Backflow assembly - or as the City of Vancouver calls it, cross-connection control - testing is an important part of protecting the public water supply from contamination from re-entering the water system.
What do you need to know about Vancouver’s Backflow Assembly testing?
A cross connection—or backflow assembly—is a plumbing connection that connects drinking water to water used for other applications. These connections must remain separate, as the backflow of water used in a sprinkler system or swimming pool, for example, can harm domestic drinking water if it enters it.
The reverse flow of water (backflow) can be caused by many things, including corrosion and wear of the backflow assembly, construction, and water main breaks. In most cases, the reason can be quite common, which makes it even more important to have regular testing.
Vancouver has a Cross-Connection Control Program that homes and businesses must follow to ensure the overall health and safety of drinking water. One requirement is that businesses and buildings with a backflow assembly be subjected to annual testing.
Where are the common places to find backflow preventers?
A backflow assembly is not a feature of every home. It is most common in commercial and industrial buildings, high-rise residential buildings, and other establishments with swimming pools, some HVAC systems, or commercial food facilities.
This is because these buildings have more complex water infrastructure than your standard single-family home. However, if your home has an underground lawn irrigation system, you will need a backflow assembly to maintain the separation of the water usage.
Backflow assemblies are necessary for any building that have:
Fire sprinkler system (commercial, industrial, and residential buildings)
Irrigation systems (like a garden centre)
Boilers (hospitals or hotels)
Industrial water processing or storage systems
If your business or property has any of the above, be sure to check the maintenance schedule to ensure you are booking your yearly backflow assembly testing.
What are the requirements for Vancouver backflow assembly testing
Every year, the City of Vancouver sends a letter to businesses and residences with a backflow assembly to notify the owner or owner representatives that they are due for a backflow assembly report. It is the responsibility of the property manager to contract and complete the required testing to comply with city regulations.
Under By-law 4848, tests must be performed by a certified tester, and the results must be reported to the City of Vancouver within 15 days of the test.
According to the City of Vancouver website, backflow assembly tests are required for:
New installations of backflow assemblies
Annually
Following a cleaning or repair of your assembly
Upon request by a building engineer
What happens if you fail a backflow assembly test?
A backflow preventer has a lifespan of about five to ten years, depending on the assembly type. Reducing the risk of backflow is your responsibility as a building owner. But should yours fail, it means that your backflow assembly needs repair or replacement.
While a failed or malfunctioning backflow assembly is serious, don’t panic. Schedule an appointment with a certified backflow tester.
A certified backflow tester can perform the necessary repairs and installation of a new backflow preventer.
What happens if you do not comply with Vancouver’s requirements?
If a person fails to have their backflow assemblies tested and thereby is in non-compliance with By-law 4848, the city may take specific corrective actions such as, all of which are billed to the property owner: :
Shut off the water supply to the premises
$10,000 Fine in some municipalities
Reduce the water supply to the premises to a maximum of one liter per minute until repairs have been completed.
Install a metre (in the case of unmetered service)
Install an additional metre (if there is already one) on the city property
Carry out repairs on or off the property to the private water system or the City’s water supply
Stay on top of your backflow testing
Meeting the City of Vancouver regulations is not the only reason to keep up to date with your backflow testing. It’s about the safety of your building’s water supply and protecting public health.
Having a certified backflow tester help you maintain your build’s backflow assembly is key. At SMT Backflow, we specialize in testing and repairs of backflow preventers and can diagnose and repair any issue to make sure you are compliant.
We also file the paperwork for you so you don’t have that headache!
Give us a call today and schedule your appointment.
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