How to Get Your Backflow Tested in Surrey

Every municipality in British Columbia has requirements for backflow prevention. Commercial spaces, like restaurants, condo buildings, office buildings, or dental offices, to name a few, have backflow prevention devices installed on their incoming water systems. These prevention devices ensure that water that enters a building’s water system does not flow back into the city water supply. As one of the fastest growing cities in the Lower Mainland, you might be curious about how to get your backflow tested in Surrey. 

Lucky for you, the process is simple, and we’re here to guide you through it. 

Cross Connection Control Program in Surrey

With the sheer number of residential and commercial buildings taking up the skyline in Surrey, it’s more important than ever to ensure that the public water supply is safe from contaminants. To this end, Surrey, like other cities, has a by-law to protect the water supply. This cross-contamination control program is designed to ensure that backflow or back-siphonage from a waterworks system does not occur using backflow preventers. 

The city outlines that consumers-in this case, owners and property managers-are responsible for hiring a certified backflow tester to carry out inspections, installations, repairs and maintenance on any new or existing backflow devices. 

Backflow preventers are required to be installed on the domestic, fire and irrigation system connections to isolate the internal water systems from the main public water supply. These devices are to be tested annually to ensure they are functioning properly and there is no concern of a backflow incident. You must also perform backflow testing in Surrey buildings after a device is repaired, relocated, or replaced, or if any other modifications have been made. 

Who can provide backflow testing in Surrey? 

If you own or manage a business or commercial property in Surrey, it is important to know that when it comes time to have your backflow tested, you will need to work with a certified backflow tester to complete the job. A certified backflow tester in BC has a valid BCWWA Certification and a valid business license for the City of Surrey. 

Certified backflow testers can log into the Backflow Testing Portal to submit annual reports, submit payments for replacements and repairs on your behalf, as well as follow up on previous reports. This gives them visibility into any changes that affect your backflow device. 

Do I need a plumbing permit for backflow preventers? 

It might surprise you to note that before having a new backflow assembly installed at your property in the City of Surrey, you need to apply for a plumbing permit. For commercial, industrial or multi-family buildings, a backflow plumbing permit costs $190 for the first device, and an additional $83 for subsequent devices. The cost of the permit includes the cost backflow test report, which must be paid at the time of application. 

Another instance that will require a permit when it comes to backflow preventers in the City of Surrey is if a backflow device is being removed. The purpose of the permit is to confirm that the backflow preventer and the hazards it isolates have been removed. Alongside your application for removing the backflow device, you will need to provide photos of the location of the backflow preventer. 

Types of backflow preventers in Surrey

When it comes to ways to ensure adequate backflow prevention. 

1. Including an air gap in the pipe layout

2. Installation of a testable backflow prevention device

3. Installation of a non-testable backflow device

Each of these methods can be attributed to different types of backflow devices, and each has strengths in isolating the water system. 

However, for commercial purposes, like multi-family units, commercial businesses and office spaces, testable backflow devices are generally required to ensure there is no risk to the public water supply. However, there are certain applications where a non-testable device is permitted. 

The specific type of backflow device that is allowed depends on a few factors, including the hazard level and isolation requirements for the waterworks. In addition, if you are using an air gap backflow preventer, it needs to be registered. 

When to get your backflow tested in Surrey? 

For testable backflow devices and registered air gap devices, testing is required on an annual basis. The first test of your backflow device needs to be completed upon installation of the prevention device. Subsequently, the testing needs to be completed on the anniversary of installation. 

If an installation date has not been set or identified, then the General Manager, Engineering, will assign a date for inspection. 

It is also possible to schedule your testing within two months of the annual test date. For irrigation systems, it should be noted that testing is required between March 1 and June 30. 

If your annual test date is upcoming or you think your backflow device might need inspection, send us an email or call 778-865-4507 to book an appointment.