Backflow Testing Richmond, BC
Annual Backflow Assembly Testing in Richmond
Call or text us to schedule the testing or to request a free quote. You can speed things up by also sending us a photo of the City of Richmond’s letter that lists the devices that require testing.
Vancouver Backflow Ltd.:
- is insured; enrolled with WorkSafe BC; and licensed to carry on business as a plumbing contractor within the Metro Vancouver area
- our technicians are all experienced journeyman plumbers, as well as being BCWWA certified backflow testers
- our process is completely stream-lined, from the scheduling of a test all the way to invoicing and payment. Just contact us and we’ll take it from there. In many cases it will not even be necessary for you to be present when the testing is done.
- we focus on service and efficiency. Where test reports are filed online, we usually have a test report filed within an hour of the test being conducted. Where paper test reports are required, we usually send them out (by email or mail, depending on the municipality) within a day of the test being conducted.
- you don’t pay until we’ve completed the work.
- we follow up with you each year when it’s time for your backflow device(s) to be tested to ensure you keep up to date with your testing obligations
- if a device fails on initial testing, we are usually able to remedy the problem during the initial visit, thereby saving you the cost of an additional site visit. Our technicians are qualified to repair backflow assemblies, and always travel with the tools and parts required to carry out most repairs.
Under section 13.5 of Richmond’s Building Regulation Bylaw (Bylaw No. 7230), a backflow preventer must be tested annually by a certified tester. The tester must complete the City’s Backflow Assembly Test Report form and mail the form in to the City.
To file such a test report, the tester must pay the city a test report filing fee. Payment may be mailed in with the test report, or the tester may purchase proof-of-payment stickers from the City in advance and then attach a sticker to the test report.
The City of Richmond charges a filing fee of $26.00 for each annual backflow assembly test report filed.
Richmond has 4 different annual test due dates spread throughout the year. Around 2 weeks before the test due date for a particular device, the city mails notice of the due date out to the backflow assembly owner. The notice sets out the test due date and also sets out the deadline for a test report to be mailed in to the City. The 4 due dates and their mail-in deadlines are as follows:
Annual Test Due Date
Jan 1
Apr 1
July 1
Oct 1
Report Mail-in Deadline
Jan 31
Apr 30
July 31
Oct 31
Backflow Assembly Installations in Richmond
Where a new connection is made to a water supply line connection, a backflow assembly is often required to prevent the backwards flow of contaminated substances into the water supply. For example, if you install a sprinkler system (whether outdoors for irrigation or indoors for fire protection) a backflow assembly must be installed on the water supply line upstream of the sprinkler system. Similarly, a backflow assembly must be installed when certain fixtures are connected to the water supply. Such fixtures include such diverse items as water filters; dental equipment; commercial dishwashers; ice machines; and esthetician’s chairs.
We are a licensed Richmond plumbing contractor; we can look after the entire process including applying for the required permits and testing the new devices. If you need a backflow assembly installed, or want advice on whether one is required, contact us for a free quote or consultation.
In Richmond, you have a plumbing permit for the installation of any new backflow assemblies. The city charges a permit application fee of either $79.75, or $30.00 per device, whichever amount is greater.
As part of the inspection process, a newly installed backflow assembly must be tested and a test report must be submitted to the City of Richmond. The test report form is the same as for existing devices but the forms may be submitted to the city by fax or email and there is no report filing fee.
Cleaning, Repairs & Replacements
Contact us for advice on whether a backflow assembly needs to be replaced or just repaired or even just cleaned. Often a backflow assembly will leak or fail because it’s clogged with dirt or debris. Eventually some of the internal parts of a backflow assembly will break down and need to be replaced but only rarely does a backflow assembly deteriorate to the point that a full replacement is required. We are often able to bring a backflow assembly back into working order just by disassembling and cleaning it, or by replacing a few of the internal parts. Whatever may be required, we are usually able to solve the problem in a single visit because our testers are journeymen plumbers, and they travel with sufficient tools and replacement parts to handle most repairs.
Backflow Assembly Removal
In Richmond, once a backflow assembly has been installed on your property, it must be tested every year even if you no longer have any use for the service or fixture for which it was installed. For example, even if you don’t use your underground sprinkler system, you must have the associated backflow assembly tested every year for so long as it remains connected to the water supply line. As another example, where a backflow assembly is installed for a water filter and the water filter is later removed, the backflow assembly still must be tested each year unless it’s also removed. Text or call us if you would like to have a backflow assembly removed and the water line capped off.
Landlords & Property Managers
Because we specialize in providing backflow prevention services, our overhead is low as compared to that of a general service mechanical contractor. As a result, we are able to provide expert service at highly competitive rates. In fact, many mechanical contractors find it to be more economical to subcontract their backflow testing out to us than do it inhouse. Call or text us if you would like to discuss how we can assist with your backflow prevention needs.
Contractors
We frequently test newly installed devices for contractors such as plumbing-mechanical contractors; fire safety contractors; general contractors; and irrigation contractors. Just call or text us to schedule the testing. We will complete the City of Richmond’s test report form, inserting the required registration information, and either provide the reports to you or submit them directly to the City of Richmond, whichever you prefer.
Our technicians are journeyman plumbers with extensive experience working with backflow prevention devices. We’re happy to work with contractors on projects in Richmond. If you think we might be able to help, text or call us, any time.
About Backflow Prevention
Water normally flows in one direction, from the public drinking water system through the plumbing of a home or building and out a sink tap or other plumbing fixture or appliance. Under certain circumstances, water starts to flow in the opposite direction; this is known as “backflow”.
The flow of water into, instead of out of, our drinking water system, creates the risk of contaminated substances being drawn into, and then disbursed from, the drinking water system.
Backflow happens when there is either back siphonage or back pressure in a water line.
Back siphonage is where water flows in the opposite direction because of negative pressure in the water line. This can happen when there is a drop or stoppage of pressure in the main water line due to, for example, a break in the line or the use of a fire hydrant.
Back pressure can be created when a source of pressure, such as a water pump, creates a greater pressure than the pressure from the water distribution system.
Backflow can arise where there is a “cross connection” to our public drinking water system; a cross connection is any actual or potential connection between our drinking water system and any source of pollution or contamination. Cross connections include connections to buildings; connections for sprinkler systems; and connections for various plumbing fixtures such as boilers, water filters, ice machines, dental equipment, pools, and soap dispensers.
Some backflow prevention devices have moving parts that can wear out over time or become clogged with grit or debris. These backflow preventers must be tested regularly to make sure they are operating properly.