Wyatts Plumbing are one of the Gold Coast’s leading backflow prevention specialists and provide our backflow related services to customers throughout the entire Gold Coast (not just the northern end). Wyatts backflow prevention services include:
- Backflow Prevention Testing – We can identify if any backflow prevention issues exist and what remedies are available through backflow testing.
- Backflow Prevention Certification – We can provide register your devices and provide the relevant test reports for Gold Coast City Council approval. Also, in the instance where a device is removed or replaced we can submit the relevant forms to council and the Qld building commission.
- Backflow Prevention Device Installation – Installation, maintenance and repairs.
A backflow prevention device prevents the reverse flow of water from a potentially polluted or contaminated source into the potable (drinking) water supply system.
It is common for us to fit backflow prevention devices to properties that have any of the following:
- irrigation systems
- fire hydrants or hose reels
- commercial or industrial activity or machinery connected to the mains water supply
- water outlets in close proximity to contaminants, grease traps or chemicals
- underground rainwater tanks that have mains water backup
It is a Council requirement that backflow prevention devices are tested by a licensed plumber who is endorsed in backflow prevention at least once in every twelve month period.
In northern Gold Coast areas such as Coomera and Pimpama, grey water systems are mandatory but have been known to be incorrectly plumbed. It presents a hazard where your water supply is unintentionally interconnected with the grey water or other sources of pollutants. These pollutants can then enter the water supply if a backflow prevention device is not installed and functioning correctly.
Even if you have not experienced backflow previously you can be at risk. Backflow only occurs when the water main is at a lower pressure than your plumbing system such as in the event of a burst or ruptured water main in your area, during firefighting events or if the main is tapped temporarily to fill a pool or water tanker. That means faulty systems can go years without detection unless a backflow prevention testing program is in place.
As a result, every connection to our drinking water supply must have a backflow prevention device installed to stop any contamination occurring. The device used must be appropriate for the land use and activities carried out at the property and a commercial property may have a higher risk rating than a residential one.
If you have any questions about backflow prevention devices, give Mick from Wyatts Plumbing a call to discuss.
What is Backflow Prevention?
Backflow prevention prevents the reverse flow of water into the drinking supply. This is useful to prevent polluted water sources entering the water supply.
Backflow prevention devices are installed by a certified plumber to prevent drinking water from becoming contaminated. It is common for these types of devices to be required in the following circumstances:
- irrigation system connected to mains water supply
- fire hydrants or hose reels
- commercial/industrial machinery or activity connected to mains water supply
- water outlets in polluted environments such as in close proximity to grease traps or chemicals
- underground rainwater tank that has mains water backup
How often should backflow devices be tested?
In Queensland owners of devices are required to have them tested at least once per year by a licensed plumber – as per the Plumbing and Drainage Regulation 2019s102. Backflow devices are added to a council register and you may be sent a reminder to test your device earlier than one year from installation due to council’s program running on a calendar year rather than from date of installation. If you already have an annual testing arrangement in place with a plumbing contractor the testing can be done at the usual time of the year as long as it is done in the current calendar year.