With a view to minimising the effects of flash flooding on domestic properties, ACO Water Management has launched a new range of backflow valves to protect against the effects of grey water ingress.

Flooding is now a year-round problem for the UK, with the Environment Agency estimating that 80% of UK buildings are at risk from backflow flooding; where grey water from the sewer network overflows back into properties through floor drains and gullies.

With many properties across the country ill-equipped to deal with the long-term effects of stormwater infiltration, ACO has added a series of easy-to-fit solutions to its Building & Landscape product range, which can quickly put a stop to backflow ingress.

The ACO Junior backflow floor drain is a type 5 anti-flooding device for grey water applications. Featuring a removable grating for ease of access, as well as both a sludge and foul air trap with 60mm water seal, the drain design employs two gravity closure devices, one of which is an emergency seal which can be operated manually, to protect against backflow water.

Also employing double backflow flaps with a manual lock, the ACO Triplex is a type 2 passive anti-flooding device. With a fully sealed cover which provides simple maintenance access, the ACO Triplex range is available to suit 110mm and 160mm pipes. If backflow occurs, the water will force shut the Triplex’s primary flap. Its secondary flap then provides additional safety to ensure that backflow is prevented if the first flap should fail to close properly due to obstruction.

Completing the range is the ACO Quatrix type 3 automated anti-flooding device for black and grey water applications. When backflow occurs, reversing the direction of flow, water will reach a certain level within the pipe and activate a pressure sensor, which causes the motorised flap to shut, and prevent further grey water from entering the drain.

All new products are suitable for use in utility rooms and basements in both newbuild and refurbishment projects, and conform to the BS EN 13564 standard for anti-flooding devices for buildings.

What’s more, the fact that all three additions can be manually locked means that owners can protect their property from flooding, even when they are not home. This benefit also helps to prevent water locks from drying out and therefore reduces pressure created in the sewer.

Phil Windus, Market Manager at ACO, said: “Recent years have shown that flooding is not confined to specific areas of the UK, or times of the year. While images of burst river banks are often the first that come to mind, the real threat to UK homeowners comes from within their own properties. With current wastewater and sewerage infrastructure not likely to cope with the irregular periods of intense rainfall we are experiencing throughout the year, more often than not the unfortunate outcome is grey water backflowing into domestic properties through unprotected drains.

“As a direct response to this sustained threat to UK housing, ACO’s Building & Landscape division has launched our new range of easy-to-install storm water protection systems which can quickly safeguard any utility room or basement with a drainage outlet. With a variety of models to choose from, we hope these latest additions to the Building & Landscape division will give contractors and housebuilders alike one port of call for all their water management needs.”