Home Island toilet hoses pose health risk

Issue Date: - Tuesday, 2 February 2010

Home Island properties, where flexible hoses have been fitted to toilets by unlicensed plumbers, must be modified to make them safe. That’s according to the Government of Western Australia’s Plumbers Licensing Board.

Inspections at Shire of Cocos (Keeling) Islands properties in 2009 found numerous douche sprays had been installed without backflow prevention devices. These devices prevent contamination of the communities’ water supply. Contaminated water poses a serious health risk, for example the spread of disease stemming from those who drink or bathe in it.

It has been law since 2004 for every licensed plumbing contractor to register the details of each job undertaken, to confirm that it complies with Australian regulations and safety standards. This includes submitting paperwork every time a backflow prevention device is fitted.

Plumbers Licensing Board records show no notification relating to the installation of the toilet hoses which were discovered during inspections on Home Island. This notification process ensures that property owners are sent reminders by the Water Corporation, advising of the need for an annual inspection of the toilet hose by a licensed plumber. During this annual inspection, the plumber makes sure that the hose is working correctly and does not pose a water contamination risk.

Tenants and lessees of Shire-owned houses on Home Island are advised by the Plumbers Licensing Board and the Building Commission to follow these recommendations:

Seek permission from the Shire for any alterations or improvements.
Only allow a licensed plumber to install toilet hoses.
Ensure existing hoses have been fitted correctly by seeking expert advice from a licensed plumber.
If an existing douche spray does not have a backflow device arrange for installation of one by a licensed plumber.
Only allow licensed plumbers to carry out repairs to toilet hoses.

Peter Gow, Executive Director of the Building Commission, said: “The installation of toilet hoses by non-licensed plumbers not only puts the tenants of the home at risk, it also jeopardises the health of the whole community.”

You can find more information about the Plumbers Licensing Board online at: www.plumbers.wa.gov.au The Shire of Cocos (Keeling) Island website address is: www.shire.cc/

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Media Contact:
Alina Cavanagh 9282 0679 or 0423-846397 alina.cavanagh@commerce.wa.gov.au