Annual Backflow Prevention Testing Melbourne
Does your property have a testable backflow prevention device?
If so, annual testing is an important part of maintaining the device and protecting Melbourne’s drinking water supply.
Better Plumbing Solutions provides annual backflow prevention device testing across Melbourne, servicing residential, commercial, industrial and multi-residential properties.
We can assist with backflow testing, servicing, repairs, replacement, compliance reporting and water authority lodgements.
Better Plumbing Solutions is also a member of the Backflow Prevention Association of Australia (BPAA).
What Is Backflow Prevention?
Backflow occurs when water flows in the wrong direction and potentially allows contaminated water from a property to enter the drinking water supply.
Changes in water pressure can create conditions where water from a property is drawn back towards the water supply network.
Backflow prevention devices are designed to help prevent this from happening.
They are particularly important where a property or business has processes, equipment or plumbing fixtures that could present a potential contamination risk.
Why Does Backflow Testing Need to Be Done Annually?
Backflow prevention devices contain components that need to operate correctly.
Regular testing helps confirm that a testable device is functioning as intended and can identify faults, worn components or other issues that may require attention.
Water authorities have requirements for the testing and reporting of backflow prevention devices.
For example, Yarra Valley Water requires testable backflow prevention devices installed at the water meter to be tested every 12 months, with the results submitted to the water corporation.
South East Water states that devices at medium- and high-risk properties need to be tested at least annually by a licensed plumber endorsed for backflow prevention testing.
Greater Western Water also requires annual testing of applicable devices by a licensed plumber and requires the completed inspection and maintenance form to be submitted within 14 days of testing.
Requirements can depend on the property, hazard level, device and water authority, so it is important to confirm the requirements that apply to your property.
Which Melbourne Water Authority Services Your Property?
The water corporation responsible for your property depends on its location.
Better Plumbing Solutions can assist with backflow testing and associated compliance requirements for properties within areas serviced by:
Yarra Valley Water
Yarra Valley Water requires applicable testable backflow prevention devices to be tested every 12 months and the results submitted to Yarra Valley Water.
South East Water
South East Water requires applicable devices at medium- and high-risk properties to be tested at least annually by a licensed plumber endorsed for backflow prevention testing.
Greater Western Water
Greater Western Water requires applicable backflow prevention devices to be tested annually, with the inspection and maintenance documentation submitted following testing.
If you’re unsure which water authority applies to your property, we can help identify the relevant requirements as part of the backflow testing process.
What Happens During Annual Backflow Testing?
Annual backflow testing involves more than simply looking at the device.
A qualified backflow prevention plumber will carry out the appropriate testing procedure for the type of device installed and record the results.
Depending on the device and property, the process may include:
- Inspecting the backflow prevention device
- Checking the condition of the device
- Testing the device’s operation
- Identifying faults or worn components
- Recording test results
- Completing required documentation
- Advising of any repairs required
- Retesting following repairs where required
- Assisting with water authority lodgements
Victorian plumbing regulations recognise backflow prevention work as including the repair, alteration, maintenance, testing and commissioning of applicable testable backflow prevention devices.
What Happens If a Backflow Device Fails?
If your backflow prevention device fails its annual test, it doesn’t necessarily mean the entire device needs to be replaced.
Depending on the type and condition of the device, repairs or servicing may be possible.
Better Plumbing Solutions can inspect the device and determine whether it can be repaired or whether replacement is more appropriate.
After repairs, the device can be retested to confirm that it is operating correctly.
For applicable properties, South East Water, Yarra Valley Water and Greater Western Water have requirements relating to maintaining and reporting on backflow prevention devices.
Backflow Testing for Businesses
Backflow prevention is particularly important for many commercial and industrial properties because of the potential hazards associated with their plumbing systems and business activities.
Better Plumbing Solutions provides backflow testing for:
- Commercial buildings
- Factories
- Warehouses
- Restaurants and cafés
- Hotels and hospitality venues
- Medical centres
- Schools
- Childcare centres
- Shopping centres
- Industrial facilities
- Apartment complexes
- Property management portfolios
- Other commercial premises
If you manage multiple properties, we can also help establish a regular annual testing schedule so your backflow devices don’t get forgotten.
Backflow Testing Across Melbourne
Better Plumbing Solutions provides annual backflow prevention testing throughout Melbourne, including Melbourne’s south-east, eastern suburbs and surrounding areas.
Our service areas include:
Berwick
Pakenham
Narre Warren
Clyde North
Officer
Beaconsfield
Cranbourne
Dandenong
Hallam
Hampton Park
Rowville
Wantirna
Wantirna South
Glen Waverley
Wheelers Hill
Knoxfield
Scoresby
Ferntree Gully
Boronia
Bayswater
Ringwood
Ringwood East
Croydon
Mooroolbark
Lilydale
Emerald
Montrose
Box Hill
Burwood
Mount Waverley
and surrounding Melbourne suburbs.
BPAA Member – Backflow Prevention Services
Better Plumbing Solutions is a member of the Backflow Prevention Association of Australia (BPAA).
The BPAA provides information and resources relating to backflow prevention and lists licensed accredited backflow plumbers. The BPAA also states that applicable backflow prevention devices should be tested annually by a licensed accredited backflow plumber.
When arranging your annual backflow testing, it’s important to use a plumber with the appropriate backflow prevention qualifications and accreditation for the work required.
Don’t Wait Until Your Backflow Test Is Overdue
If your annual backflow test is due, arranging it early can help avoid last-minute compliance issues.
Better Plumbing Solutions can assist with:
✔ Annual backflow prevention testing
✔ Backflow device inspections
✔ Backflow repairs
✔ Backflow device replacement
✔ Retesting following repairs
✔ Compliance documentation
✔ Water authority lodgements
✔ Commercial and industrial backflow testing
✔ Scheduled annual testing programs
Need Annual Backflow Testing in Melbourne?
Better Plumbing Solutions provides professional backflow prevention device testing across Melbourne, including Berwick, Emerald, Rowville, Ringwood and surrounding suburbs.
We work with residential, commercial and industrial properties and can assist with the testing and compliance process associated with Yarra Valley Water, South East Water and Greater Western Water.
Call Better Plumbing Solutions on 0468 582 686
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does a backflow prevention device need to be tested?
Applicable testable backflow prevention devices generally require annual testing, although the exact requirements depend on the property, device and relevant water authority. Yarra Valley Water, South East Water and Greater Western Water all have annual testing requirements for applicable devices.
Who can test a backflow prevention device?
Backflow prevention testing must be carried out by a suitably licensed and qualified plumber with the appropriate backflow prevention accreditation for the work. Victorian requirements specifically recognise backflow prevention testing as specialised plumbing work.
What happens if my backflow device fails?
The device should be inspected to determine why it failed. In some cases, servicing or replacement of components may resolve the issue. Once repairs have been completed, the device can be retested.
Does every property need annual backflow testing?
Not necessarily. Requirements depend on the property’s hazard level, plumbing arrangements and the type of backflow prevention device installed. Your water authority can have specific requirements for applicable properties.
Do businesses need backflow prevention testing?
Many commercial and industrial properties have backflow prevention requirements because their activities or plumbing systems can present a higher potential hazard. The applicable requirements depend on the property and its assessed risk.
Do you provide water authority lodgements?
Yes. Better Plumbing Solutions can assist with the required backflow testing documentation and water authority lodgements associated with Yarra Valley Water, South East Water and Greater Western Water, where applicable.
What areas do you service?
Better Plumbing Solutions provides backflow testing across Melbourne, including Berwick, Pakenham, Narre Warren, Clyde North, Officer, Beaconsfield, Dandenong, Rowville, Wantirna, Glen Waverley, Ringwood, Croydon, Emerald and surrounding suburbs.
Is Better Plumbing Solutions a BPAA member?
Yes. Better Plumbing Solutions is a member of the Backflow Prevention Association of Australia (BPAA)