Backflow Testing Requirements
Backflow is water that flows backwards into Sydney Water pipes after your property has used it. This water potentially can carry contaminants that can harm people’s health. Backflow prevention devices such as an RPZ valve are used to protect water quality. Sydney Water require backflow devices to be registered and maintained.
We can help with the following
- Periodic Test Reports
- Contaminant Testing
- Sydney Water Test Lodgments
- Carry out Repairs & Maintenance
Need to arrange a backflow test
Give us a call and speak directly with our accredited licensed plumber. We will arrange a suitable time to attend and undertake contaminate testing of your backflow device.
All drinking and recycled water connections must have backflow containment protection. This reduces the backflow hazard your property might pose to Sydney’s water supply. It is the responsibility of property owners to ensure their property has the correct backflow prevention device on their water service.
There exists a backflow prevention device in both 20 and 25 mm meters which generally
satisfies backflow protection requirement and are fitted to properties with a low cross-connection hazard rating such as most stand-alone homes.
Owners of commercial or industrial properties and all other properties with an on-site process must get have an accredited backflow plumber assess the cross-connection hazard rating of the property. If you don’t do this, Sydney Water will automatically classify it as ‘high hazard’.
Property owners who are required to install backflow prevention devices that are not part of a supplied water meter, must obtain and test the devices in line with AS/NZS 3500. This work must be done by an accredited backflow plumber. Backflow boys are both accredited and licensed.
Backflow testing must occur as required by Sydney Water and in accordance with requirements AS/NZS 3500. If you do not comply with this request, Sydney Water may disconnect your water supply or organise a plumber and charge the services directly to you.
As the property owner, you are responsible for all services beyond the water meter. All private water and wastewater service starts at the point of main connection. You are required to maintain all private equipment including backflow prevention devices that aren’t part of the water meter.
Only licensed plumbers with backflow prevention accreditation issued by a registered training organisation (backflow plumbers) can inspect, commission and test medium and high hazard backflow devices.
Once backflow devices have been installed, only backflow plumbers can test them. Once a test has been done, backflow plumbers must submit the test report using Sydney Water online lodgement system.
Backflow test reports are submitted by the accredited plumber. There is no requirement for the property owner to submit this report themselves and is part of the service.
