Backflow is one of the curses of any water supply system. It’s is defined as pollutants that enter the water supply and drainage systems from any source. Backflow is dangerous, as it may be contaminated with toxic and unsanitary materials. The bottom line is that backflow is trouble, wherever it occurs.
Backflow can cause another type of trouble –the expensive kind. If you’re connected to any water supply system, and anything from your connection backflows into the water supply or anywhere else, you’re liable. That can be a pretty grim wade through big money remedial work, as well as whatever damage the backflow causes.
Backflow Device Basic Requirements
Backflow devices, by definition, cover any form of backflow prevention. By law, backflow prevention must be carried out if you have a “testable” device on a system.
Testable systems include:
- Irrigation systems
- Fire hoses or hydrants
- Commercial or industrial systems which may pose a risk of pollution
- Water outlets near pollutants, grease traps or chemicals
- An alternate water supply, of whatever kind.
(The word “testable” is a bit redundant. If you have to test for backflow, obviously the accuracy of testing is important, so your testing device needs to be checked, too. It’s just a clumsy way of expressing the need to test.)
Specifically, your backflow prevention system monitoring system must be registered with your local authority and tested regularly, usually annually. Backflow testing devices are very important. You’re required to submit your test results to the local authority. It’s very much in your interests to ensure your backflow device testing is spot on.
If you’re somehow getting the impression backflow testing is a very demanding, must-get-right process, you’re quite right. Data from backflow testing needs to be accurate and testing needs to be properly conducted. “Best guess” doesn’t cut it. You can be fined if you don’t test, too, which is another expensive consideration.
The bottom line is quite unambiguous:
- You must test for backflow
- Your backflow tests must be accurate.
- Your testing device must be checked for accuracy.
Getting Help with Backflow Testing Devices
Given the importance of backflow testing, the best option is to get some help from your local commercial plumbers. This covers a multitude of issues, including:
- Compliance: Your device has to comply with whatever regulations apply to your irrigation, industrial plumbing, or environmental rules. Your plumbers can make absolutely sure that your device is compliant.
- Performance: Another moving target in compliance is meeting statutory standards. Backflow regulations change over time, and older devices may not be able to deliver the required levels of accuracy. Again, ask your expert plumbers for any help you need to upgrade or simply ensure performance of backflow testing devices is up to scratch.
- Problem solving: Murphy’s Law, the rule of life which says that anything that can go wrong, will go wrong, applies very much to backflow testing and the basic realities of doing business. Get your plumbers the minute you see anything which looks like a problem.
Need Some Help with Backflow Device Testing in Brisbane?
Whenever you want some expert help with your backflow systems and backflow device testing in Brisbane, Electrical Plumbing Group (EPG) can do it all for you. We’re industrial plumbers, so we know these systems inside out. Our experience also helps us build a relationship with our Brisbane clients so they receive a positive customer experience. Call EPG on (07) 3823 1630 or contact us online and ask us for any services you need.
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