Why the test matters
A water main break or a hydrant being flushed can drop street pressure and siphon dirty water from your piping toward the public supply. A backflow preventer stops that. The Region of Peel has required owners of many industrial, commercial and institutional properties to install these devices and have them tested by a certified tester, generally once a year. Ask the Region which rules apply at your address.
Devices we test
- Reduced pressure principle assemblies (RP)
- Double check valve assemblies (DCVA)
- Pressure vacuum breakers on irrigation systems
- Premise isolation devices on the main service
- Zone devices on boilers, chillers and process equipment
What happens on test day
- We let the building know the water will drop for a short window.
- Test cocks are opened and the gauge kit connected.
- Each check valve and the relief valve are tested against their required pressure differential.
- Results are recorded with the device serial and location.
- Water is restored and the device is tagged.
When a device fails
- Rubber kits and springs replaced, then retested
- Seized test cocks and shut-offs swapped
- Whole assembly replaced when the body is damaged
- Drain and air gap below RP devices corrected
Brampton properties we see
Industrial units around the airport lands often have process water and boilers behind a premise device. Plazas with restaurants and car washes need protection on specific lines. Many newer buildings also have devices on fire sprinkler connections. If you are not sure what your building has, we can survey the service and list every device before the first test.
Asked at the shop counter
How long does a backflow test take?
A single assembly usually takes well under an hour, including the water shutdown.
Do you send the report to the Region?
We prepare the test report and can help submit it. Ask us how your property files it when you call.
Questions about this job? Call (365) 413-9125 and talk to a plumber.