Commercial ยท Cross-connection
Backflow Assembly Testing
A backflow preventer keeps building water from flowing back into the city main. Many GTA municipalities require them on commercial services and expect them tested every year.
- Work scheduled around opening hours
- Branch or riser isolated, rest of the building kept running
- Camera footage and written notes for your file
- One phone number for every site you manage
Diagnosis first, tested after
- Licensed & insured: ask us
- Camera before cutting
- Water-tested repairs
- Booked by phone
Why municipalities ask for it
If pressure in the city main drops during a water-main break or heavy hydrant use, water inside a building can be pulled backwards. Boilers, irrigation, carbonators and chemical feeds can then contaminate public supply. Cross-connection control programs in Toronto, Peel, York and other GTA municipalities set rules on which buildings need preventers and how they are tested; check the current requirements for your address.
- Restaurants with soda systems or coffee equipment
- Buildings with boilers or chemical treatment
- Irrigation and fire sprinkler connections
- Medical, dental and lab spaces
- Any premises named in a notice from the municipality
What the annual test involves
- Arrange a shutdown window; water is off for a short time while the assembly is tested.
- Connect a calibrated test kit to the test cocks on the assembly.
- Check each check valve and relief valve holds or opens at the right differential.
- Repair or rebuild if a check is fouled or a relief valve spits.
- File the results on the form your municipality accepts.
What is included
- Testing of double check, reduced pressure and pressure vacuum breaker assemblies
- Rebuild kits, springs, discs and seats replaced on failed assemblies
- New preventer installation where a survey calls for one
- Records left with the owner or property manager
Signs an assembly needs attention
- A reduced pressure assembly spitting or dribbling out of its relief port
- A test overdue on your municipal notice
- Low pressure in the building after a recent install
Our commercial process
- Phone triage. Site, floor, what is backing up and whether you are open.
- Access arranged. Keys, fobs, tenant notice or a quiet window.
- Isolate and fix. Only the affected branch or riser shut down.
- Record and report. Footage and notes for the owner or manager.
Common questions
What is the test interval for a backflow assembly?
Most GTA programs require at least an annual test, plus a test after installation or repair. Confirm the schedule with your municipality, since requirements can change.
Will the water be off during the test?
Briefly. We plan the test with you so the shutdown falls at a quiet time.