Can a backflow prevention device fail a backflow test after only being installed for 12 months?

Well its a question I get quizzed on time after time by my customers.

So here's the scenario, you've had a new place built whether it be domestic or commercial and the first annual test of your backflow valve has now fallen due since you took possession of the property.  You contact Mayfair Plumbing and Gasfitting to book a plumber for the backflow test, the  plumber arrives on site and whether it be a RPZ or a DCVA one of the check valves fails the test.  The plumber approaches the customer and tells them of what is going on with there backflow preventor and immediately the question is asked "how is this possible as the backflow valve is only 12 months old?"

The answer to this is quite simple, all it takes is a small amount of debris to get into the backflow valve and mark the soft rubbers inside which seal against the seats to prevent backflow and no longer will the check valve inside the backflow prevention device seal properly.  So it doesn't matter how young or old the backflow valve is it can fail a test at any time depending on the circumstances it is exposed to.

In this short video below from you tube it gives a detailed explanation of just what backflow is and the varying types of hazards which can be associated with backflow and the different valves we use to combat these hazards.

If you have a question about anything related to backflow why drop us a line from anywhere around the globe on plumbers@mayfairplumbing.com.au or contact us via our cell number on +61429 361 819.

Plumbing on Tap, a blog about anything plumbing related ON TAP, with out the drip

Welcome to plumbing on tap a complete blog about anything related to plumbing, if it involves water, sewer, storm water, gas and even electricity your going to hear all about it in this brand new release to the plumbing market globally.

Aaron from Mayfair Plumbing and Gasfitting is a guru of the plumbing world and has worked on pipes and drains all over the world, he has now taken some time out of his busy life as a registered master plumber and decided to give some of his wisdom back to the public around the world and share some of his tips and tricks that only a plumber could know.

As a quick kick start to this blog for all you weekend warriors I would like to give you a couple of quick points worth noting in the case of a plumbing emergency.

Point 1: Always know where your water meter isolation valve is located in the case that you may one day need to suddenly shut the water off.

Point 2:  Familiarize yourself with the location off your gas shut off valve in the case of an emergency where you may need to isolate the gas all of a sudden.

Point 3:  Always have the number of your local plumber on hand because you never know when you may need him or her.

A friendly emergency plumber is always your best friend in the time of a plumbing emergency