
What is Backflow Testing?
CATEGORIES
- Blog
- 22 - 07 - 2024
- By Jude Saad

Every house requires clean water for drinking purposes, preparing food, bathing, and so on. However, contaminants can infiltrate your water system through backflow and cause health hazards.
Backflow prevention testing requires you to inspect your backflow devices, potentially making sure they are plumbed to function. Usually, these devices are designed to reverse the flow of contaminated water into the clean water supply, such as in the occurrence of a water pressure drop or any miscalculation in the plumbing system.
Call us today on 0412 056 027 so that your drinking water supply is free from any pollutants and other impurities caused by backflow.
Understanding Backflow and What It Means
Backflow occurs when polluted water has reversed in flow and moved into clean water lines. Any cross-connection between clean and dirty water lines can be the point at which this occurs, usually formed by large pressure changes within the water pipes—like from a burst main water system.
Backflow is a condition that results from an undesired flow in a water distribution system. The flow reverses the usual direction and allows contaminants into the water meant for drinking.
This might allow an unwanted reversal of water flow throughout the system, endangering the health of any property occupants attached to the same plumbing network for the water supply system.
Harmful elements such as faecal matter, chemicals, and other compounds penetrating your water system can risk your and your loved one’s health.
A backflow inspection will show that the devices are functioning properly to protect the water system in your area.
While testing for backflow, our knowledgeable and licensed plumber turns off the valve that supplies water to the system.
After a few minutes, he checks the pressure with a specialised backflow device to ensure that it is at the correct pressure and that the equipment functions properly.
Testing, inspecting, and commissioning of backflow prevention devices shall be done by a properly currently licensed and certified plumber in backflow prevention. Test reports will be forwarded to Sydney Water (or the appropriate water authority or municipality) on your behalf by our backflow plumber.
Contact us at Link Plumbing or call us directly at 0412 056 027 and our professional backflow plumbers will check your home for any backflow issues.
How Often Does Backflow Testing Need to be Done?
AS/NZS 3500.1:2018 requires the annual testing of devices for backflow prevention under health regulations. Failure to be current with the backflow tests will result in fines and the main water supply to the residence or business being turned off.
Laws have been passed that provide for a $5,000 and $500 per day penalty for violations of requirements related to the need to install a backflow prevention device.
Testing is recommended to be scheduled in advance. Test backflow prevention devices stop backflow siphonage using either a one-way valve, an air gap, or a break tank.
Building construction sites, emergency sprinkler or fire fighting systems, swimming pools, industrial plants, and restaurants with grease traps are instances or conditions that require the installation of a backflow preventer.
How to Process for Backflow Testing?
Backflow prevention testing includes an appropriate backflow prevention device at the boundary of every water service connection to any property, including fire services.
The backflow testing process involves a few steps to ensure the backflow prevention devices are working correctly and comply with the regulations the concerned local authorities have established.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to process the backflow testing:
1. Determine Backflow Prevention Devices
Locate and determine the kind of backflow prevention equipment placed across your plumbing network. Instances of setups designed for this function include a double-check valve setup, a reduced pressure zone setup, and a pressure vacuum breaker.
2. Schedule a Certified Tester
Contact our certified backflow tester to schedule a visit to your premises. Call us at 0412 056 027 and have your water supply checked for any backflows.
3. Test Preparation
Building tenants or occupants will get notified of water shut-off during the testing period. They need to provide unobstructed access for the tester to the backflow prevention devices
4. Conducting the Test
We will test for visible damage or leakage from the device. The water supply shall be turned off to isolate the device, and we’ll connect it to a backflow prevention device.
We’ll conduct pressure and functional testing to identify if it bears accurate pressure, prevents backflow, and ensures the device functions properly.
5. Record and Report Results
Our backflow plumber documents the test results, outcomes, issues, or failures. He will submit backflow test reports about the findings, mostly sent to local authorities as required by regulations.
6. Addressing the Issues
Describe broken parts or any other replacement that may be needed. Planned and carried out maintenance/repairs where necessary.
7. Retesting
The device may have to undergo re-testing after repairs to ensure it works correctly.
8. Documentation and Compliance
Make a copy of the test results and repair documentation for your records. Forward copies of the reports that must be kept on file with the local health or water authorities as appropriate.
9. Set a Reminder for the Next Test
Backflow testing is generally required annually but may vary based on your local authority. Schedule a reminder for the next due test to ensure continued adherence to the requirement.
Why Choose Us as Your Backflow Plumbers?
Link Plumbing is one of the most reputed companies in the plumbing industry. It has been offering exceptional, quality plumbing services and solutions to the backflow prevention field. Our highly qualified plumbers perform yearly inspections and certification of devices for the prevention of backflow.
We follow all guidelines prescribed by the Department of Health and Sydney Water. Our backflow plumbers are well-experienced in making all the required repairs and replacement works for the existing backflow prevention systems and efficiently installing new devices.
For any problems regarding backflow, let Link Plumbing do the job for you. Call us today at 0412 056 027. We assist you 24 hours a day.
FAQs
1. Why is backflow testing required?
This is mandated by occupational health and safety legislation. If there is no measure to prevent it, the contaminated water will be allowed to flow back to your potable supply, posing a great health risk.
Test backflow prevention devices should be tested at the initial installation, after any repair or relocation, or at least annually. Higher-risk systems may require quarterly testing.
2. What is the recommended frequency for checking backflow devices?
Annual testing of backflow devices is required, and your licensed plumber should submit test results to the municipal water authority or other water authority that governs your jurisdiction.
3. How does one test a backflow device?
The test itself would see a licensed plumber opening and closing some valves to ensure that everything is okay and conduct a backflow test report. After the plumber completes the backflow prevention device inspection and maintenance report, the report shall be submitted to the relevant water authority.
4. Is it possible to remove a backflow device to avoid having to repeat this process annually?
You would no longer be required to pay for yearly maintenance on the device upon its removal. Remember, backflow prevention devices are a safeguard that prevents contamination of the city’s water system.
You shall be responsible for installing and maintaining an effective backflow prevention device as long as the hazard exists. As long as that risk exists, a device is required to be in place and operational.
5. What if I do not test my devices?
Protecting the city’s water supply includes backflow preventer inspections. This ensures that individual plumbing does not allow potential contaminants into the system. If the compliance period has passed and these inspections are done after, contamination issues and health hazards could very well occur along with fines by the authorities.
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