Backflow Prevention Device with RTL Trades

Capitol’s Community Relationship Manager, Kalico, together with RTL Trades, explains the ins and outs of a Backflow device. 

Here are 8 useful questions and answers discussed with RTL Trades about the backflow prevention device and the requirements to ensure it is in good working order.

1. What is a backflow prevention device?
2. Why does a backflow device require servicing?
3. How often does a backflow device require servicing and how do we know it’s time for the device to be serviced?
4. What do you do when you receive your backflow prevention device test report and find that it’s failed?
5. What is the estimated cost of a backflow device test per backflow?
6. How do I identify how many backflow devices I have?
7. What is the estimated cost of repairing a device if required and factors to be considered if repair is needed?
8. How does this device work and operate?

1. What is a backflow prevention device?

A backflow prevention device is a check valve that prevents cross-contamination of water, essentially, if you have a major break-in in your sewer line at the front of your complex.

Let’s say the excavator that’s working on it hits a water supply, you would then get some cross-contamination of some nice yucky water and some potable water that essentially can travel back upstream and into the complex allowing the dirty water into the residents’ potable water flow which no one wants so the backflow prevention device can prevent that from happening.

2. Why does a backflow device require servicing?

The backflow prevention device requires servicing to ensure that it is still compliant and the duty of care to all the residents remains to ensure that it’s not causing any cross-connections or any backflow back into the main system. 

3. How often does a backflow device require servicing and how do we know it’s time for the device to be serviced?

A backflow prevention device requires servicing every 12 months. You will know this from your local government authority as they will send you a test reminder notice. They should send it out every 11th month, one month before it requires the yearly service.

4. What do you do when you receive your backflow prevention device test report and find that it’s failed?

Firstly, call RTL Trades the first thing you’re going to be doing. No, honestly, you call a plumber. Your plumber’s the one who’s going to come and do the testing. The plumber needs to be licensed as a backflow tester so make sure you confirm that your plumbing company is licensed to do the test.

If your device has failed, you usually receive a quotation from the plumber to either repair it or replace it. It is quite urgent so I would suggest that the plumber obviously either gives you a verbal price there on-site to get it done straight away or you try and get it done over the next few days once it’s failed.

5. What is the estimated cost of a backflow device test per backflow?

The estimated cost of the test is $95 per valve which includes your Form 9 submitted to the council along with attending site and testing the valve/s to ensure they are compliant.

6. How do I identify how many backflow devices I have?

The testing report that your council will send out usually lists the number of valves that you have and where they are located on the property.

Sometimes, the testing plumber may forget to tell the local council they have removed valves, or they have added valves, so it is always good practice every couple of years to get a plumber out to do an asset register and walk around the site to make sure you have the correct number of valves on that local government report.

7. What is the estimated cost of repairing a device if required and factors to be considered if repair is needed?

The estimated cost for a service kit to be put through a backflow device ranges between about $150 to $250.

If the valve is beyond economical repair, we recommend replacement and the estimated cost for replacement is about $550 or $650 for the average size device.

8. How does this device work and operate?

This is one of the main valves that you will see on a commercial property. This one is a full zone protection valve.

If you are interested in how we would service this valve, watch our video:

Backflow Prevention Device with RTL Trades

If you are walking around your property and you see water coming out of the relief port or the vent, it’s time to call a plumber because this valve is not working the way it’s meant to be, so certainly, a service or a test needs to be undertaken.

If you find an issue with your backflow prevention device in your complex, please contact your Body Corporate Manager and have RTL Trades come around and check for you.

RTL Trades gives a free-of-charge set up in-house and we can be your point of call for all your testing from our licensed plumbers.

Should you have any questions, please contact your Community Relationship Manager or call our main office on 1300 655 751 and our receptionist will transfer you to your manager.