A backflow prevention assembly helps protect a drinking-water supply from water flowing the wrong way through a connection. If you own or manage a property with a testable assembly, you may need a test report for an installation, replacement, or an applicable local requirement.
Not every home has the same equipment or testing obligation. The assembly type, connected equipment, permit conditions, and current City requirements matter. Check the paperwork for your property before assuming a particular schedule applies.
What does backflow mean?
Water normally moves from the supply into your plumbing system. A cross-connection can create a route for non-potable water to flow back toward the drinking-water supply if pressure conditions change. A correctly selected, installed, and maintained prevention assembly is one way to reduce that risk.
Examples of connected equipment that may need protection depend on the installation and its hazard classification. A qualified professional can identify the assembly and explain why it was installed.
When might a Coquitlam test report be needed?
The City of Coquitlam provides a Backflow Prevention Assembly Test Report for both commercial and residential properties. Its form has fields for a new installation, an existing assembly, or a replacement, along with the assembly type, serial number, test results, and tester certification number. The City also lists backflow test reports among minor documents that can be sent to its Plumbing Permits office.
Those documents show how a report is recorded; they do not mean every property has the same test frequency. If a permit, notice, strata record, or maintenance contract specifies testing, follow that requirement. If you are unsure, ask the City's Plumbing Permits team or a qualified tester to confirm what applies to your assembly.
What information should you gather before booking?
- The property's address and a contact person who can provide access.
- The assembly's location and any make, model, or serial number you can read safely.
- The last test report, permit number, or notice requesting a new report.
- Any known leaks, repairs, replacements, or access restrictions.
Do not operate or remove the assembly yourself to find its details. A tester needs safe access to the installed equipment and enough information to complete the correct report.
What happens if an assembly fails?
A failed test is a finding that needs follow-up, not proof that the drinking water is currently contaminated. The tester should explain the result, any required repair or replacement, and whether a retest and updated report are needed. The next step depends on the assembly and the applicable authority's requirements.
For Hippo's related service, see backflow assembly installation and service. If you manage a commercial property, our commercial plumbing page explains the broader support available.
Arrange the right next step
If you have a City notice, permit condition, or failed report, share it when you contact Hippo so we can confirm the scope and whether the appropriate certified tester is available. Contact our team or call (604) 365-0812.
Sources: City of Coquitlam test report and Plumbing Permits guidance.