Insights by a certified plumber at Water Softener Edmonton.
Water Softener Edmonton’s licensed professionals specialize in code-compliant water treatment installations and annual backflow testing throughout Edmonton and surrounding areas. This article is intended for general educational purposes and should not replace on-site professional advice.
As someone who’s installed hundreds of systems across the city, I can tell you this firsthand: choosing the right water softener is only half the job; installing it to code is what really protects your home (and the city’s water supply).
In Edmonton, every installation must follow the plumbing code for water softeners to prevent contamination and backflow. It’s not just good practice, it’s the law. Ignoring it can lead to costly penalties or even water service suspension.
Here’s what every homeowner should know about the plumbing code of water softeners in Edmonton, based on both provincial regulations and what we see on the job every day at Water Softener Edmonton.
Why Plumbing Codes Matter
A water softener discharges water during its regeneration cycle. If the drain line is connected improperly, that water, often containing salt and minerals, can flow back into your home’s plumbing or even the public water supply.
That reverse flow, known as backflow, is exactly what plumbing codes are designed to prevent. In Edmonton, a system installed without a proper air gap or backflow prevention device is considered non-compliant and can put both your home and the city at risk.
As installers, we’ve seen everything from improperly connected drain hoses to homeowners unknowingly tying their softener drains into vent stacks, all clear violations of the code.
Cross-Connection Control in Edmonton
EPCOR oversees the city’s Cross Connection Control Program, which ensures all water connections meet local and national standards. The goal is simple: stop contaminants from ever reaching Edmonton’s potable water system.
This program enforces key standards such as:
- The National Plumbing Code of Canada
- CSA B64.10 (which governs backflow preventer testing and certification)
- Alberta Building and Plumbing Codes
Under this program, both EPCOR and homeowners have defined responsibilities, and both sides are accountable.
Responsibilities of EPCOR and Homeowners
As an installer, I always explain this part clearly during consultations:
EPCOR’s Role
- Keeps a record of all backflow prevention assemblies in Edmonton.
- Conducts random audits and requests annual testing results.
- May suspend water service if test results aren’t submitted or if devices fail inspection.
Homeowner’s Role
- Must install and maintain approved backflow prevention devices wherever private plumbing connects to public lines.
- Must test devices annually through a certified backflow tester and submit results within five business days.
- If a device fails, it must be repaired or replaced promptly.
Ignoring these rules can result in water service disconnection, something we’ve unfortunately seen happen.
Air Gap Requirements: The Foundation of Compliance
If there’s one rule every Edmonton homeowner should know, it’s this: Every water softener drain line must include an air gap.
An air gap is a small but critical open space between the end of your discharge pipe and the flood-level rim of your drain or sink. It ensures wastewater can’t flow back into the softener or drinking water supply.
Here’s how we apply it in the field:
- The vertical distance between the end of the discharge pipe and the drain must be at least twice the diameter of the pipe and no less than one inch.
- The drain line should discharge into an approved receptor such as a laundry sink, floor sink, or standpipe. never directly into a sewer or vent stack.
- Band-on fittings or drilled vent stacks are illegal and unsafe.
When we install systems at Water Softener Edmonton, our plumbers always size and position the air gap correctly to meet both the National Plumbing Code and EPCOR’s guidelines.
Backflow Prevention Assemblies
In some properties, especially multi-unit buildings or commercial spaces, an air gap alone isn’t enough. In these cases, Edmonton’s plumbing code requires a backflow prevention assembly, such as:
- Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly (RP)
- Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA)
These are mechanical devices installed on the water line to physically stop reverse flow. Edmonton’s code mandates that these be tested every year by a certified backflow tester, and test results must be reported to EPCOR.
Common Installation Mistakes We See (and Fix)
Here are the most frequent violations we’ve come across when servicing systems across Edmonton:
- Drain hose directly into a floor drain or vent pipe – violates air gap requirements and risks contamination.
- Solution: Always discharge through an air gap into an approved receptor.
- Unapproved fittings or saddle taps – drilling into vent stacks or using cheap connectors is prohibited.
- Solution: Use code-approved fittings and proper standpipes.
- Improper discharge locations – installing drains in concealed spaces or toilet rooms violates the plumbing code.
- Solution: Discharge into a visible, accessible drain (like a laundry sink).
- Skipping annual testing – backflow prevention assemblies must be inspected yearly by certified professionals.
- Solution: Schedule your test with a certified plumber or through Water Softener Edmonton’s service team.
Summary of Key Code Requirements
| Requirement | Regulation | Purpose |
| Air Gap | Alberta & National Plumbing Code | Must be ≥2× pipe diameter and ≥1 inch to prevent backflow. |
| No Direct Drain Connections | Provincial Plumbing Code | Drain lines cannot connect directly to the sewer or vent stacks. |
| Backflow Prevention Assemblies | CSA B64.10 / EPCOR | Required for high-hazard premises; must be tested annually. |
| Customer Responsibilities | EPCOR Cross Connection Control | Homeowners must install, maintain, and test devices at their own cost. |
| Annual Testing | EPCOR & City Bylaw | Results must be submitted within five days, or service may be suspended. |
Why It’s Worth Doing Right
A properly installed softener protects your family’s drinking water, your plumbing system, and the city’s infrastructure. We’ve seen homes damaged by backflow incidents that could’ve been prevented with a simple air gap or a tested valve.
When you hire a professional from Water Softener Edmonton, you’re getting someone who understands both the technical and legal requirements, because we work within them every day.
Expert Help from Water Softener Edmonton
If you’re planning to install or replace a water softener, don’t risk a code violation. Our licensed plumbers are trained in plumbing code, water softeners Edmonton compliance, and can ensure your system meets every requirement.
We handle everything, from proper air gap installation to annual backflow testing, and provide clear documentation for EPCOR compliance.
Schedule your free consultation to ensure your water softener installation meets Edmonton’s plumbing codes.
We’ll inspect your setup, test your water hardness, and help you choose a compliant system that performs perfectly for years.
For more insights:
- Read our Navigating Water Softening in Edmonton guide for system types and setup advice.
Explore Solutions for Rural and Well Water in Edmonton to see how code compliance differs for private wells.
