Are You Meeting Your Building Compliance Responsibilities When It Comes to Plumbing?

Managing a building certainly comes with its fair share of challenges; from addressing tenant grievances to juggling OC committee meetings, and not to mention the never-ending pursuit of reliable tradespeople. The burden doesn’t end here; meticulous maintenance planning and meeting your compliance requirements are pivotal. 

Countless plumbing components in your buildings can impact your occupant’s safety and risk your compliance. From the drinking water, keeping your gyms and commercial facilities running, drainage for building integrity to the hot water that keeps your occupants happy, the thought of staying on top of your plumbing compliance alone is enough to cause a headache.

If you manage or own property, especially in the Melbourne area, take a look at the list below to help you understand your plumbing compliance responsibilities.

Water Supply & Quality

• The quality of your water supply should be high, especially when it concerns drinking water. There are health and safety standards regarding water quality and they’re there to protect you and your occupants.
• Over time, filters can degrade or become clogged. You or your plumber need to stay on top of regular inspection and replacement of your filters.
• Backflow prevention devices safeguard the community’s drinking water by stopping water in your building from syphoning back into the water supply. You need to ensure they’re functioning correctly and tested by a licensed plumber annually.
• Any product that comes into contact with drinking water (including fixtures, valves, pipes and fittings) must also be approved and have a WaterMark Certification.
• By regularly maintaining and replacing flexi-hoses within your building, you are not only protecting the safety and integrity of your property, but you are also reducing the risk of needing to make claims associated with flexi-hose failures, which can positively impact your insurance premiums in the long term.

Sanitary Drainage Systems

• The last scenario any building manager wants to find themselves in is grappling with a sewage leak in the garage or, worse, witnessing it back up into the property. Such situations are more than just an inconvenience; they pose serious health risks and can quickly escalate into costly repairs. To sidestep such nightmares, it’s imperative to remain within compliance, free from any blockages, leaks, or other potentially disastrous defects.

Stormwater Drainage Systems

• Given Melbourne’s four-seasons-in-a-day weather, staying proactive with the condition of your stormwater drainage systems, including rainwater tanks, reduces the chance of the system becoming non-compliant.

Roofing

• All gutters require ongoing maintenance. Box gutters require more regular maintenance due to sumps or rainheads having a tendency to become blocked by rubbish, leaves, sporting equipment, etc.
• Depending on the roof area the building may require harness points to be installed. In addition, the harness points should be tested and certified on a 12-month basis.

Reducing fire hazard risk

• Fire safety can’t be compromised. Ensure fire hose reels, hydrants, and related systems meet all required standards and regulations, especially in large and complex structures like high-rises.
• A routine inspection of the flue system to ensure they provide adequate ventilation and there is not a build up of flammable material.

Gas Services

• Gas installations, whether for heating, cooking, or BBQ areas, need to adhere to stringent safety standards.
• A routine inspection of these installations can alert you to any potential leaks or defects.

Hot Water Services

• Hot water systems must be appropriately installed and maintained.
• There are very specific heated water temperature control provisions that are considered a matter of
  public health and must be complied with.

Public Toilets and Facilities

• Comply with the Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings) Standards 2010 to ensure accessibility for everyone.
• Thermostatic mixing valves (TMV) – are designed specifically for use by high-risk persons such as children or the elderly. They are often installed in public toilets and BBQs, disabled toilets and BBQ areas. They must be tested annually and the service kit replaced every 5 years by a licensed plumber who has TMV registration.
• Regular maintenance is crucial to prevent health hazards.

Commercial Tenancies

• Depending on their business type, each commercial tenant might have distinct plumbing requirements. Regular checks ensure everyone is on the same page.

Gas Appliances

• Make sure your heater or any gas appliances are safe. They must be serviced at least once every two years by a specialised plumber called a gasfitter. The gasfitter doing the servicing work must be registered or licensed in the specialised class of Type A appliance servicing. As part of servicing your gas appliance, the gasfitter will test for carbon monoxide spillage and negative pressure – two key risks for CO poisoning.

Gym Facilities

• Ensure plumbing facilities, such as showers and toilets, in gym areas meet the necessary hygiene standards.
• If you have a pool or use hazardous chemicals – do you have an eye-wash stand? Eye-wash stands must be inspected annually.

Maintenance and Compliance Records

• Establishing a Maintenance plan and keeping a detailed record of plumbing tasks can be invaluable. Not only does it help in staying compliant, but it can also be a reference point in case of disputes or future issues.
• Obtaining and keeping compliance certificates. Compliance Certificates certify that any plumbing work complies with the plumbing regulations and that the products and materials used are fit for purpose (and they are WaterMark certified if required). A compliance certificate is also required for all work on below-ground sanitary drains, gas appliances, gas piping and cooling tower works.

Licences and Permits

• Only engage with licensed plumbing professionals. Additionally, depending on the work type and extent, you might need specific permits.

Regular Inspections

• Periodic inspections can preemptively identify and rectify potential plumbing problems. This proactive approach ensures systems function optimally and in line with local regulations.

To sum it up, building compliance is a multifaceted responsibility and a job in itself. It’s always best to stay informed and consult local authorities like the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) and engage licensed plumbers who are well-versed with Melbourne’s specific regulations. Butler Plumbing takes all the stress and worry from building managers maintaining their plumbing Building Compliance Responsibilities. We provide the Butler Plumbing experience you know and trust to maintain your compliance long-term.

Safeguard your building’s integrity while keeping costs low and minimising risks by partnering with a plumbing maintenance company that values your time and budget just as much as you do

If you need support, before committing to a service, get in touch with us to discuss the specifics of your building and unique requirements together.