Documente Academic
Documente Profesional
Documente Cultură
& Plumbing
handbook
A guide for working with
Water Corporation
Introduction
Licensed Plumbing Contractor E-Plans Land owners proposing a building Water and sewer applications
Is a person who holds a plumbing contractors An e-plan is an extract from Water development or connecting to Water You can also request the following:
licence under the Plumbers Licensing and Corporations mapping system which Corporation water, sewer or drainage lines
Plumbing Standards Regulations 2000. are required by law to make an application to New water meters or services (e.g. fire
contains detailed information about water,
Water Corporation. Applications can be lodged services, temporary services and sub-
Licensed Tradesperson wastewater and drainage mains. E-plans are
online via BuilderNet meters);
used by licensed plumbers when they need to
Is a person who holds a tradespersons licence Work on existing water meters or
locate sewer connection points. BuilderNet
under the Plumbers Licensing and Plumbing services (e.g. relocations, modifications,
Standards Regulations 2000. Property Sewer A conduit laid, wholly or BuilderNet, our online lodgement system, is disconnections);
partly at the expense of the property owner, the quickest and easiest way to lodge: New sewer junctions;
Licensed Tradesperson (drainer)
entirely within the boundaries of the lot, for Work on existing sewer services (e.g.
Is a person who holds a tradespersons Building applications (including sewer
the carriage of sewage or wastewater to any alterations to access chambers, cutting and
(drainage plumbing) licence under the connections);
Water Corporation sewer. sealing pipes, and installing spigots); and
Plumbers Licensing and Plumbing Standards Water service application;
sewer conversions, connecting properties to
Regulations 2000. Sewers Sewer application; and
sewers.
A conduit laid for the carriage of sewage or Requests for e-plans.
Drainage plumbing diagrams (flimsy) Note: These requests are typically submitted
wastewater. This term does not include a BuilderNet is available free of charge, with
The term drainage plumbing diagram property sewer. If not specified this means a by builders, plumbers, consulting engineers
the exception of standard Water Corporation
(formally known as a constructed diagram or Water Corporation sewer. and developers.
fees and charges applicable to building and
flimsy) are certified by a licensed plumbing
service applications, and requests for E-plans. E-Plans
contractor. The contractor is legally obliged
to provide the Building Commission with the Please refer to Section 3Connection to E-plans can be obtained via BuilderNet
drainage plumbing diagram. Water Corporation mains (page. 8), for for most properties and are provided
further information about pre-connection electronically in PDF format.
requirements. E-plans show the location of water and sewer
Building applications mains, system connections and other Water
Corporation infrastructure near properties.
Request quotations and approvals for:
They are useful to licensed plumbers,
minor plans for non-habitable structures surveyors, developers, builders, consulting
(e.g. swimming pools, garages and sheds engineers, hydraulic consultants, architects,
greater than 40m); local government officers and real estate
alterations or additions to existing buildings; agents.
and
BuilderNet registration
Multi-residential or commercial
developments (including associated water Go to buildernet.watercorporation.com.au
service connections and sewer junctions). select New Registered User and complete
the form. Registration is required for
Note: These requests are typically submitted customers that intend to use the system
by builders, hydraulic consultants and on a regular basis.
architects.
For further information, visit the website or
contact 13 13 95.
It is an offence to interfere with, alter or 3.3 Flow control devices 3.4 Sewer connections
connect to a Water Corporation water or Flow control devices (FCDs) have been Connections to Water Corporation sewer
sewer main without prior approval from installed in water services for all commercial mains are provided via a connection point,
Water Corporation. and multi-residential developments. which must be installed or supervised by a
3.1 Water supply connections The device limits the water supply flow rate to Water Corporation representative. It is an
the flow applied for and what has been paid offence to connect private plumbing work
Connections to Water Corporation mains
for through infrastructure contributions. to this connection point without approval.
are provided by a meter and builders
There is a risk to lives and health if the correct
standpipe, which must be installed by Note: FCDs control the rate at which the precautions are not taken.
Water Corporation. water is supplied to a property and will not
reduce water pressure. A pressure reducing In addition to obtaining Water Corporation
To comply with regulation 24(2), missing or
valve (PRV) is required for this. FCDs are approval to connect to sewer mains, licenced Typical flow control devices, image
damaged meters or damage to water services
located on the downstream face of a meter plumbers are required to adhere to PLB courtesy of Maric Flow Control
or pipe work must be reported to Water
and it is the plumbers responsibility to ensure requirements, please visit the Building
Corporation on 13 13 75.
that it remains in place when the internal Commission website for further information.
3.5 New sewer connections
3.2 Fire services pipework is fixed to the meter. It is essential that the licensed plumbing Construction of the property sewers within
Fire services may be provided for the purpose
It is an offence to tamper with a meter, contractor/builder confirms there is adequate a property is the responsibility of the land
of supplying water for fire fighting and the
including the removal of the FCD. FCDs fall to the sewer main prior to starting building owner. In those situations where a new sewer
necessary testing of firefighting equipment.
may be the cause of a flow lower than is construction. The conditions a builder must connection point (sewer junction) is cut into a
Water Corporation provide these services
required by the property owner. In this case, comply with are included with the approval. sewer main it must be installed or supervised
under certain conditions, subject to entering
the customer will need to apply for a higher by a Water Corporation representative.
into an agreement. Other important requirements are:
flow and pay the appropriate infrastructure
It is the responsibility of the licensed plumber
Unauthorised use contributions. Confirm location of the sewer connection
to:
Examples of unauthorised use of fire point;
FCDs can potentially cause turbulence that Provide for overflow relief;
services include washing down trucks and Ensure an application has been lodged and
affects the accuracy of turbine type meters, Corporation access chambers must be kept
driveways, connecting domestic supply payment made to Water Corporation for the
which are generally larger than 40mm. clear for ease of access;
(including reticulation) via the fire service. connection;
To minimise the risk, the FCD must be placed Maintain minimum cover levels on
If a plumber has identified a cross Excavate to the sewer, and make the site
a minimum of one metre from the meter. Corporation sewer mains;
connection, they must advise the customer safe for one of our representatives to cut in
Prior to making an application for a water Exercise caution when changing site levels;
that water use from a fire service for the sewer connection;
supply connection, the builders/plumber Verify the location of existing pipe work
purposes other than fire fighting is illegal. Construct the property connection into the
must ensure there is adequate space prior to construction or connection;
Fire services are subject to backflow property boundary;
between the property boundary and the Obtain separate approval where industrial
protection requirements (see Section 4). Provide as constructed information showing
building to install the necessary pipework to or commercial waste will be discharged; (see ins and ups. (Refer to Section 3.8 for
accommodate the spacing between the FCD Section 8); and further detail);
and the meter. Provide backflow prevention devices Show all boundary traps and other fittings;
for specified industrial and commercial and
developments (see Section 4). Ensure that the property connection
(junction) is greater than or equal to the
diameter of the internal property sewers
connection to it.
E-plans are extracts from Water Corporations 5.1 Water E-Plan 5.2 Sewer E-Plan The graphic for Lot 111 reflects the
mapping system that, among other things, The following water e-plan is intended as Some junctions in older areas (typically measurement which indicates it has been
show the location of sewer connection points. a guide. those prior to 1986) have not been brought brought in 1.3 metres and up 1.9 metres from
It is essential for all plumbers to be able to into properties or up to one metre below the sewer line. Common in older suburbs, the
interpret e-plans. ground level. Licensed plumbers must not sewer connection point may not be brought
rely on previous experience or the graphical into the property, and it is the licensed
When using e-plans there are limitations
representation of e-plans when locating sewer plumbers responsibility to correctly interpret
in how the information may be used. Users
connection points. the e-plan.
must not rely entirely on the plan. When
the information is critical, the pipe position The example below illustrates why it is Refer to Section 10.3 for direction on how to
must be physically confirmed prior to any necessary to accurately interpret e-plans. estimate depths to Water Corporation sewer
mechanical excavation or boring. While the connection for Lot 517 is shown pipes. The following sewer e-plan is intended
outside the property line, the dimensions as a guide:
show the connection point has been brought
in 2.7 metres and up 1.9 metres from the
sewer line.
|1.8
|1.7 |1.8
37.4 517 41.5
BOONA
5.7
2.47
111 14.3 111 12.7 U1.9 |1.8 36.2
U1.9 2.7 32.9 |1.8
|1.3
230VC
63.8
U1.9 |2.3
179
25.6
CT
CT
525 27.7
20
2.46
150VC
|1.8
525
144
12.8
31.2
14.5 16.2
100CI
12.6
109 10 10916.5 8.210 U1.9 |1.8 |1.8
2.25
5.3 |1.4 159VC
578
58 0VC 518
150AC
518 15
3.85
3.4
1.20
|1.8 |1.9 |1.9 134 150AC
3.79
4.0 150
4112 2.24
3.3 4112 |2.3 3.84 |1.8 132 3.59
.9
1.93 9
205CI 3.79 3.781
21
150P
42.7
WALANNA
3.85
3.0
.9
WALANNA
9
524
150
33 8.5
1.1
24
1370VC
.7 26.1
2.9
.9
100CI
13.9
3.94
14.1
33
23
3.9 16.6 U1.6
28.5
6
E0757 4111 E0757 28
300HDP
4111
10 (150) E
46 292
2-2 E0756 1.25 300HDPE
E0756 23 1.26 306
205CI
30 0
59.2
28
6.9
5.V
282
0.7 4.43
.
C
5
6.0
91.1
67 67
0.9
6
230VC
34184
2825
KILKENNY CI P.M
225VC
50DAV
100SC
100SC
205S-5
MH
RD
10992 37647
17696
WEST P.M
37647 MWA 05 G ROAD
5 MANNIN
3308
610S-6
E1066 E1066
E1066 E1066 163
CT
24.1
161
6.1 Water supply The diagram below illustrates how the 6.2 Sewerage The diagrams below illustrate correct sewer
Prior to the demolition of any building, the connection for a temporary standpipe Prior to the demolition of any building the disconnections.
landowner is required to apply to Water may be made. landowner is required to engage a licensed Note: For PVC pipes the seal must comprise
Corporation for the water service to be plumber to disconnect the building from the an approved cap glued to the pipe. For
disconnected (Water Service Act 2012 sewer main and ensure the sewer connection earthenware pipes the approved cap must be
Section 95). point is left sealed, compliant with the relevant cemented to the pipe.
plumbing standards. Refer to the Building
In cases where redevelopment is pending,
Commission website for more information.
the water meter may be left, subject to the
installation of a standpipe by a licensed
plumber, compliant with AS/NZS 3500:2003
Part 1. Where a landowner, builder or licensed Inspection shaft rising shaft
plumber chooses to leave the water meter on
ground level
site, they will be responsible for any damage
to the water service or water theft.
star picket
cut and seal
main sewer
DN 15 copper tube
square on back
copper tube
black nylon cable ground level
tied as required
760mm
200mm max
1500 - 1650mm
150mm min
hose connection
F.S.L square on back
vaccum breaker main sewer
20Fx15C
copper alloy conetite elbow
NOTE: for PVC pipes the seal must comprise an approved cap glued to the pipe.
For earthenware pipes the approved cap must be cemented to the pipe.
This section provides guidelines for 2. Property owners are responsible for the Detailed below is the process to be followed
customers and licensed plumbers relating cost of any CCTV requirements where the when plumbers become aware of a blockage
to maintenance responsibility for blockages CCTV is initiated by a licensed plumber. in a sewer connection, where it fits the
in property sewers. The sewer property circumstances outlined on (page 28):
Water Corporation will not reimburse licensed
connection is the pipe between the inspection
plumbers for clearing any blockage where it 1. Contact Water Corporations Service Faults
shaft and the junction on the Corporations
is found to be in the property connection, and and Emergency number on 13 13 75.
sewer main, shown as A and B on page 29.
will subsequently clear it from the inspection
2. Advise the customer service representative
The guidelines ensure that property owners shaft.
of the situation.
will not be responsible for excavation to
3. If Water Corporation determine that an
excessively deep sewers or for excavation 3. Obtain a work order number from the
excavation is required to repair the sewer
in another property. They apply to the customer service representative. Keep a
property connection, the Corporation will
inspection shaft (IS sewers), long sewerage record of the number.
assist the plumber when:
connections and jointly used main drains
(other than in strata schemes). 4. Invoice Water Corporation referencing the
the depth of the required excavation is 2.5
work order number.
metres or more; and/or
1. Property owners are responsible for the
excavation is required outside the property. 5. Water Corporation will pay the licensed
cost of clearing any blockage in their sewer
property connection, where the blockage plumber a standard fee, as agreed with
The diagram below illustrates the intent and
can be cleared from the inspection shaft. the plumbing industry. The fee is intended
interpretation of this application.
to cover travel costs and the onsite
assessment. Water Corporation expect
that no costs will be borne by the property
owner.
lot boundary
I.S
vacuum sewer
property sewer
gravity sewer
collection chamber
Trade waste or industrial waste is any Blockages and overflows impact the
Minimum pre-treatment required Examples of typical business
wastewater discharged from business other community and our ability to provide
than waste from office facilities or staff customers effective wastewater services. Cafes, restaurants, Function centres
amenities. Under the Water Services Act 2012, all Lunch bar, deli taverns/hotels
Installation of a
businesses involved in the retail food industry Takeaway shops quick service restaurants
If disposing trade waste into our wastewater Water Corporation
must obtain written permission in the form Fish and Chips catering establishments
system, business operators are legally accepted
of a trade waste permit before discharging Kebab shops food manufacturing
required to have a trade waste permit. If the grease arrestor
any waste into our wastewater system, and Butcher shops school canteens
wrong waste goes down the system, it could Bakeries
comply with all permit conditions including
cause serious harm to public health and the
the installation or upgrade of a grease Childcare centres Takeaway pizza only
environment.
arrestor. Installation of a Fish retail (No other type of food
8.1 Applying for a Trade Waste Permit Water Corporation (wet processing) prepared on site)
8.3 Grease arrestor and other pre-treatment
Complete a trade waste application form, accepted School canteen Donut shop
requirements (for the food industry)
along with any relevant supplement In-sink and floor (no cooking)
During the trade waste application strainer units Bakery (bread only,
forms and submit to Water Corporation
assessment process, our trade waste officers no pies or cakes)
with site hydraulic drawings (plumbing
assess if a grease arrestor is required based
design drawings) for assessment prior to
on the type of activities being undertaken. In
commencing any discharge of trade waste.
general, retail food businesses that prepare
See www.watercorporation.com.au for an Only pre-treatment devices, which are Note: Water Corporation has a minimum
and cook on site require a grease arrestor.
application and supplement forms. accepted for use by Water Corporation should grease arrestor size of 540 litres and a
The list below shows typical pre-treatment be installed and connected to the sewer. maximum size of up to 6000 litres. Although
8.2 Retail food industry For more information on pre-treatment larger sizes from 3000 to 6000 litres have
requirements for different types of retail food
(for all other industry type products visit: www.watercorporation.com.au/ been approved for individual use by Water
businesses.
requirements, see section 8.7) pretreatmentproducts Corporation, these are not approved to be
The grease and fat contained in wastewater used in series. Customers wishing to install
8.4 Sizing of grease arrestors
can accumulate both in your drains and our these larger grease arrestors should seek our
wastewater system, resulting in odorous The size of a grease arrestor is critical in approval before installation.
and toxic gases, corrosion, blockages and ensuring the wastewater discharged from
a greasy waste producer has the optimum Peak Flow Rates Method
wastewater overflows.
conditions for efficient suspended solids, oil Where the hourly peak wastewater flow rate
and grease removal. is known, this can be used as the Calculated
Grease Arrestor Size (see Recommended
Two methods can be used to determine the
Grease Arrestor Size table) to determine the
appropriate size of a grease arrestor. Both
recommended size.
are based on ensuring the wastewater has a
minimum retention time of one hour. Fixture Unit Rating Method
The grease arrestor size, in litres, is the sum
of the fixture unit ratings of all fixtures that
feed into the grease arrestor multiplied by 100
(see Fixture Rating table). Using the Peak Flow
Rates Method determine the recommended
grease arrestor.
Licensed plumbers need to be aware that 9.1 Isolation of internal lines Isolation of internal lines
issues affecting plumbing work may arise At the time of subdivision, internal water or
during the development of land. sewer lines may be isolated from the
A development of land includes: building they are servicing. The problem is
sewer main
amalgamation by subdivision of two or more severe if the sewer connection point
more lots; or the water meter is isolated, as illustrated
new internal B A
any green title or strata subdivision; and in the Isolation of internal lines diagram (on sewer line new lot 1
ine
page 25). er l
any building on a land parcel. al sew
tern
An example on the next page highlights g in
The main areas that plumbers should be stin
exi
aware of are: where a single lot was subdivided into two,
existing internal water and sewer lines extend
new boundary
internal sewer or water lines that extend into the new Lot 2. Prior to the subdivision
into another lot when a lot is subdivided; being finalised, it is necessary to provide a new lot 2
water meters located in a new lot separated new sewer connection point at B and realign
from an existing house; the sewer line going to A, so it is entirely
new internal
exi
sub meters that may be required on a within the new Lot 1 to a new connection s
wa ting
water line
ter in
multi-residential development or strata point at B. line terna
l
scheme. X
The water connection point at X would need water main
Plumbing should be rationalised for any to be relocated to Y and an additional meter
development, to minimise the number of provided for in the subdivision process.
meters and sewer connection points. This
makes the property easier to manage and
may reduce the annual service charges for
the land. 9.2 Strata schemes In order to do this the developer may choose
Through the strata subdivision process to install dormant plumbing (water and sewer)
Water Corporation will ensure that access and/or relocate any existing internal plumbing.
to our services is available at the boundary Dormant sewer or water lines are a section of
of the Strata Scheme in accordance with our internal plumbing laid in the ground for future
Operating Licence requirements and servicing connection of a building to the sewer or water
standards. The developer is responsible for mains. Dormant lines may be laid during the
ensuring that all lots proposed under the development of the strata to avoid the need
Strata Scheme have adequate access to these for strata neighbours to intrude upon each
services, and that any existing plumbing is other to install the lines after the scheme is
adequately protected. established.
Refer to the Plumbing Licencing Boards
Technical notes on Survey Strata Lots for
further information on strata schemes.
Finished
Ground Level
26 Water Corporation Building and Plumbing Handbook 27
30cm 10-15cm above GL
10 Buildings
10.1 Proposals to construct, demolish or Builders and licensed plumbers working for
alter buildings Land Developers should also consider the
Overall space required for reading
and replacement of meter is 700mm Any person proposing to build, demolish or following points.
alter any building or construction activity in 1. That our water and wastewater services
an area served by a Water Corporation water are adequate for the proposed building or
Customer or sewer main must obtain approval and development. In some circumstances, it
Water Corporation Responsibility Responsibility pay the prescribed application fees prior to will be necessary to extend or enlarge the
commencing construction (This is a legislative existing network and connections to the
Approximate face to face length: 300mm requirement under section 82(1) of the Water property.
80mm to
Rotate valve Services Act).
2. Wherever possible, all survey levels provided
60mm to
Water Corporation provides guidance for should be in Australian Height Datum (AHD)
Tail Tail
Rotate elbow single residential and some other building as it assists in ensuring the building can be
(40mm Long) (40mm Long) types. Builders must refer to our Residential adequately served by the sewer, and makes
Meter Guidelines for Designers document to assist the design of piling easier. This is particularly
with the self-assessment of design prior to important where the ground level has been
lodgement of an application. altered.
Water Flow The self-assessment allows you to identify 3. Builders are responsible for establishing the
the requirements to protect our sewer assets location of sewer connection points prior
Finished from the effects of building and construction to starting any works. In the event that the
Ground Level
activities. It is intended to maintain adequate connection point cannot serve the proposed
access to Water Corporation sewer assets building, or it is not located in the correct
whilst assisting the protection of your position, the builder will be responsible
proposed works from any future damage. for any additional works necessary. This is
The Residential Guidelines for Designers can particularly important in the redevelopment
only be applied to the following building or of lots in older suburbs.
construction activities within the prescribed 4. In some circumstances, the builder
Installing meters below ground level proximity of our sewer mains: may need to have the location of Water
in a box Single residential buildings Corporations pipe work confirmed by
Currently only one meter box has been Single Storey Addition/Alteration to existing survey.
assessed by Water Corporation as acceptable: residential buildings 5. Licensed plumbers are required by law
Below ground swimming pools, spas or to apply to Water Corporation prior to
METER BOX MMR 21099, Service Box,
tanks connecting a property to the sewer mains.
Meter, Supplier Stockbrands Co Pty Ltd,
Sheds On some occasions this application is
53 Edward St, Osborne Park, WA 6017.
Retaining walls. made by the builder, however if in doubt
D1200 METER BOXES are not acceptable.
For any other building and construction licensed plumbers are advised to contact the
activities not listed above, you will need to Corporation on 13 13 95.
refer to our Protection of Services Manual
(Guidelines for Designers).
6. Licensed plumbing contractors are required To eliminate any potential risk caused by
to submit a drainage plumbing diagram underground directional drilling activities
when they are the responsible person for into private, local government or Water
drainage plumbing work that involves Corporation sewers and drains, its important
the installation, alteration or extension of to refer to Western Power for more
drainage plumbing. Refer to the Building information:
Commission Drainage Plumbing Diagram
www.westernpower.com.au/safety-access/
homepage for further information.
working-near-our-network/
10.2 Sewer Main Alignments
Licensed plumbers must exercise caution
Information on Sewer Main Alignments can when clearing blockages in or near sewer lines
be found in the Residential Guidelines for particularly in the front verge. The safety of
Designers document. plumbers is at risk if cutting tools are used to
Please refer to our full Guidelines for Designers clear the blockage that is potentially caused by
manual for guidance to protect Water live electrical cables.
Corporations water, sewer and drainage Warning Licensed plumbers:
Power companies and their electrical
services, and requirements for access to those contractors are required to take all prescribed Mechanical devices and high pressure
services, where building and/or construction precautions to prevent the cross boring of cutters can cut into a cable, presenting
activities are carried out in their proximity. electrical cables into sewers, drains and other a serious electric shock or electrocution.
pipes and conduits. However, Western Power Never attempt to clear a blockage unless
If you require assistance please contact
advises that live cables can often penetrate you are absolutely certain that a power
us on 13 13 95 or email building.services@
drainage pipes, storm water pipes, sewer cable is not the cause.
watercorporation.com.au
mains and sewer connections to properties. Do not make assumptions about the
For more information please refer to the installation or location of underground
Western Power website. power cables.
Before commencing work, determine if 12.1 SewerSmart Plumbers installing flow regulators and all other water
property in the vicinity of a blockage is Partnering with metropolitan plumbing efficient plumbing products.
connected to underground power. If you are companies, the SewerSmart program works Water Corporation encourage customers
unsure, the following may indicate that an under a Memorandum of Understanding in to utilise the services offered by endorsed
underground power cable may have caused accrediting SewerSmart Plumbers, who are Waterwise Plumbers, with their contact details
the blockage. available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 listed on our website.
What to look for at the property days a year to answer and attend customer
calls in relation to sewer blockages. As 90% of The Waterwise Plumbers program has become
Is there a green dome on the property an integral component of the Enviro West
calls to Water Corporation for sewer blockages
boundary? plumber training and endorsement program
are found to be the customers responsibility,
Is there an underground pit within the facilitated by the Master Plumber & Gasfitters
the process aids customer satisfaction.
property or on the verge? Association.
Are there any signs of recent excavations? SewerSmart Plumbers undertake an
Does the property have overhead or accreditation course in understanding and 12.3 Backflow Smart Testers Program
underground power from the street to the reading sewer plans; have access to our The Backflow Smart Testers Program allows
building? mapping system, providing quicker and easier plumbing businesses with accredited backflow
access to internal sewer connections, and are testers who register and agree to submit test
What to look for in the street
given a fast-tracked reimbursement in relation reports through our web application.
Is the area serviced by underground power to SewerSmart call outs.
to either multiple or single properties? To be eligible for the Backflow Smart
Are there poles with cables attached that To obtain SewerSmart Plumber details Testers Program, all of your certified
run from the top of the pole to the ground? contact 13 13 75 or visit our website on: backflow testers must also be separately
Is there a green cabinet displaying a danger www.watercorporation.com.au/faults/sewer- registered to submit test report forms
warning sign? blockage-or-overflow online, visit www.watercorporation.com.au/
Are there any signs of recent excavations? backflowsmartsignup.
12.2 Waterwise Plumbers
Tools and equipment Water Corporation has had a rewarding The program advantages are:
Consider the use of alternative blockage association with the plumbing industry
Registered testers will have their business
cleaning tools, such as lower pressure jet- through the Waterwise Plumbers program,
details listed on our website, and will be
washers. CCTV technology can also be used developed in 2003.
identifiable to our customers, who may
to positively identify the cause of blockages. Water Corporation offer a training course, choose to engage a Backflow Smart Tester
hosted by the Master Plumber and Gasfitters to undertake work on their behalf.
Association, for plumbers who wish to join Customers will have access to an online
the program. The training covers all activities search tool for backflow testing companies
Assistance with locating underground power related to water efficiency and plumbing. in their area.
Western Power on 13 13 51 Water Corporation backflow test reminder
Training includes: and compliance letters will refer customers
https://westernpower.com.au/
domestic water auditing; to the Backflow Smart Testers Program.
Horizon Power on 13 23 51 installing and plumbing of domestic
https://horizonpower.com.au/ rainwater tanks;
installing grey water systems;
installing hot water circulation pumps and
systems; and
The Legal References table describes some of 14.1 Fire Service configurations for backflow protection
the responsibilities plumbers have under the
following water legislation:
Explanation of notes to backflow boundary protection diagrams
Water Services Act 2012
Water Services Regulations 2013 Note 1 All backflow prevention devices internal to the property boundary or downstream
of a Water Corporation service (metered or otherwise that shall be located just
These requirements recognise the licensed
within a property boundary) must comply according to the following plumbing
plumbers role in protecting water and
standards: AS/NZS 3500.1:2003, AS/NZS 2845.1:1998, AS 2845.2:1996 and AS
sewerage infrastructure and ensure that the
2845.3:1993.
interests of all customers are protected.
Note 2(a) A suitably rated backflow prevention device must be installed at the boundary
based upon the maximum level of backflow risk assigned to the Customers
property.
Note 2(b) If the water service is <=25 mm in size and the customers property is rated as a
LOW form of backflow risk then Water Corporations water service meter shall
provide the necessary level of low backflow protection as the service meter has an
integral dual check valve as part of its design.
Note 2(c) If the water service is >25 mm in size and the customers property is rated as a
LOW form of backflow risk then a low rated form of backflow prevention must be
installed, as a minimum, downstream of the service meter.
Note 2(d) Where testable mechanical valve type backflow prevention devices are
installed, the isolation valve upstream of the line strainer and the isolation valve
immediately after the device must be resilient seated.
Note 2(e) Where flow rate and/or pressure does not allow the use of a mechanical valve
type backflow prevention device then refer to note 3.
Note 3 An Air Gap (AG) / Break Tank (BT) provides a low level form of backflow prevention
protection. A Registered Air Gap (RAG) / Registered Break Tank (RBT) provides a
high level form of backflow prevention protection and is commonly used as an
alternative form of low / medium or high level of backflow prevention protection
in scenarios where flow rate and / or pressure becomes a possible operational
issue to a customer and / or DFES (Department of Fire and Emergency Services).
Note 4 Except with Water Corporations written authority, no branch or fitting shall
be connected to a private service pipe within a distance of one meter on the
consumers side of our stop-cock or water meter.
as close to the
Water
Water Faults, emergencies and security 13 13 75
as close to the Corporation
boundary
boundary
as practically
as practically
Corporation
meter 24 Hours
possible no branch meter
possible no branch
connections permitted
connections permitted double check AG/BT backflow
at this zone double check AG/BT backflow
at this zone detector
detector no branch connections prevention
prevention Building services and subdivision enquiries 13 13 95
assembly nopermitted
branch connections
at this zone
assembly
permitted at this zone 8am 5pm weekdays
flow flow
flow flow
size to be size to be
size to be
determined size to be
determined
isolation valve isolation valve
determined
by customer isolation valve determined
by customer isolation valve
or equivalent or equivalent
by customer
requirements or equivalent by customer
requirements or equivalent
requirements requirements
Water Water
Water
Corporation Water
Corporation
Corporation
meter Corporation
meter
meter meter
mechanical valve AG/BT backflow
no branch mechanical valve no branch AG/BT backflow
no branch assembly appropriate no branch prevention
connections assembly appropriate connections prevention
connections to the risk level connections (note 2 and 3)
permitted in this to the risk level permitted in this (note 2 and 3)
permitted
zonein this 4) permitted
(note zonein this 4)
(note
zone (note 4) zone (note 4)
flow flow
flow flow