Backflow Testing & Installation in Piara Waters, Perth

Backflow occurs when the water pressure in a home or commercial property falls below the pressure of the mains. This causes the water in the supply pipes to flow in the wrong direction. As a result, the water flows back into water supply pipes, where it mixes freshwater with pollutants. This can be an extremely dangerous situation as it can cause serious sickness or death for those who use the water. At Farran’s Plumbing & Gas, we offer backflow prevention devices in Perth. We also provide maintenance services for backflow prevention devices.

There are several reasons that can cause backflow such as a burst in the water main or a cross-connected bore pump system with internal water plumbing system. One of the ways to prevent the backflow of pollutants is the installation of an averting-valve. This is a one-way device that stops the backward movement of the water through pipes. Furthermore, these devices must undergo periodic maintenance and testing services in order to ensure that they are not affected by wear and tear.

The Water Cooperation in Australia generally advises people to have their backflow prevention testing as well as backflow prevention device testing performed at least once a year. At Farran’s Plumbing & Gas, we have skilled plumbers with vast experience in offering backflow services to test and repair backflow prevention devices. There are typically three kinds of backflow prevention devices that are commonly used in Perth:

• Break tank: This is a device which creates an air gap separating the incoming water supply from the downstream water system and the overflow which sits below the level of the air gap.
• Reduced pressure zone backflow protection device (RPZBPD): This device has two independently acting non-return valves. Thus, the water will only flow through the device if there is a pressure that can depress the valve springs thereby opening them. Here, the relief valve is located between the non-return valves. It opens to the atmosphere under conditions of backflow.
• Double-check backflow protection device (DCBPD): This device uses two independently operated spring-loaded, non-return valves in series. Here, the water will only flow when there is sufficient pressure to overcome the valve springs.

In addition to backflow prevention testing, backflow prevention device testing is also important. Here is the backflow preventer testing procedure involved in testing the efficiency of backflow devices:

1. Permission for water shutdown:The first step in backflow testing is to obtain permission from the owner to shut down the water supply. All testing must be performed under no-flow conditions. Moreover, certain commercial and industrial operations require constant, uninterrupted water supply. Water supply to hospitals and continuous process industries cannot be shut off on call. Such cases require well thought out plans and coordinated shut downs. Therefore, the request to shut down the water supply is a necessary prerequisite to limit the liability of the tester and to protect the customer.

2. Type of device being tested: It is important to identify the type of device that is tested. For instance, it could be a double check valve or reduced pressure principle device.

3. Direction:The next step is to determine the direction of the water flow.

4. Clean up:Different test cocks or valves are numbered after which potential debris is removed, and appropriate test cock adapters and bushings are assembled.

5. Downstream valve:After the potential debris is cleaned, the downstream valve will then be shut off.

6. Waiting period:When testing a reduced pressure principle device, it is usually required to wait for a while before connecting the test kit hoses. If water exits the relief valve, this indicates that the first check valve is fouled and it is impractical to proceed with the testing until the valve is serviced. However, this waiting period is not essential when testing double check valves.

7. Finishing the process: Lastly, connect the test kit hoses in a manner that suits the device being tested and the specific test that is being performed.

For more details on backflow preventer testing or to get a quote, call Farran’s Plumbing & Gas on 0429 213 343 or email us at fpgplumbing@hotmail.com today!