Survey-Strata Lots

Provision of reflux valves and inspection shafts for survey-strata lot schemes.

2) For survey-strata lot schemes or multi-unit sites with three or more residential buildings: a) They must comply with AS/NZS 3500.2:2018, section 14, multi-unit developments. In this case there is a requirement to install an inspection shaft, overflow relief gully and open upstream vent for each building. If a reflux valve is necessary for any building in the development and one has already been installed adjacent to the inspection shaft at the connection point to the main sewer, no additional reflux valves are required (see Diagram 2).

Requirements for the location of any required reflux valves and inspection shafts for survey-strata lot schemes may vary according to the number of dwellings in the development. The requirements for the installation of reflux valves and inspection shafts on two lot survey-strata schemes, those with three or more individual lots and multi-unit developments, are as follows:

1) For survey-strata schemes with two individual lots: a) Where there is only one inspection shaft at or near the point of connection to the main sewer, and either building requires additional protection against sewerage surcharge, the reflux valve must be placed adjacent to that inspection shaft. b) Alternatively, an additional inspection shaft may be installed at or near the boundary of either lot with the reflux valve, if required, placed adjacent to the additional inspection shaft (see Diagram 1). Diagram 2

b) If a reflux valve is not provided on the inspection shaft at or near the point of connection to the main sewer, reflux valves can be installed adjacent to the inspection shafts serving individual buildings as required (see

Diagram 3).

Diagram 3

The licensed plumbing contractor responsible for the installation/connection of the fixtures within each building must ensure that the necessary overflow relief gully and reflux valve requirements for those fixtures are met. Article supplied by the Building and Energy Division of DMIRS.

Survey-Strata Lots

New standards for survey-strata plumbing services.

Do you provide plumbing services to survey-strata lots?

The Building and Energy Division of the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS) wants to remind everyone in the plumbing and building industries about new requirements for these services, including standards added to the Plumbing Regulations in 2020. A two-pronged approach – with new rules for plumbers and developers – is the result of close liaison between Building and Energy, the WA Planning Commission, Water Corporation, Landgate and the plumbing industry.

New rules for plumbers

Licensed plumbing contractors engaged to install plumbing services on land proposed to be subdivided by a survey-strata scheme must:

• install a suitable sanitary drainage service line and connection point to each and every lot on the scheme – this includes the provision of a service line and connection point from a main sewer junction, in cases where an additional junction has been cut-in for a survey-strata lot • when required, install a suitable water supply service and connection point to individual lots that do not have direct services or multi-metering arrangements with the water services provider • carry out the work in accordance with the plumbing standards, including “Part 6A: Plumbing standards for plumbing and plumbing work on subdivided land”, which was recently added to the Plumbing Regulatiuons • provide a certificate of compliance to the Plumbers

Licensing Board and a copy to the owner/developer • for sanitary drainage services, provide a drainage plumbing diagram to the Plumbers Licensing Board and a copy to the owner/developer. For front/rear two lot survey-strata schemes only, direct servicing or a service connection point for the rear lot may be located on a common property driveway.

New rules for developers

The new rules for plumbers follow new rules for developers that commenced in 2019.

sanitary drainage service line and connection point to each lot. If water services are required, the developer must arrange for a water services provider (in most instances, the Water Corporation) to either install infrastructure or provide direct services or multimetering to each lot. Alternatively, they need to engage a licensed plumber to install water supply services to lots on the scheme that are not serviced through these arrangements.

Why the new rules?

The new rules are part of a regulatory solution to issues created by the Water Services Act (2012). A result of implementing the Act was that the responsibilities of the water services provider (Water Corporation) in relation to the provision of services to strata subdivisions did not extend beyond providing a connection point at the boundary of the strata scheme. More detail is available in Industry Bulletin 125 and a technical note, issued in August 2020, titled ‘Services to survey-strata lots’. Both documents are available at Building and Energy’s website (dmirs.wa.gov.au/building-and-energy). You can also get assistance by calling the plumbing technical advice line on 1300 360 897.

John Quinn Hall of Fame recognition 2021

The highly respected and much-loved John Quinn was inducted into our Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding contribution, commitment and dedication to the plumbing industry over many years. The induction was a highlight of the awards presentation and it is fitting that so many people who know John were present to witness this well-deserved honour.

Rheem continues Supercars sponsorship

Five continuous years of support for Shell V-Power Racing Team

The Shell V-Power Racing Team (the current branding of the historic Dick Johnson Racing team) are the reigning champions of the Repco Supercars Championship. The team’s long-time partner Rheem is supporting them for a fifth continuous year in 2021.

Rheem has been the trusted name in hot water in Australia for more than 80 years. It’s a brand with a reputation for quality and reliability.

Ryan Story, Chairman and CEO of Dick Johnson Racing, has acknowledged the continued support of Rheem, which has backed the team since 2017. Ryan said, “We’re delighted that the Rheem brand will remain on our iconic Shell V-Power Racing Ford Mustangs.”

Rheem CEO Chris Taylor said, “Rheem is very proud to be a part of the Shell V-Power Racing Team success story and looks forward to another exciting year of racing.”

“Rheem has a fantastic partnership with Dick, Ryan and the race team both on and off the track. We’ve enjoyed being part of three Drivers and Teams Championship wins and want to build on those achievements.”

He added, “Rheem is number one in hot water in Australia, and the Shell V-Power Racing Team is number one on the racetrack. We expect this success to continue in the future.”