Backflow Prevention Testing in Hornsby & Northern Sydney
Backflow occurs when water flows backward through your plumbing system, potentially drawing contaminated water, chemicals, or industrial waste into the clean municipal water supply. To protect public health, Sydney Water requires commercial and industrial properties to install and maintain backflow prevention containment devices.
O'Brien Plumbing Hornsby provides fully accredited backflow prevention testing, installation, and maintenance across the Upper North Shore and Hills District. Our specially endorsed plumbers ensure your property complies with all Sydney Water regulations and Australian Standards (AS/NZS 3500.1). For a complete compliance package, see our commercial plumbing maintenance services.
Our Backflow Prevention Services
- Annual Backflow Testing: Mandatory annual testing of all testable backflow prevention devices (RPZ valves, double check valves) using calibrated testing equipment.
- Sydney Water Reporting: We handle all the paperwork, submitting your compliance test reports directly to Sydney Water via their online portal.
- Installation & Upgrades: Expert assessment of your property’s hazard rating and installation of the correct backflow prevention devices for new commercial builds or renovations.
- Repairs & Valve Replacement: Rapid repair or replacement of failing valves to restore compliance and protect the water supply.
Who Needs Backflow Prevention?
Backflow prevention devices are typically required for properties with a medium to high hazard rating. This includes:
- Restaurants and commercial kitchens
- Medical centres, hospitals, and dental surgeries
- Car washes and mechanic workshops
- Industrial manufacturing facilities
- Properties with alternative water supplies (rainwater tanks, bore water)
- Properties with underground irrigation systems or swimming pools
Healthcare and aged care facilities will typically require both backflow testing and annual TMV testing for full compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often must backflow devices be tested?
Sydney Water requires all testable backflow prevention containment devices to be tested annually by a fully licensed and accredited backflow plumber. Failure to test can result in fines or disconnection of your water supply.
Do you submit the report to Sydney Water?
Yes. Once the test is successfully completed, our accredited plumbers submit the Backflow Prevention Test Report directly to Sydney Water on your behalf, ensuring your compliance is officially recorded.
What happens if my backflow valve fails the test?
If a device fails the annual test, it must be repaired or replaced immediately. Our plumbers carry common replacement parts and can often repair the valve on the spot, re-test it, and issue the compliance certificate without requiring a second visit.
Schedule Your Backflow Test
Don’t risk fines or water disconnection. For accredited backflow testing in Hornsby, Pennant Hills, Castle Hill, and surrounding suburbs, call O'Brien Plumbing Hornsby on (02) 9477 1519 or explore our full commercial maintenance program.
