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Potable, clean water is a necessity everywhere, and modern civilization is no exception. Residences and commercial buildings all need safe drinking water and that is not contaminated with sewage or other toxins for cleaning processes. Plumbers in Melbourne, such as experts in O’Shea Plumbing, know that there are several techniques and processes to prevent backflow, the term for flushing unclean water into the home or business supply.
Backflow Prevention Services
Prevention of Contamination
The device required depends on the hazard level the facility is classified in the Hazard Code provided by the Melbourne governing body. The hazard level is determined by the industry itself and the property usage at the subject facility. As an example only, a ‘moderate hazard’ can require the installation of a Double Check Valve Assembly device, while a ‘severe hazard’ requires a Reduce Pressure Principle device. Since no discernible warning appears of a check valve failures the DCVA mentioned previously must be tested yearly or more often to guarantee proper operation.
To prevent such contamination due to backflow the Melbourne health regulatory department requires an air gap or installation of a mechanical backflow assembly for prevention between the delivery point of water and the home or business storage unit or facility. Wherever submerged water main inflow is allowed by regulations, installation of a backflow prevention assembly is required. This prevention assembly protects the potable or safe lines from toxic contamination. Check valves are a common form of backflow prevention and have been in use many years; however more complex systems may be needed in a particular geographical area. Specialized backflow preventing valves can often be installed at important locations in the plumbing system wherever there is a risk chance of contamination of the pipes.
Constant Contaminating Industries
Some industrial equipment creates its own back pressure. Back pressure forces contaminants to flow into potable piping. Sources of back pressure may be:
- water distribution pumping system
- boilers
- heat exchanging machinery or
- power washing
In this scenario a dangerous and constant risk of nullifying static existence of water pressure may occur in the pipes and causing a disastrous backflow. To reduce the risk of contamination, a backflow preventer should be installed by qualified plumbers in Melbourne. A backflow preventer is definitely needed when possibly toxins are used in industries such as descaling commercial boilers or when bleaches are used in residential power washing.
Legal Requirements for Prevention
In many countries around the globe the approved backflow prevention assemblies are required by enforceable law regulations. Plumbers in Melbourne are experienced in accordance with plumbing codes for that town, county or province or face enforcement penalties. The usual backflow assembly has test cocks and valves for shut-off and must be tested at time of installation or if relocated or repaired, and also on a scheduled systematic basis. Security cages protect these systems from theft or vandals.
Expert plumbers in Melbourne are well aware that local governments require yearly testing of the individual water supply for each facility and any violations are met with penalties. The real penalty for having unclean water is definitely in the sickness and diseases that abound where it is not guaranteed clean and potable for use. The very idea of backflow of sewage and toxic materials into a drinking water supply should convince the populace of the importance of installing backflow prevention assemblies to protect home, business and anywhere piped.
Lawry, Noelle and Greg at O’Shea Plumbing are waiting for a call to examine your individual needs and provide free estimate for any requirements.