The backflow of water at an unprotected cross connection can occur in two ways: back pressure backflow and back siphonage backflow.

What is Back Pressure?

Back pressure is a result of the pressure downstream increasing above the system pressure which causes a reversal in the flow of water.

On the other hand, back siphonage occurs in scenarios where there is a build-up of pressure at a given source, greater than the pressure in the pipes.

An example of this is when Sydney Water shut off the water main, due to things such as a break or leak in the water main, and as a result water is siphoned back into the public water supply.

Common Causes of Back Pressure

Backflow contamination due to back pressure and back siphonage can result from any number of causes, including:

• Hand held toilet sprayers
• Bathtubs & showers, where there is an extension on the water outlet that can be submerged. ( Such as those extension hoses that connect onto the bath spout)
• Kitchen sinks that have a retractable hand piece that can sit in a full sink of water.
• Car washing bays.
• A house that can reach into a grease trap.
• Chemical plants.
• Garbage areas where a hose is used to wash out bins.
• Swimming pool areas where a hose can reach the pool.

All the scenarios above are just some of the causes of water back flowing into a water system.

Potential ‘back flow risk’ which means that if there is not adequate measures taken, then you, your family and other people in your neighbourhood are at risk of consuming contaminated water.

X Factor Plumbing are fully licensed and certified backflow prevention device testers. We install, maintain and test backflow devices for real estates and other commercial clients every day.

If you require backflow device installation or if it’s time for your annual backflow device testing, please contact X Factor Plumbing Pty Ltd.