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Water is a very precious resource, particularly for drinking. But surprisingly, it can be quite easily compromised when it reverses flow, picking up all sorts of unwanted little contaminants. These can be pretty nasty and, in some cases, pose serious health risks, which is why it’s so important to make sure our water stays clean and safe to drink! One way to do this is by making sure you have regular backflow prevention testing done and ensuring that all your plumbing systems are in good shape.
All this information may seem overwhelming, but don’t worry—we’ll break it down below!
Backflow is a term that describes the process where potentially contaminated water flows backward, reversing its normal direction and entering a property’s potable water supply. Backflow is a pretty serious issue because it can introduce harmful substances—like chemicals, bacteria or waste—into the clean water that you rely on for cooling and drinking, etc. When backflow occurs, the water becomes unsafe for human consumption and can lead to health risks if ingested or even when used for other everyday tasks. Although it’s not super common, it can happen, but don’t worry, we’re here to make sure it doesn’t happen to you!
Backflow typically occurs when there is a sudden change or drop in water pressure in the plumbing system, causing water to flow in the opposite direction from where it should be going. Instead of clean water flowing into your property from the mains, the flow reverses—potentially drawing in contaminated water from sources like toilets, sinks, and garden hoses. But what causes a change in water pressure? You may be wondering. Let’s break it down below:
In both cases, without proper backflow prevention, the water you rely on for drinking and washing can become unsafe. That’s why backflow prevention devices and regular testing are so important!
As for the risks, when backflow water is used for cooking, bathing, or as drinking water, it can pose some serious health risks—ranging from tummy problems to more serious illnesses—even more so if you have been exposed to contaminated water without knowing for an extended period of time.
As we now know, backflow is something you definitely don’t want happening to your water supply, but the good news is that it’s not too hard to spot the signs.
Backflow prevention means preventing the reverse flow of water from potentially contaminated sources back into your clean water supply. How do you prevent backflow from happening? You may be wondering. To prevent backflow and reduce the risk of nasty contaminants entering your system’s water supply, we use special devices designed to keep the water flowing in the right direction and stop contaminated water from flowing backward.
Some common backflow prevention devices are:
As you now know, water is an incredibly precious resource that can be easily (not often, but easily) contaminated by nasty chemicals and other debris, particularly in high-risk areas where harmful chemicals or pollutants like waste may be present.
That’s why installing a backflow prevention device is not enough. The Victorian Department of Health requires annual testing for prevention devices connected to medium or high-hazard properties to ensure compliance with regulations. This includes RPZ valves and pressure vacuum breakers, which are typically found in commercial, industrial, or irrigation systems.
Having your backflow prevention device inspected each year also ensures it’s still doing its job—preventing backflow incidents and stopping potentially contaminated water from flowing back into the clean supply. These devices can wear out, get blocked, or fail over time, especially if they’re exposed to high-risk conditions. Regular checks make sure everything’s working as it should so that if there ever is a risk of contamination, your system is ready to stop it before it becomes a problem.
Recent regulations by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) mandate the installation of RPZ valves for underground rainwater tanks to prevent potential contamination of the potable water supply. According to the VBA, when a rainwater tank is buried, the risk classification is high, so a testable backflow prevention device like an RPZ valve is needed. This requirement aligns with the Plumbing Code of Australia and AS/NZS 3500.1 standards, ensuring that backflow prevention measures are appropriate to the hazard level.
Backflow issues can sneak up when you least expect them, but a quick test can save you a whole lot of trouble down the track. At Intuitive Plumbing, we make it easy to stay safe and compliant with professional backflow testing and maintenance. Our friendly, licensed plumbers know exactly what to look for and will make sure everything’s running as it should. So don’t put it off — give us a call or send us an email and book your backflow prevention test today!
We are your one-stop plumbing shop in Melbourne—well, not shop, but you get what we mean. In addition to providing backflow prevention testing, we also offer a range of other plumbing services, including general plumbing, gas safety checks, leak detection, help with blocked drains, and so much more. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions about how we can help you!
When you need a skilled local plumber in Clayton and surrounding areas, look no further than Intuitive Plumbing. With years of experience under our belt, we guarantee reliable plumbing services for residential and commercial properties Melbourne-wide.
Melbourne’s trusted plumbing experts for all your commercial and domestic plumbing needs. With over 15 years of dedicated service, we have been proudly serving both residential and commercial clients with unparalleled expertise & professionalism.
VBA licence number – 46506