Updated June 2024 by Joe Rantino
Let’s Talk About Backflow Plumbing Installation in Sydney
Backflow prevention is part of your shared responsibility to keep your community’s water supply healthy and safe to use. Especially if you own a commercial or industrial property, you are at a higher risk of polluting local water supply! That means you will need to install a backflow prevention device. It’s important to meet your obligations to protect the drinking water that goes back to the community.
Gladesville Plumbing has spent years servicing North Sydney commercial and industrial businesses, so let’s dive into our knowledge on backflow prevention and installation.
First, what is Backflow?
Backflow is water travelling in the wrong direction (the opposite direction to the normal flow of water) in the water supply system.
Backflow occurs:
- When the main water delivery line has a lower pressure than your internal plumbing and it creates a siphoning effect (especially water pumps that are connected to internal plumbing)
- Where drinking and non-drinking water is cross connected
- When the main water delivery bursts
- When an excessive amount of water is used, like for firefighting purposes
Backflow can be unavoidable without a prevention device. It needs to be installed properly and, in most cases, tested annually to ensure that it effectively stops the reverse flow of contaminated water.
What is a Backflow Preventer Device?
A backflow preventer device is a hazard control fitting that prevents drinking water from being contaminated. It makes sure that your wastewater flows in one direction – essentially a one way valve.
Why is Backflow Prevention so Important?
Backflow can contaminate clean water supplies, making it a matter of health and safety. For example, if your property is a manufacturing plant that uses a lot of chemicals, it’s important that it is safely directed away after it is disposed of. Backflow can also cause property damage, not just contaminating your own water supply but also damaging your plumbing system. In lots of places, it’s a legal requirement to have backflow prevention installed, so it’s also important to follow these regulations to avoid fines!
Each water service that connects to your property needs a backflow prevention device. So that means your domestic line, fire protection and landscape irrigation. They need to be installed somewhere accessible so it can be tested and repaired. You may also need to install a drain port to prevent damage to surrounding structures.
Which Properties Require a Backflow Preventer Device?
Properties that may need backflow prevention device include those that have:
- Fire hydrants
- Fire hose reel
- Swimming pools
- Irrigation systems
- Sprinkler systems
- Vehicle maintenance pits
- Air conditioning cooling towers
- Chemical cleaning facilities
- Commercial or industrial equipment that leads to polluted water
Basically, anywhere where there is a risk of contamination, there is a risk of backflow causing hazards. That means a lot of businesses that deal with food, chemicals, or waste, like factories, food processing, pest control and caravan parks, all need backflow prevention.
Each property in Sydney is classed as low, medium, or high hazard. Usually, this is determined when your property development application was approved, or your water services have changed. Your final hazard rating will depend on what activities are conducted on your property. If you are an agent or property manager, this is part of handling your real estate plumbing!
- Low Hazard Properties: Where conditions, practices or devices connected to the drinking water supply is a nuisance but not endangering. Requires non-testable dual check valve.
- Medium Hazard Properties: Where conditions, practices or devices connected to the drinking water supply could endanger health. Fire services always classified as medium risk. Requires a testable double check valve.
- High Hazard Properties: Where conditions, practices or devices connected to the drink water supply could cause death. Certain commercial and industrial may default to high risk. Requires testable pressure zone device.
Generally, backflow prevention should be installed where the minimum water service size is greater than 25mm. These also need to be tested annually to make sure that it is functioning up to code.
25mm and smaller do not need backflow installed because Sydney Water meters already have a simple backflow prevention device in them. That means that residential properties without any other connections like fire services already have enough backflow management.
Who Can Install a Backflow Prevention Device in Sydney?
Only a Sydney plumber with an accreditation in backflow prevention is allowed to install, repair, or test your backflow device. And of course, Gladesville Plumbing Services are your fully licensed Sydney plumbers! We can also help you find out what your property’s hazard rating is and which device you will need. We do follow the Australian Plumbing and Drainage Standards (3500.1) and will make sure that you are meeting local regulations. Of course, you also need a trustworthy plumber that will protect your property.
Your plumber will need to submit a test report for each backflow prevention device test with photos for medium or high-risk properties. These devices need to be registered with Sydney Water.
What Are the Responsibilities of the Property Owner?
As a property owner, it’s your responsibility to ensure the correct backflow prevention device has been installed for the activity taking place at your premises. It is also your responsibility to book an annual inspection and test to maintain the device. Backflow prevention should be part of your ongoing plumbing maintenance contracts for your commercial operations. Otherwise, failure to comply with your obligations can lead to significant fines. After all, a faulty backflow device can have fatal consequences to the community water supply.
Make sure that you have a reliable plumber for your regular commercial plumbing maintenance.
Call Gladesville Plumbing for Backflow Preventer Installation in Sydney
Backflow prevention testing and installation should not be overwhelming! Just give Gladesville Plumbing a call and we’ll get it sorted. We can answer your questions about your backflow preventation obligations and help you get back on track.
Want to know more about what Gladesville Plumbing can do for your business? Check out our commercial plumbing services.