Water supply diversion device

Abstract

A water supply diversion device 30 for connection to a mains water coupling 16 in a boundary box 18 to divert water supplied to a property from a mains water supply 10. The mains water coupling compri

Description

10 02 25 Technical field The present invention relates generally to plumbing devices and more specifically to a 5 device for diverting a supply of water to bypass a leak in a service pipe. Background On average, over 2x109 (2 bn) litres of water are wasted daily due to water leaks in the UK alone. A significant proportion of this wasted water is lost through leaks in service pipes 10 between the mains water supply and the plumbing system in a property. An average domestic water leak flows at around 2 litres per minute and the time taken to fix the leak is therefore a critical factor in limiting the amount of water wasted. Typically, when a water leak is present in a service pipe, the supply of water to a property is interrupted by closing off a valve at the boundary of the property to stop water from 15 flowing into the service pipe, thereby limiting the amount of water lost and the cost associated with such wasted water. This also avoids water contaminated by the leak being supplied to the property. However, whilst such a temporary solution reduces the water lost in the leak, the property is duly isolated from the mains water supply until the leak is detected and repaired. 20 Service pipes that supply water to a property from the mains water supply are typically buried underground between the mains water supply and the property. As such, gaining access to service pipes for leak detection and repair work can be challenging and time consuming, often involving significant excavation works. Further, maintenance and repair of service pipes are typically the responsibility of the property owner. Owners may 25 experience delays between engaging insurers or private contractors to remedy the leak. The property may therefore be isolated without access to clean water from the mains supply for a significant period of time until the leak has been repaired. It is against this background that the present invention has been developed. 30 Summary of the invention 10 02 25 In a first aspect of the invention there is provided a water supply diversion device for connection to a mains water coupling in a boundary box to divert water supplied to a 5 property from a mains water supply. The mains water coupling comprises a first duct in fluid communication with the mains water supply and a second duct in fluid communication with a service pipe for supplying water to the property. The water supply diversion device comprises a mains water supply connector configured to connect the water supply diversion device to the mains water coupling, a mains water supply inlet for receiving water 10 from the first duct of the mains water coupling, and an auxiliary water supply outlet. The water supply diversion device further comprises a fluid flow path between the mains water supply inlet and the auxiliary water supply outlet, and a blocking portion configured to block communication between the first duct and the second duct of the mains water coupling when the water supply diversion device is connected thereto. The mains water supply 15 connector defines the mains water supply inlet and the blocking portion is fixed in relation to the mains water supply connector. Beneficially, the invention enables a supply of water to be provided to the property whilst bypassing the service pipe in a way that is convenient to achieve simply by connecting the 20 device to a conventional mains water coupling. Further, the invention prevents water from the mains supply from flowing to the property through the service pipe, thereby reducing leakage. The property may be any property connected to a mains water supply via a mains water 25 coupling. For example, the property may be a domestic dwelling. Alternatively, the property may be commercial premises. The mains water supply connector may define the blocking portion. Beneficially, such a configuration enables efficient packaging of the inlet and blocking portion, ensuring the 30 device only requires a small envelope of space within the boundary box when connected to the mains water coupling. The mains water supply connector may comprise a threaded portion for releasably connecting the water supply diversion device to the mains water coupling. This advantageously facilitates a simple, efficient, and fast method of connecting the device to the mains water coupling. 35 10 02 25 The water supply diversion device may further comprise a non-return valve in the fluid flow path between the mains water supply inlet and the auxiliary water supply outlet. The nonreturn valve may have an open state in which communication is allowed between the mains water supply inlet and the auxiliary water supply outlet. The non-return valve may 5 have a closed state in which fluid communication between the mains water supply inlet and the auxiliary water supply outlet is interrupted. The non-return valve may be operable to open and close dependent on the direction of the waterflow in the fluid flow path. Preferably, the non-return valve allows water to flow in 10 a single direction in the fluid flow path. Preferably, the non-return valve allows water to flow from the mains water supply inlet to the auxiliary water supply outlet. Preferably, the nonreturn valve stops water flowing from the auxiliary supply outlet to the mains water supply inlet in the closed state. The non-return valve may comprise biasing means configured to bias the non-return valve into the closed state. The biasing means may comprise a spring. 15 The biasing means are preferably configured to close the non-return valve when the pressure differential between the mains water supply inlet and the auxiliary water supply outlet is below a predetermined minimum value, also known as the opening pressure or cracking pressure of the non-return valve. 20 The non-return valve may comprise a piston configured to move linearly along a longitudinal axis of the water supply diversion device. Preferably the piston comprises a seal arranged to seal against a valve seat when the non-return valve is biased into the closed state. The piston may also be referred to as a plunger, for example. The mains water supply connector may define a valve seat against which the non-return valve is 25 sealed in a closed state. The piston may therefore seal against a valve seat defined by the mains water supply connector. The non-return valve may be provided in a valve-housing portion of the water supply diversion device. The valve-housing portion and mains water supply connector may be 30 separate components of the water supply diversion device. The valve-housing portion may be connected to the mains water supply connector. Preferably the valve-housing portion is removably connected to the mains water supply connector. The valve-housing portion may be connected to the mains water supply connector by a 35 threaded connection. The threaded connection between the valve-housing portion and the mains water supply connector may be oppositely threaded to in relation to the threaded 10 02 25 portion of the mains water supply connector configured for connection to the mains water coupling. For example, the threaded connection between the valve-housing portion and the mains water supply connector may be one of a right-handed threaded connection or a left-handed threaded connection, i.e. clockwise tightening or anti-clockwise tightening. The 5 threaded portion of the mains water supply connector may comprise the other of a right-handed thread or a left-handed thread. The mains water supply inlet and the blocking portion may be co-axial. The blocking portion may be substantially central relative to the mains water supply inlet such that the 10 mains water supply inlet defines an annulus extended about the blocking portion. In some examples, the mains water supply inlet and the blocking portion may be concentric. The blocking portion may comprise a sealing plug configured to extend into and seal against the second duct of the mains water coupling to block water from the first duct from 15 entering the second duct when the water supply diversion device is connected to the mains water coupling. The sealing plug may comprise one or more seals extending around an outer surface of the sealing plug. The or each seal may be provided in the form of an O-ring seal. The or each seal may be formed of an elastically-compressible material. The or each seal may be formed of an elastomer. The or each seal may be formed of silicon 20 and / or rubber. Extending into and sealing against the second duct advantageously provides a particularly strong seal to stop fluid communication between the mains supply and the service pipe. The mains supply inlet and the auxiliary supply outlet may be substantially co-axial. The 25 auxiliary supply outlet may be defined by an auxiliary supply connector configured to connect an auxiliary supply pipe to the water supply diversion device. Preferably, the mains supply inlet and the auxiliary supply outlet are substantially co-axial with a longitudinal axis of the water supply diversion device. 30 The water supply diversion device may define a substantially cylindrical exterior profile. An outer surface of the water supply diversion device may comprise grip-enhancing means. The grip-enhancing means may comprise a surface texture configured to increase friction of the outer surface to improve ergonomic handling of the device. The surface texture may provide the outer surface with an increased surface roughness. Preferably, the grip-35 enhancing means comprise one or more longitudinally extending ribs protruding from the outer surface of the water supply diversion device. 10 02 25 In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of diverting water supplied to a property through a mains water coupling comprising a first duct in fluid communication with a mains water supply and a second duct in fluid communication with a service pipe 5 for supplying water to the property. The method comprises providing a water supply diversion device as described herein. The method further comprises connecting the water supply diversion device to the mains water coupling such that the mains water supply inlet is connected to the first duct of the mains water coupling, and such that the blocking portion blocks communication between the first duct and the second duct of the mains water 10 coupling. Brief description of the drawings Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of non-limiting 15 example only, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a water supply system for supplying water to a property; Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a boundary box comprising a mains water coupling; Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a water supply diversion device; 20 Figure 4 is a schematic exploded view of the water supply diversion device; Figures 5a and 5b respectively show cross-sectional views of the water supply diversion device in which a non-return valve in the device is in an open state and in a closed state; and Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the water supply system comprising the water supply 25 diversion device to divert water supplied to a property from a mains water supply. Detailed Description Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a water supply system for supplying water from a mains supply 10 to a property 12. The mains water supply 10 may supply water to a plurality of 30 adjacent properties. As shown schematically in Figure 1, a plumbing system in a property 12 may be supplied with water from the mains supply 10 via a service pipe 14. Typically, the service pipe 14 is connected to the mains water supply 10 via a mains water coupling 10 02 25 16, shown more clearly in Figure 2. The mains water coupling 16 may be conventionally located in a so-called “boundary box” 18 or water meter chamber near a boundary 20 of the property 12. With reference now also to Figure 2 which shows a boundary box 18 comprising a mains 5 water coupling 16, the mains water coupling 16 comprises a first duct 22a which is in fluid communication with the mains water supply 10. The mains water coupling 16 also comprises a second duct 22b in fluid communication with the service pipe 14 for connecting the plumbing system with the mains water supply 10. The boundary box 18 may also comprise a water meter 24 connected to the mains water coupling 16 to measure 10 the quantity of water supplied to the property 12. The water meter 24 may be a concentric water meter, comprising an inlet 26a and an outlet 26b which are substantially concentric or co-axial. In this example, the inlet 26a of the water meter 24 forms an annulus about the outlet 26b which is substantially central. In a normal-use configuration, the water meter 24 may be connected to the mains water 15 coupling 16 such that water flows into the water meter 24 from the mains supply 10 through the first duct 22a of the mains water coupling 16. With the water meter 24 connected to the coupling 16, the water may then flow out of the water meter 24 through the second duct 22b of the mains water coupling 16 and into the service pipe 14 to supply water to the property 12. 20 As described briefly by way of background, the service pipe 14 may be buried underground between the boundary box 18 and the property’s plumbing system as shown in Figure 1. Burying the service pipe 14 may have a number of advantages, such as increasing thermal insulation of the pipe 14 to protect it from frost, and also hiding the pipe 14 from view. Indeed, a buried service pipe 14 is conventional. However, a buried service pipe 14 also 25 has disadvantages as described above by way of background. In particular, detecting and repairing a leak 28 is typically significantly more challenging if the leak 28 is located in an underground service pipe 14 as shown in Figure 1. A leak 28 in the service pipe 14 can result in a significant waste of water, and in some examples may result in the water supplied to the property 12 through the service pipe 14 being 30 contaminated. At present, to stop water wastage through a leak 28 in the service pipe 14, the supply of water to the service pipe 14 is cut off, for example by closing a valve in the boundary box 18 (not shown). However, as noted by way of background, this can leave the property 12 isolated from the water supply 10 for prolonged periods. 10 02 25 A water supply diversion device 30 in accordance with the present invention facilitates a continued supply of mains water to a property 12 during ongoing detection and repair work on a leak 28 in the service pipe 14. For example, the device 30 may be connected to the mains water coupling 16 in a boundary box 18 in place of the water meter 24 whilst repair 5 works are ongoing and whilst the service pipe 14 is not fit for use. The water supply diversion device 30 is specifically configured to divert water from the mains supply 10 and provide an auxiliary supply to the property 12 as will now be described in further detail with reference to the remaining figures. Further, the water supply diversion device 30, when fitted, prevents water from being supplied to the property 12 through the service pipe 14. 10 With reference initially to Figures 3 to 5b, the water supply diversion device 30 comprises a mains water supply connector 32 configured to connect the device 30 to a mains water coupling 16. As such, in some examples, the mains water supply connector 32 may comprise a threaded portion 34 for releasably connecting the device 30 to the mains water coupling 16. The threaded portion 34 is preferably configured to mate with a corresponding 15 threaded portion of the mains water coupling 16. For example, the threaded portion 34 may have a diameter of between 30 mm and 50 mm. Preferably the threaded portion 34 has a diameter of 40 mm to match the diameter of a typical mains water coupling 16. The threaded portion 34 of the mains water supply connector 32 may have a longitudinal length L1 of between 10 mm and 20 mm to fit into the mains water coupling 16. For example, the 20 length L1 may be 16 mm. The mains water supply connector 32 may comprise a flange or shoulder 35 at an inboard end of the threaded portion 34 to provide a physical stop at the maximum insertion depth. As such, the connector 32 may be screwed into the mains water coupling 16 until the flange or shoulder 35 abuts the coupling 16. In some examples the abutment of the flange or shoulder 35 with the mains coupling 16 provides an additional 25 back-up seal to ensure water is contained within the mains coupling 16 and the diversion device 30. Whilst a threaded connection 34 is convenient and conventional, in principle, other forms of fitting are similarly applicable, such as a plan walled fitting with suitable clamping means. However, a threaded connection 34 advantageously facilitates a simple installation of the 30 device 30. The water supply diversion device 30 is preferably configured for ease of installation when connecting the device 30 to the mains water coupling 16. As such, in some examples the water supply diversion device 30 defines a substantially cylindrical exterior profile, as shown in Figure 3 for example. The compact design means that the device 30 can be 10 02 25 easily and quickly attached to a mains water coupling 16 after removing the water meter 24, with all features necessary for diverting the water supply being housed within a device 30 having a compact, substantially cylindrical profile. In some examples, an external diameter D of the device 30 may be no more than 75% 5 greater than the diameter of the mains water coupling 16. In preferred examples the external diameter D of the device 30 is no more than 50% greater than the diameter of the mains water coupling 16. This helps to ensure that there is sufficient space around the device 30 for handling the device 30 during connection with the mains water coupling 16 in a boundary box 18. 10 For example, a boundary box 18 is typically dimensioned to provide sufficient space within the box for fitting and removing a water meter 24 (shown in Figure 2) from the mains water coupling 16. Concentric style water meters typically have a maximum diameter of between 75 mm and 100 mm, and boundary boxes 18 are dimensioned accordingly to allow enough space around the periphery of a water meter 24 to grip the water meter 24 and screw it 15 into position on the water coupling 16. The water supply diversion device 30 preferably comprises a maximum diameter D which is less than or equal to the maximum diameter of a concentric style water meter 24 previously fitted to the mains water coupling 16. As such, the water supply diversion device 30 in some preferred examples may have a diameter D of less than 100 mm. Most preferably the water supply diversion device 30 may 20 have a diameter D of less than 75 mm, such as 50 mm for example. The flange or shoulder 35 may have an increased diameter relative to the main diameter D of the majority of the device 30. For example, the shoulder 35 may have a diameter between 5 mm and 15 mm greater than the diameter D of the main body to protrude and extend radially from the main body of the device 30. 25 The device 30 has a longitudinal length L2 which is the longitudinal length of the device 30 which protrudes from the coupling 16 when the device 30 is connected thereto. For example, the dimension L2 may be measured from the flange or shoulder 35 to an upper end of the device 30. The device 30 is preferably configured with a longitudinal length L2 less than or equal to 4 30 times the diameter of the mains water coupling 16, i.e. L2 <4d, where d = the diameter of the mains water coupling 16. Most preferably, the device 30 may be configured with a longitudinal length L2 less than or equal to 3 times the diameter of the mains water coupling 16, i.e. L2 <3d. Ina similar manner, the length of the device L2 may be less than or equal 10 02 25 to 4 times the diameter D of the device 30 in some examples, i.e. L2 <4D. In preferred examples the device 30 may have a length L2 which is less than or equal to 3 times the diameter D of the device 30, i.e. L2 <3D. the device may therefore have a length to width ratio (L2:D) of less than 4:1, preferably less than 3:1. Configuring the device with a length 5 to width ratio in the ranges provided above is further advantageous in providing a water supply diversion device 30 that is compact for handling and fitting within a boundary box 18. By way of a numerical example, the device 30 may have a longitudinal length L2 no greater than 20 cm, and most preferably no greater than 15 cm. For example, the length L2 may 10 be 10.5 cm. Conversely, a typical water meter 24 connected to the coupling 16may extend over 12 cm in height from the coupling. The device 30 therefore preferably extends a shorter height from the coupling 16 than a water meter 24 when attached to the coupling 16. Dimensioning the device 30 as described above advantageously ensures that the device 15 30 fits comfortably within the available working envelope of space within a typical boundary box 18, and as previously noted also ensures that there is sufficient space around the device 30 for handling the device and attaching it to a mains water coupling 16 in a boundary box 18. The substantially cylindrical exterior profile may further provide an ergonomic body to grip 20 when connecting the device 30 to a mains water coupling 16. The cylindrical profile enables the device 30 to be housed comfortably within a typical boundary box 18 and affords a user enough space to grip around the device 30 within the boundary box 18 during installation as previously described. In addition, the substantially cylindrical profile means that the device 30 can be gripped and installed using a single hand. In particular, 25 where the mains water supply connector 32 comprises a threaded connection 34, the device 30 can be screwed onto the mains water coupling 16 using one hand. Single-handed installation may be particularly advantageous because boundary boxes 18 are typically located below ground level, and access to the mains water coupling 16 from ground level with two hands simultaneously may be awkward or impossible. 30 To further improve grip of the device 30 during installation, an outer surface 36 of the water supply diversion device 30 may comprise grip-enhancing means 38. In some examples, as shown in Figure 3, the grip enhancing means 38 may comprise one or more longitudinally extending ribs protruding from the outer surface 36 of the device 30. In other 10 02 25 examples, the grip enhancing means 38 may comprise other surface features, protrusions, knurling, a rough surface texture or any combination thereof to improve grip of the device 30. Referring now primarily to Figures 4 to 5b, the water supply diversion device 30 further 5 includes a mains water supply inlet 40. The mains water supply inlet 40 is configured to receive water from the first duct 22a of the mains water coupling 16, as shown most clearly in Figures 5a and 5b. In some examples, the mains water supply inlet 40 may be defined by the mains water supply connector 32. As such, the mains water supply connector 32 may comprise one or more openings 40 through which the water supply diversion device 10 30 may receive water from the mains water supply 10. The water supply diversion device 30 additionally comprises a blocking portion 42. The blocking portion 42 is configured to block fluid communication between the firstand second duct 22a, 22b of the mains water coupling 16 when the device 30 is connected to the coupling 16. Preferably, the blocking portion 42 is configured to seal against the second 15 duct 22b of the mains water coupling 16 to stop water from entering the second duct 22b and thereby stop water from entering the service pipe 14. The water supply diversion device 30 is therefore configured to allow water into the device 30 through the mains water supply inlet 40, whilst simultaneously blocking water from the mains supply 10 from entering the service pipe 14 (via second duct 22b of the coupling 16). As such, the device 20 diverts the supply of water from the mains water supply 10 away from the usual route, i.e. diverting the water away from the second duct 22b and service pipe 14. As shown most clearly in Figures 5a and 5b for example, the blocking portion 42 may comprise a sealing plug. The sealing plug 42 may be configured to extend into and seal against the second duct 22b of the mains water coupling 16 when the device 30 is 25 connected to the mains water coupling 16. Such a sealing plug 42 provides a particularly good, watertight seal to block fluid communication between the mains supply 10 and the service pipe 14. In this example the blocking portion 42 comprises a plurality of seals 44 configured to seal against an inner surface 46 of the second duct 22b of the mains water coupling 16. The seals 44 may be compressible seals such as elastomer O-ring seals for 30 example. Preferably, the blocking portion 42 is fixed in relation to the mains water supply connector. In some examples, the blocking portion 42 may be defined by the mains water supply connector 32. As such, the mains water supply connector 32 may comprise both the mains 10 02 25 water supply inlet 40 and the blocking portion 42 in some examples. Such a configuration is advantageous for packaging the features of the diversion device 30 into a compact profile for ease of connection to the mains water coupling 16. In preferred examples, the mains water supply inlet 40 and blocking portion 42 may be co-5 axial. For example, the mains water supply inlet 40 and the blocking portion 42 may each be aligned with a longitudinal axis Z of the water supply diversion device 30. The blocking portion 42 is preferably substantially central relative to the mains water supply inlet 40. The mains water supply inlet 40 may therefore define an annulus extended about the blocking portion 42. Preferably, the mains water supply inlet 40 and blocking portion 42 10 are configured to substantially correspond the arrangement of the first and second ducts 22a, 22b of a mains water coupling 16 such that the device 30 may receive water from the first duct 22a and effectively block water from entering the second duct 22b. The water supply diversion device 30 further comprises an auxiliary water supply outlet 48. As will be described in more detail later with reference to Figure 6, an auxiliary supply 15 pipe 50 may be connected to the auxiliary water supply outlet 48 in order to supply water to the property 12 when the device 30 is connected to the mains water coupling 16. As such, the device 30 may comprise an auxiliary supply connector 52 which is configured to couple an auxiliary supply pipe 50 to the device 30. In some examples, the auxiliary water supply outlet 48 may therefore be defined by an auxiliary supply connector 52. 20 In some examples, the auxiliary supply connector 52 may be a twist-type connector comprising one or more rotatable components that are twisted to grip the auxiliary pipe 50 and thereby couple the pipe 50 to the device 30. In some examples, as shown most clearly in Figure 3, the auxiliary supply connector 52 may comprise a plurality of ribs 54 or other grip-enhancing means to aid in tightening the auxiliary supply connector 52 to couple the 25 auxiliary supply pipe 50 with the device 30. The dimensions of the device 30 described previously may be particularly advantageous in such an example to again provide sufficient space around the device 30 for handling in order to tighten the auxiliary supply connector 52 when the device 30 is fitted to a mains water coupling 16 in a boundary box 18. In other examples, a different pipe connector may be used to connect the auxiliary supply pipe 50 30 to the device 30. For example, the device 30 may instead comprise a push-fit type connector to similarly facilitate simple and fast connection of an auxiliary supply pipe 50 to the device 30. 10 02 25 The water supply diversion device 30 comprises a fluid flow path between the mains water supply inlet 40 and the auxiliary supply outlet 48, as shown by the dashed arrows in Figure 5a. Water entering the device 30 through the mains water supply inlet 40 is channelled through the device 30 to the auxiliary supply outlet 48. In preferred examples such as those 5 shown in Figures 3 to 5b, the mains water supply inlet 40 and the auxiliary supply outlet 48 are provided at opposing ends of the device 30. Such a configuration is particularly advantageous for installing the device 30 on a mains water coupling 16 in boundary box 18. The first and second duct 22a, 22b of a mains water coupling 16 typically face upwards to 10 be coupled with a water meter 24 (as shown in Figure 2). Coupling a water supply diversion device 30 having a mutually opposed inlet 40 and outlet 48 to the mains water coupling 16 therefore results in the water being diverted in a vertical direction out of the boundary box 18. This is particularly preferable in examples where the boundary box 18 is buried below ground level and where the mains water coupling 16 is only accessible from above. The 15 mutually-opposed arrangement of the inlet 40 and outlet 48 ensures that the outlet 48 and auxiliary supply connector 52 are situated in an advantageous position to facilitate simple coupling of an auxiliary pipe 50 to the device 30 in use. Further, there is typically only a small envelope of space within a boundary box 18. Providing the outlet 48 on an opposed end of the device 30 to the inlet 40 negates any requirement to provide additional plumbing 20 or connectors to reroute water from the mains supply 10 and out of the boundary box 18, thereby providing a simple and effective water diversion solution. The mains water supply inlet 40 and the auxiliary supply outlet 48 are preferably substantially co-axial. For example, the inlet 40 and outlet 48 of the water supply diversion device 30 may be substantially aligned along the longitudinal axis Z of the device 30. In 25 preferred examples, the fluid flow path therefore extends from the inlet 40 to the outlet 48 in substantially a single direction. Such an arrangement of the mains water supply inlet 40 and the auxiliary supply outlet 48 advantageously minimises pressure losses through the water supply diversion device 30. By providing a simple, substantially linear fluid flow path, pressure drops caused by a change in the direction of the fluid flow are minimised, and 30 water may be supplied to the property 12 at substantially the same pressure as normally supplied by the mains water supply 10 in normal-use conditions. In some examples, the water supply diversion device 30 may comprise a non-return valve 56 in the fluid flow path between the mains water supply inlet 40 and the auxiliary water supply outlet 48. Multiple different non-return valve configurations may be applicable for 10 02 25 use in the device 30. Figures 4 to 5b illustrate one possible example of a non-return valve, though it will be appreciated that the non-return valve could take another form not shown in the accompanying figures. For example, although the non-return valve 56 includes a moving element 58 in this example, which presents a readily manufactured component, in 5 some other examples the non-return valve may comprise no moving parts and may instead comprise a fluidic diode. The non-return valve 56 may have an open state in which fluid communication between the mains water supply inlet 40 and the auxiliary supply outlet 48 is facilitated. For example, the non-return valve 56 in Figure 5a is shown in an open state. The non-return valve 56 10 preferably further comprises a closed state in which fluid communication between the mains water supply inlet 40 and the auxiliary water supply outlet 48 is interrupted, as shown in Figure 5b for example. The non-return valve 56 is preferably configured to allow water to flow in a single direction through the fluid flow path, from the mains supply inlet 40 to the auxiliary supply outlet 48. As such, the non-return valve 56 advantageously blocks 15 water from flowing from the property’s plumbing system and back into the mains water supply 10 in the event of a negative pressure gradient between the inlet 40 and outlet 48, for example if the mains supply pressure drops below that of the property’s plumbing system. As noted above, in some examples, the non-return valve 56 may comprise a moving 20 element 58 configured to move between the closed and open states. Preferably, the moving element 58 may be a piston, or plunger, configured to move linearly along the longitudinal axis Z of the water supply diversion device 30. Such a simple configuration may advantageously provide a robust and hardwearing solution for limiting the fluid flow direction because there is only a single moving part 58 and movement of that part is limited 25 in a single direction along a single axis Z, thereby minimising wear and / or fatigue. As shown in Figures 5a and 5b, in some examples the moving element 58, or piston may comprise a valve head 60. The moving element 58 may further comprise a valve stem 62. The valve stem 62 is preferably a substantially elongate member configured to guide the moving element 58 along a single axis of movement. As such, the valve stem 62 may be 30 arranged to extend through a guide opening 64 that is fixed in relation to the device 30. Preferably the valve stem 62 and guide opening 64 through which the stem 62 extends may be substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis Z of the device 30. Such a configuration provides minimal obstruction in the flow path and further ensures that the forces experienced by the moving element 58 by the flow of water are substantially 10 02 25 balanced such that the stem 62 or valve head 60 do not become unduly worn in any one region due to unbalanced loading from the force of the waterflow. In some examples, the moving element 58 may be motivated between the open and closed states by the direction of the flow of water alone. However, in preferred examples, the non-5 return valve 56 may comprise biasing means 66 configured to bias the non-return valve 56 into the closed state. For example, as shown in Figures 4 to 5b, the non-return valve 56 may comprise a spring element 66 configured to act on the piston 58 such that it is biased into a closed state to block the fluid flow path. The spring 66 may advantageously be provided around the valve stem 62 such that the biasing forces act in a direction 10 substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the moving element 58. Such an arrangement is further beneficial in terms of packaging the components in a compact manner, and ensures that the water flow through the flow path is not unduly obstructed except when such obstruction is intended in the closed state. The biasing means 66 may alternatively or additionally comprise a weighted element such that gravity provides a 15 biasing force to close the non-return valve 56 when the device 30 is connected to the coupling 16 such that the longitudinal axis Z extends substantially vertically. Employing biasing means 66 may advantageously motivate the non-return valve 56 into the closed state faster than relying solely on the change in water flow direction to close the valve 56, thereby further minimising the risk of any water flowing back into the mains supply 10 from 20 the property 12. In some examples the valve head 60 may interface directly against a valve seat 68 in the closed state to block water flowing in a direction from the auxiliary outlet 48 to the mains supply inlet 40. Preferably, the valve head 60 comprises a separate sealing component 70 for sealing the non-return valve 56 in the closed state. Such a seal 70 may be easier and 25 more cost effective to replace following wear. Further, such a separate seal 70 may be made of a more suitable sealing material than the material required for the bulk of the moving element 58. For example, the seal 70 may be manufactured from a compressible elastomer material which beneficially provides a thorough watertight seal, whereas the moving element 58, and in particular the valve stem 62, may preferably be made of a 30 harder wearing material, such as metal or a more rigid polymer. In other examples the valve head 60 may itself be configured for improved sealing, for example by being made of an elastomer material, and in some examples a separate seal component 70 may not be included. 10 02 25 The non-return valve 56 may be provided in a valve-housing portion 72 of the water supply diversion device 30. In some examples, the valve-housing portion 72 and the mains water supply connector 32 may be separate components. Such a configuration may be beneficial for assembly and maintenance of the water supply diversion device 30, and may for 5 example afford improved access to the non-return valve 56. In some examples, and as shown in Figures 5a and 5b, the mains water supply connector 32 may define a valve seat 68 against which the non-return valve 56, in particular the valve head 60, is sealed in a closed state. In other examples (not shown), the valve seat 68 may be defined by the valve-housing portion 72. 10 The valve-housing portion 72 is preferably connected to the mains water supply connector 32. For example, the valve-housing portion 72 and mains water supply connector 32 may be connected by a threaded connection 74. Such a connection facilitates simple disassembly of the device 30 for maintenance purposes, such as repair of the valve 56 or cleaning for example. In examples wherein the mains water supply connector 32 15 comprises a threaded portion 34 for releasably connecting the device 30 to the mains water coupling 16, and the connector 32 and valve housing portion 72 are connected together by a threaded connection 74, the threads of each connection are preferably oppositely-threaded. In other words, the threaded connection 74 between the valvehousing 72 and connector 32 is preferably threaded in an opposite sense to the connection 20 between the mains water coupling 16 and the connector 32. Such a configuration ensures that the valve-housing portion 72 and mains water supply connector 32 remain securely fastened, or are tightened together further, when the device 30 is screwed onto the mains water coupling 16. Figure 6 shows the water supply diversion device 30 in use in a water supply system 25 wherein the service pipe 14 comprises a leak 28. The water supply diversion device 30 is connected to the mains water coupling 16 such that the blocking portion 42 blocks fluid communication between the first duct 22a and the second duct 22b of the coupling 16 as previously described. With the device 30 connected to the mains water coupling 16, the mains water inlet 40 is connected to the first duct 22a of the coupling 16 such that water 30 from the mains water supply 10 may be received into the fluid flow path as previously described. Water from the mains water supply 10 may then be supplied to the property’s plumbing system via an auxiliary supply pipe 50 connected to the device 30. Referring still to Figure 6, the auxiliary supply pipe 50 is connected at one end to the water supply diversion device 30 (as shown in Figures 5a and 5b for example), and at another 10 02 25 end to a water outlet 76 that is in fluid communication with the property’s plumbing system. Whilst the water outlet 76 shown in the example of Figure 6 is an external water outlet 76, it will be appreciated that the auxiliary supply pipe 50 may be connected to any water outlet 76 that is in fluid communication with the property’s plumbing system. If the water outlet 5 76 is a tap or other outlet comprising a valve, such a valve may be opened to facilitate fluid communication between the property’s plumbing system and the auxiliary supply pipe 50. As such, the water outlet 76 may instead serve as an inlet through which water is supplied to the property 12 whilst the water supply diversion device 30 is connected to the mains water coupling 16. In particular, the blocking portion 42 blocks fluid communication 10 between the mains water supply 10 and the second duct 22b, and water is therefore not supplied to the property 12 via the service pipe 14. The property’s plumbing system may comprise a stop cock 78 or mains shut off valve to regulate the supply of water into the property 12 from the service pipe 14 in normal use. Preferably, the stop cock 78 is closed to block fluid communication between the service 15 pipe 14 and the property’s plumbing system before water from the mains supply 10 is diverted to the property 12 through the auxiliary supply pipe 50. This step ensures that water in the property’s plumbing system is not in fluid communication with the service pipe 14, and as such is not at risk of contamination from the leak 28 in the service pipe 14 when water is supplied to the property 12 through the auxiliary supply pipe 50. 20 If the boundary box 18 comprises a mains supply valve or other means for blocking the flow of water into the first duct 22a of the mains supply coupling 16, such a valve is preferably set to a closed state whilst the water supply diversion device 30 is fitted to the mains water coupling 16. Following connection of the device 30 to the mains water coupling 16, the mains supply valve may then be set to an open state to provide a supply 25 of water into the device 30 through the first duct 22a of the coupling 16. However, the simple connection method facilitates rapid connection of the device 30 to the mains water coupling 16, and as such, the device 30 may be connected to the mains water coupling 16 without closing a mains supply valve in some examples if such a valve is not provided. Use of a water supply diversion device 30 in accordance with the examples provided 30 herein facilitates a continued supply of clean water to a property 12 in situations wherein a leak 28 is present in a service pipe 14 that usually supplies water to the property 12. Using the water supply diversion device 30 and back-flowing the water through the plumbing system enables all internal water features, including for example loft tanks, all hot water systems and central heating boilers, to be used as normal within the property 12 10 02 25 despite the presence of a leak 28. The water supply diversion device 30 advantageously diverts water from the mains supply 10 to the plumbing system of the property 12, bypassing the service pipe 14 and providing clean water to the property 12 whilst leak detection and repair works may be carried out on the service pipe 14. As such, the service 5 pipe 14 may be left undisturbed for inspection and repair without completely isolating the property 12 from the water supply 10. The device 30 as described herein may be further beneficial for use in an emergency situation of water flooding a property 12 from an internal leak where the leak is not immediately accessible. The water supply to the plumbing system can be shut off by 10 connecting the device 30 to the mains water coupling 16 as described above. Instead of connecting the auxiliary supply pipe 50 to a water outlet in fluid communication with the plumbing system the water could instead be supplied directly from the auxiliary supply pipe 50, thereby avoiding any further damage or loss of water from an internal leak within the property 12. 15 The device 30 allows a water technician to restore a supply of water to a property 12 on an emergency basis within thirty minutes of arrival on site. Conversely, previous methods, including excavation methods, can sometimes take days or weeks to resolve and restore a supply of water to the property 12. This can therefore result in occupants being without water for a prolonged period of time, potentially even requiring relocation into alternative 20 accommodation. As such, the device 30 is advantageous for use many situations, for both internal and external water leaks, to provide an auxiliary water supply to a property 12 when the normal supply and distribution of water in the property 12 is compromised. The device 30 can therefore potentially save thousands of pounds in wasted water and property damage to 25 the home I business owner. It will be appreciated that any features described in relation to the various examples above may be readily combined with any other features described with reference to different examples without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 30 Further, it will be appreciated that the above description and accompanying figures are provided merely as an example. For example, the plumbing system of the property described herein and as shown in the accompanying figures is provided as only a single example of a multitude of possible plumbing system configurations in which use of the present invention is advantageous. It will be appreciated that the invention is not in any way limited to use in the specific exemplary plumbing system shown in the accompanying figures. Many alternatives to the specific water supply diversion device and method for its use described above are therefore possible without departing from the scope of the 5 invention as defined in the appended claims. 10 02 25

Claims

10 02 251. A water supply diversion device for connection to a mains water coupling in a boundary box to divert water supplied to a property from a mains water supply, the mains 5 water coupling comprising a first duct in fluid communication with the mains water supply and a second duct in fluid communication with a service pipe for supplying water to the property, wherein the water supply diversion device comprises:a mains water supply connector configured to connect the water supply diversion device to the mains water coupling;10 a mains water supply inlet for receiving water from the first duct of the mains watercoupling, an auxiliary water supply outlet, a fluid flow path between the mains water supply inlet and the auxiliary water supply outlet; anda blocking portion configured to block communication between the first duct and the second duct of the mains water coupling when the water supply diversion device is 15 connected thereto,wherein the mains water supply connector defines the mains water supply inlet and wherein the blocking portion is fixed in relation to the mains water supply connector.

2. The water supply diversion device of Claim 1, wherein the mains water supply 20 connector defines the blocking portion.

3. The water supply diversion device of any preceding claim, further comprising a non-return valve in the fluid flow path between the mains water supply inlet and the auxiliary water supply outlet, the non-return valve having an open state in which 25 communication is allowed between the mains water supply inlet and the auxiliary water supply outlet.

4. The water supply diversion device of Claim 3, wherein the non-return valve has a closed state in which fluid communication between the mains water supply inlet and the 30 auxiliary water supply outlet is interrupted.

5. The water supply diversion device of Claim 4, wherein the non-return valve comprises biasing means configured to bias the non-return valve into the closed state.10 02 256. The water supply diversion device of Claims 3 to 5, wherein the non-return valve comprises a piston configured to move linearly along a longitudinal axis of the water supply diversion device.5 7. The water supply diversion device of any of Claims 3 to 6, wherein the non-returnvalve is provided in a valve-housing portion of the water supply diversion device, and wherein the valve-housing portion is connected to the mains water supply connector.

8. The water supply diversion device of Claim 7, wherein the mains water supply 10 connector defines a valve seat against which the non-return valve is sealed in a closed state.

9. The water supply diversion device of Claim 7 or Claim 8, wherein the valve-housing portion is connected to the mains water supply connector by a threaded connection.1510. The water supply diversion device of Claim 9, wherein the mains water supply connector comprises a threaded portion for releasably connecting the water supply diversion device to the mains water coupling.20 11. The water supply diversion device of Claim 10, wherein the threaded connectionbetween the valve-housing portion and the mains water supply connector is oppositely threaded to in relation to the threaded portion of the mains water supply connector.

12. The water supply diversion device of any preceding claim, wherein the mains water 25 supply inlet and the blocking portion are co-axial.

13. The water supply diversion device of any preceding claim, wherein the blocking portion is substantially central relative to the mains water supply inlet such that the mains water supply inlet defines an annulus extended about the blocking portion.3014. The water supply diversion device of any preceding claim, wherein the blocking portion comprises a sealing plug configured to extend into and seal against the second duct of the mains water coupling to block water from the first duct from entering the second duct when the water supply diversion device is connected to the mains water coupling.3510 02 2515. The water supply diversion device of any preceding claim, wherein the mains supply inlet and the auxiliary supply outlet are substantially co-axial.

16. The water supply diversion device of any preceding claim, wherein the device 5 defines a substantially cylindrical exterior profile.

17. The water supply diversion device of any preceding claim, wherein an outer surfaceof the water supply diversion device comprises grip-enhancing means.10 18. The water supply diversion device of any preceding claim, wherein the auxiliarysupply outlet is defined by an auxiliary supply connector configured to connect an auxiliary supply pipe to the water supply diversion device.

19. A method of diverting water supplied to a property through a mains water coupling 15 comprising a first duct in fluid communication with a mains water supply and a second ductin fluid communication with a service pipe for supplying water to the property, the method comprising:providing a water supply diversion device as claimed in any preceding claim; and connecting the water supply diversion device to the mains water coupling such that 20 the mains water supply inlet is connected to the first duct of the mains water coupling, and such that the blocking portion blocks communication between the first duct and the second duct of the mains water coupling.

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