Backflows
What Are Backflow Prevention Devices?
Backflow prevention devices are mechanical barriers designed to prevent the reverse flow of water from a potentially contaminated source into a clean water supply. They safeguard against the entry of pollutants, chemicals, bacteria, and viruses into the clean water system, protecting it from contamination. Typically installed at cross-connections between potable and non-potable water sources, such as between a municipal water supply and a factory's process water system, these devices play a crucial role in maintaining water quality and public health.
Why Should You Install Backflow Prevention Devices?
Backflow from potentially contaminated sources into potable water supplies poses a critical risk to water safety. Installing and maintaining Backflow prevention devices is essential to protect against contamination. Without these devices, clean water can become tainted with pollutants like chemicals, bacteria, and viruses, posing serious health risks. Backflow preventers act as a crucial barrier, preventing contaminated water from flowing back into potable water supplies and providing peace of mind that your water and processes remain clean. By installing and maintaining backflow prevention devices, you can safeguard your health, meet regulatory requirements, and avoid costly plumbing repairs.
Backflow protection devices stop contamination of potable water supplies by not allowing back-flowing liquids to reverse through the system and pollute the public water supply. Water is maintained at a significant pressure in water supply systems to enable water to flow from the tap, shower, or other fixture. A cost-effective way of preventing backflow is by using the principle of an air gap, creating a physical distance barrier between the water inlet and the source that may contaminate the supply. Airgaps must be greater than 25mm or twice the supply pipe size. The BRANZ Website has an excellent pictogram example of this: https://www.level.org.nz/fileadmin/downloads/Water_Use/LevelDiagram96.pdf
When it is not possible to use an air gap to prevent backflow, a backflow prevention device must be installed. High-pressure systems or when the pipework is connected to the fixture or appliance are examples of where it may not be possible to use an air gap to prevent backflow.
The Building Code Acceptable Solution G12/AS1 has three hazard levels to identify the scale of risk concerning backflow:
- High risk - which has the potential to cause death
- Medium risk – this would endanger people's health
- Low risk – this is a nuisance but does not endanger anyone's health
A rule of thumb guideline is - the higher the hazard, the higher the risk of backflow, meaning the safer the device must be.
The NZ Building Code requires that if you are a property owner, you must prevent backflow by either using a backflow prevention device or providing an adequate air gap which stops any backflow. Flow Industries have an IQP-registered experienced team that can give you expert advice on the regulations and options available, along with supplying and certifying the appropriate backflow preventer devices that your property may require. We can test and certify existing and new devices and provide the certificate to ensure your property complies with the NZ Building Code.
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