The protection of potable (drinking) water against backflow contamination is part of the National Plumbing Code. This can be achieved by using a back flow preventer. It acts as a safety valve which only permits water to only flow in one direction. So it prevents unwanted backflow of water in the opposite direction. The best example is when you’re using a handheld shower over a bath. Imagine dropping the shower head into bath water when the shower is working. If you don’t have a backflow prevention device, then the dirty water could be sucked back up into your water system. This is also known as back-siphonage. Our integral backflow prevention devices, also known as a check valve, ensures that this will not happen and we have these fitted as standard in all of our hand held shower heads. This is particularly important for commercial premises, such as hotels.