• It’s the law! The Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 requires all owners of testable installed backflow prevention devices to register their device with local government and to have the device tested or inspected annually by a plumber endorsed for backflow testing.
• Sunshine Coast Council approves all new plumbing installations in the region as well as the mandatory annual testing of backflow prevention valves. If not received on the anniversary date, Council will send you a reminder. If no response is received council will send you an enforcement notice.
• There is a very good reason to mandate backflow valve testing. Over time the seals and other components inside valves deteriorate, resulting in possible leakage back into the city water system or reduced water flow through the device.

What Happens If Backflow Occurs?

Backflow is a reversal of the normal direction of water flow in a water supply plumbing system, called back siphonage. It occurs when the water delivery main is at a lower pressure than the internal plumbing system. Back siphonage can occur due to overpressure on the private property side or a sudden drop in water mains pressure such as a burst or ruptured water main, or due to excessive demand during fire-fighting operations or other periods of high demand.

Backflow can also occur if a water pump, such as a bore pump, is cross connected to the internal water plumbing system, and is pumping bore water at a higher pressure than the water mains pressure (back pressure).

If a property’s drinking water supply is inadvertently connected with a source of pollution, either through a cross connection or simply a hose submerged in a container of liquid, then these pollutants could enter the water supply.