Backflow Prevention & Testing Brisbane

What is a backflow prevention device?

When water pressure drops it gets drawn back into the main water line of the city. This could bring unwanted contamination into clean, usable water supply systems. A backflow prevention device plays a very important role in regards to the overall health of your family, your local community, and the city. The backflow valve inhibits potentially toxic water from flowing into the city’s main water supply line. This means your family’s drinking and bathing water will be protected from a possible reverse flow of water should it become contaminated for any reason. This safeguarding also pertains to water systems linked with oral hygiene, utensil washing, food preparation, of any form of human consumption, as well as, all water systems within the city that are connected to rainwater tanks and the Council’s main water supply line. Stay attentive to your water supply line to be sure it is free from an off-putting taste, odor, or appearance. These could be signs you are either in need of a backflow prevention device (dual check or rpz valve) or the device you currently own is needing the proper testing from an qualified plumber. The backflow valve is designed to isolate any possible contamination into a single property boundary so as to prevent leakage of this toxic water into other systems of the town or city. Multiple types of backflow preventers are available for compatibility with any particular venue, property, or housing unit.

Single Check, Dual Check or RPZ?

There are two types of backflow prevention devices, testable and non-testable mechanisms. Three branches of testable devices are some single check valves, double check valves, and reduced pressure zone valves (rpz valves). Non-testable backflow prevention devices include dual check valves and some single check valves. The level of risk for hazardous water is the sole determining factor of which style of device is needed. Testable backflow prevention devices are necessary for areas with higher risk of medium to high water contamination.

What types of installations require backflow prevention testing?

There are specific water systems and equipment to look for to know if you are either required to have a testable backflow device or if your premises already contains one. Search your land for water outlets within close proximity to pollutants, chemicals, or grease traps, alternative water supply systems such as an under ground rainwater tank that contains a main water backup, an irrigation system, a fire hose reel or a fire hydrant, and/or for industrial or commercial equipment, as well as, any activity that could pollute the drinking water supply line, such as air conditioning cooling towers, chemical cleaning/injection areas, swimming pools/spas, vehicle washing bays/maintenance pits, boilers/steam pipes, sullage pits/process tanks, dishwasher/glass washers, Bidets/bain-maries, Dockside facilities/jetties, and ornamental ponds. Thoroughly check your surrounding area for any of these types of devices to prevent any unwanted issues pertaining to the health regulations of the Council.

What are my responsibilities?

Primarily, it is pertinent for those who obtain a testable backflow device to be sure it is checked officially by an endorsed backflow plumber. Once this process is complete the device must be registered with the Council under Queensland Government plumbing legislation. It is legitimate for the owner of the backflow prevention device to be the property tenant or the owner. The endorsed backflow plumber should return every 12 months to keep up to par with health regulations of the city.

What if I don’t have the backflow prevention valve tested?

Three penalty units for each device that is not registered is the penalty given by the Council to the property owner or tenant in connection with the backflow prevention device(s). The Council holds the power to issue a Penalty Infringement Notice by the Standard Plumbing and Drainage Regulations of 2003 (clause 38 (3)) if you refrain from your duties as the backflow prevention device owner. It is not required for any non-testable backflow prevention device to be tested annually.

What are the responsibilities of the a backflow plumber?

The endorsed backflow plumber is required to submit an approved Queensland Government Form 9 Backflow Prevention Valve Test Report to the Council within 10 days of officially checking the testable backflow prevention device. The Council has the power to issue a Penalty Infringement Notice of one unit to the endorsed backflow plumber who refrains from these duties. This issue may be given under the Standard Plumbing and Drainage Regulations of 2003 (clause 38 (4)).

How do I locate the backflow device on my property?

The endorsed backflow plumber is permitted to record the physical location of each backflow prevention device. This information is submitted to the Council on Form 9. These location descriptions are kept and serve as a part of the annual reminders sent by the Council to property owners and tenants.

Can I remove a backflow preventer?

If the potentially hazardous water is still an existing issue, the backflow prevention device must remain in fully intact until it is officially tested by an endorsed backflow plumber. Please consult a local licensed plumbing contractor if questions arise regarding the removal or replacement of the backflow prevention device. If the time comes for a change of devices to occur, it is the responsibility of the licensed plumbing contractor to send a copy of Form 9 (this can be found on the Queensland Government website) to the Council. The endorsed plumber also needs to submit a completed Form 4 to the Queensland Building and Construction Commission. The fee for registration is payable for all new devices.

What is Council’s role?

Brisbane City Council is committed to keeping the beautiful city of Brisbane clean and up to sanitary regulations for the betterment of the overall community. We are required by law to provide a program for all installed testable backflow prevention devices within our government area regarding their maintenance, registration, and testing. To ensure necessary correspondence is covered, regarding the maintenance of every registered testable device, the Council charges an annual fee to the owner of the testable backflow prevention device(s). In order to reduce the risk of contamination to the drinking water of the city, we work hand-in-hand with property owners and tenants to ensure the required service of the backflow prevention devices is attended to within the proper timing and Council regulations.