only flows in the desired direction, these systems are essential to preserving the safety of drinking water. Backflow can occur for two primary reasons:

• Backpressure: When the downstream pressure is higher than the upstream pressure, backpressure develops.
• Backsiphonage: This is the process by which water from a contaminated source is syphoned back into the clean water supply due to a drop in pressure inside the water supply system.

How a Backflow Prevention System Works

Water flows in one direction only—into the building direction—thanks to a backflow prevention device. These devices ensure that contaminated water cannot reach the pure water supply by automatically turning off the main connection supply when back pressure or back-siphonage occurs.

Types of Backflow Prevention Devices

You have many options to set up backflow prevention. Here are the top options:

Devices for Reduced Pressure Zones (RPZ)

• These mechanical valves are intended to stop back pressure as well as back siphonage.
• Two separate check valves with a relief valve in between are features of RPZ devices.
• And, the relief valve opens to release any backflowing water in the case that either check valve fails. It can protect the clean water supply.

Air Spaces

• A physical separation between any potential source of contamination and the potable water supply is known as an air gap.
• To ensure that clean and polluted water does not come into touch, there should typically be an open vertical space; (often twice the diameter of the pipe) between the water exit and the fixture's overflow point.
• This type of backflow protection, which is frequently utilised in sinks and faucets, is the most basic and efficient.

Check valves

• Check valves restrict the direction of water flow and shut off automatically in the event of reverse flow.
• These are frequently employed in less complex systems with reduced contamination risks.
• They work well to stop backflow, but in high-risk scenarios, they are not as dependable as RPZ devices due to the absence of a relief valve for additional security.

Signs of a Backflow Problem

There are some signs of backflow problems you can see and consider it an alert sign to act.

Water With Discoloration

The clean water supply may get contaminated by other sources, giving the water a brown, yellow, or rusty appearance.

Odour or Taste Not Typical

Water contaminated by chemicals, pollution, or garbage may taste metallic, salty, or smell bad.

Water Flowing Slowly or Pressure Dropping

An abrupt or continuous decline in water pressure might indicate obstructions or backflow in the system.

Air in the Lines or Bubbles of Water

Water sputtering or bubbling from faucets may be an indication of air getting into the plumbing, which happens frequently due to backflow.

Particles or sediment presence

Visible foreign particles, such as dirt or debris, in the water might indicate backflow from an outside source.

Regular blockages or sluggish drainage

Recurrent drainage problems might be an indication of plumbing system backflow problems or contaminants impacting water flow.