Backflow devices are very important parts of any industrial or commercial operation. Backflow of polluted or contaminated water in to the water mains can cause serious health issues.
Why Backflow Device Testing is So Important
Backflow incidents may expose businesses to serious legal and statutory liabilities. If contaminated water gets in to the mains water, the effects can be catastrophic. Many industrial chemicals can be lethal, or cause severe poisoning.
There’s another excellent reason for being “backflow conscious”, too. Backflow is a surefire indicator of equipment problems. If water flow is backing up, there may be real issues with your processing gear.
Water flow problems don’t just happen. Backflow, in fact, may be considered the canary in the coal mine for many different types of onsite issues. Any issues are good indicators for equipment that needs fixing.
The usual issues are pretty predictable:
- Valve issues, O ring problems and other minor repairs
- Older equipment that needs an overhaul
- Maintenance behind the eight ball
- Cracked piping or connection problems
- Pressure management issues
Now the good news: These issues are also quite fixable. Backflow device testing could be a life saver in cost terms, too. If your testing finds small problems before they turn in to large, expensive problems and downtime.
Backflow Devices Testing Basics
Backflow is covered by state and local government regulations. Specific regulatory requirements may vary, but the basics are essentially the same around Australia. If you’re unsure what your obligations are regarding backflow management, check with your local council.
The following information is based on state and Brisbane City Council regulations for testing, which are representative of Australian backflow device testing requirements.
Under local city rules, backflow devices are required to be registered with the local council, and tested annually by licensed plumbers. A report detailing testing results must be filed with the council.
This testing includes devices used to monitor backflow in a range of onsite systems:
- Irrigation systems
- Fire hose reels or hydrants
- Commercial or industrial activity or machinery connected to water mains
- Water outlets in proximity to pollutants, grease traps or chemicals
- Underground rainwater tanks with mains water backup.
Backflow Testing Devices
Backflow testing devices must be acceptable according to local government regulations. In the case of Brisbane City Council, “Reduced pressure zone, double check and some single check valves are testable backflow prevention devices.”
Testing must show that the devices are working properly and achieving backflow prevention in accordance with council requirements.
The testing needs to be done anyway, for practical reasons. Invest in a good local plumber and get your advice from the experts. Your backflow device testing will be worth it.
Trying to Find a Commercial Plumber in Brisbane?
EPG Electrical Plumbing Group Pty. Ltd is your local backflow testing services in Brisbane. We’re also plumbing contractors and we can provide maintenance services as required. We offer additional consultancy and expert professional support for systems upgrades. Give us a call on (07) 3319 5068 or drop us a line online and we’ll be in touch ASAP.
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