The Complete Guide for British Columbia Property Owners
Every day, thousands of people in British Columbia turn on their taps without thinking about what keeps their drinking water safe. Behind the scenes, one of the most important safety devices in any plumbing system is the backflow preventer.
Whether you own a commercial building, manage a strata property, operate a restaurant, or maintain an irrigation system, your backflow preventer plays a critical role in protecting the public water supply from contamination.
Like any mechanical device, however, a backflow preventer can wear over time. Springs weaken, rubber components deteriorate, check valves become fouled with debris, and internal seals can fail. A device that appears perfectly normal from the outside may no longer provide the level of protection it was designed for.
That's why municipalities across British Columbia require many backflow preventers to be tested on a regular basis by a certified tester.
This guide explains everything you need to know about backflow testing, including:
‣ What backflow is
‣ Why backflow testing is required
‣ How testing works
‣ Who needs annual testing
‣ What happens if your device fails
‣ Typical costs
‣ Municipal compliance requirements
‣ Frequently asked questions
Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, property manager, or facility manager, this guide will help you understand how backflow testing protects your property and the community's drinking water.
