Many plumbers have at one time had training in Backflow Assembly Testing, as it is included in 3rd year plumbing education. However, since most provinces in Canada require that certified backflow testers must renew their certification each year, many plumbers let their certification lapse and are thus not qualified to submit tests to the municipal water authorities and purveyors that require backflow assembly testing.
In the Vancouver Lower Mainland (Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Hope, Mission, New Westminster, North Vancouver, Richmond, Vancouver, Whistler) and throughout BC a “certified backflow assembly tester” is a person who has been certified by the BC Water and Waste Association (BCWWA) as a Certified Backflow Assembly Tester; has received formal training in backflow testing; and has renewed their BCWWA certification each year.
Backflow has the potential to contaminate the public drinking supply. Backflow preventers need to be tested annually because municipal water providers require them in order to protect the safety of the water supply to your home or business.
When we called big plumbing contractors they were organized and had receptionists, but didn’t have good resource management. They continually had to get back to me in order to find out more information from different parties.
When I called independent contractors, many were driving (unsafe?) working (Quality of work?) or simply didn’t answer the phone so we had to play phone tag.
Getting a quote for Backflow Testing in Vancouver was complicated, frustrating and exhausting!
In Vancouver, BC the following types of businesses and properties are required to install and use backflow prevention devices:
In British Columbia, Certified Backflow Assembly testers are certified by the BC Water and Waste Association (BCWWA). They do not need to be a plumber to take this certification testing.
