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Backflow Prevention — Reliable Services in Toronto & the GTA
Preventing backflow is important for maintaining the safety of your drinking water and preventing contamination of your property. Our team helps homeowners and businesses meet Ontario’s by-law requirements and maintain a reliable, compliant water system.
Why Backflow Prevention Matters for Every Property
When water moves in the wrong way within your plumbing system, it can cause backflow, which pushes tainted water in the direction of the municipal drinking water system. This can happen due to back pressure, back siphonage, or a sudden drop in water pressure, and it puts your drinking water supply at risk.
A proper backflow prevention device blocks hazards from entering your potable water systems. Cross-connection control and backflow prevention requirements of Ontario mandate that you maintain, test, and install permitted devices to safeguard the municipal water distribution system, regardless of whether you own a residential property, commercial structure, or institutional facility. Implementing a backflow prevention program is one of the most important actions a property owner can take to prevent contamination and keep their plumbing system safe.
How Our Backflow Prevention Service Works
We follow a structured, straightforward process to test, install, and maintain backflow preventers for all types of buildings. Our goal is to make compliance easy, efficient, and worry-free.
1️⃣ Contact us
Reach out for a consultation, and our certified cross-connection control specialist will review your water supply system, cross-connection risks, and the type of backflow prevention assemblies required for your property.
2️⃣ Agree on time
We schedule your service at a convenient time. Testing, installations, and repairs are handled by a qualified person trained under Ontario Water Works Association (OWWA) standards.
3️⃣ Enjoy the result
Once we test backflow, install new devices, or upgrade existing backflow prevention devices and assemblies, you get a safe drinking water system, full compliance with program requirements, and documented test results.
Contact Our Team Today
If you need to test backflow preventers, install a new device, or update your building’s cross-connection control program, we’re ready to help. Our certified testers provide fast, accurate, and fully compliant results.
Why Homeowners and Businesses Choose Absolute Draining & Plumbing
We offer professional, reliable service backed by two decades of experience in Toronto’s plumbing and water service industry.
20+ years experience
Our technicians have handled thousands of backflow incidents, inspections, device installations, and cross connection control surveys across Ontario. We guarantee the safety and protection of your plumbing system with our expertise and experience.
Flat-rate pricing
No inflated hourly rates, no surprise fees—this means that you know the total cost before we begin the project. This transparent approach helps you budget confidently and avoid unexpected expenses.
25-year warranty
We stand behind the quality of our work on major drain and plumbing installations, including approved backflow prevention systems where applicable. Our long-term warranty gives you peace of mind and assurance that your investment is well-protected.
Free consultation
Our team explains what type of cross-connection your building has, what device you need, and how to stay compliant—at no cost. We help you understand your options clearly so you can make informed decisions without pressure.
Benefits of Working With Our Backflow Specialists
We help protect potable water, meet local by-law requirements, and keep your plumbing system safe. Our specialists ensure every device is installed and tested to the highest industry standards.
1️⃣ Lowest price guarantee
If you bring us a written quote from another certified tester, we’ll beat it by 10%. This assurance guarantees that you will get the best possible service at the most affordable price.
2️⃣ Price per job (not hourly)
Testing, repairs, maintenance, and replacements are billed as a flat amount—no long hourly charges. You get clear, predictable pricing without worrying about extended labour times.
3️⃣ Plumbing rebate assistance
We guide you through the process of upgrading your backflow protection devices if your municipality offers rebates. To ensure you get every dollar to which you are entitled, our staff helps you navigate the paperwork.
4️⃣ 10% seniors discount
Eligible residential property owners receive a discount on qualifying services. We provide affordable, accessible support for seniors who need reliable plumbing solutions.
Serving Toronto & The GTA
We provide backflow prevention testing, installation, and maintenance across Toronto, Etobicoke, North York, Mississauga, and the rest of the GTA.
Recent Backflow Prevention Work & Water Safety Projects
Take a look at completed backflow preventer installations, reduced-pressure principle assembly upgrades, DCVA system repairs, and annual testing results performed across the Greater Toronto Area. These real-world examples show how our certified team protects water systems and prevents contamination for homes and businesses.
What Property Owners Say About Our Work
Here’s what Toronto residents and commercial property owners say about our reliability, professionalism, and quality of service. Our commitment to safe drinking water and compliant installations has earned us long-term trust in the community.
Complete Water Safety & Plumbing Solutions
Complete Water Safety & Plumbing Solutions
Our 24-hour emergency plumbing staff is available to help when you need it most. Our emergency plumbers arrive quickly to handle major leaks, burst pipes, and other urgent issues—trust our emergency team to prevent costly water damage to your home.
Our skilled plumbers serve commercial properties, including offices, restaurants, and retail spaces. Business owners trust us for everything from plumbing installation to emergency repairs, with dependable service that keeps their operations running smoothly.
Say goodbye to clogged drains and recurring blockages. Our qualified plumbers use high-pressure hydro-jetting and advanced camera inspections for effective drain cleaning—perfect for any type of plumbing system in both residential and commercial properties.
Our specialty is time-saving, mess-free, no-dig drain repair technology. Our professional plumbers provide long-lasting results whether you’re dealing with a collapsed drain or a fractured pipe. For your peace of mind, repairs are covered by a 25-year warranty.
Protect your basement from sewage backups with a professionally installed backwater valve. Our plumber team handles everything, including obtaining necessary permits and rebate support. It’s one of the smartest upgrades for your home’s plumbing system.
If your home or business suffered from a plumbing leak or flood, we can help. Our plumbing team provides complete water damage restoration, from cleanup to repairs. We act fast to prevent further damage and mould growth.
Plumbing Tips and Homeowner Guides
Expert information on preserving clean drinking water, avoiding contamination, and comprehending backflow laws will keep you informed. Discover how to safeguard your house or structure using the most recent developments in the field.
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Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs help property owners understand how backflow prevention works and what is required under Ontario rules and municipal by-laws.
What is backflow, and why does it occur?
Backflow occurs when water flows in the opposite direction due to a sudden pressure change in your private plumbing system. This reverse flow, also known as backflow, can pull non-drinking water or contaminant sources into clean lines. A check valve or other approved device helps prevent backflow from entering your potable water.
Backflow occurs when back pressure or back siphonage pushes non-potable water into the wrong pipes. Without a form of backflow prevention, a building becomes vulnerable to infiltration from connected systems like boilers or irrigation. Proper premise isolation at the water meter helps keep the municipal water system protected.
Many fire protection systems, irrigation, and mechanical equipment create potential backflow risks. These setups can disrupt the plumbing balance and force contaminated fluids into safe lines. That’s why required backflow prevention devices must be installed by law to protect homes and businesses.
Do I need a backflow preventer on my residential property?
Most institutional and residential properties with pools, boilers, or a sprinkler system need an appropriate backflow device. These fixtures create direct connections between clean and non-drinking water sources. Installing the proper device ensures you meet the requirements for backflow prevention in your municipality.
Properties are evaluated through a cross connection control program to determine hazards. This review identifies the required backflow prevention devices that must be installed for premise isolation. A certified cross connection control specialist can clarify the exact device needed.
Some municipalities require a building permit before installing a new backflow prevention assembly. This helps ensure it meets code and matches the property’s risk classification. Whether residential, commercial or institutional, the correct device protects both your home and the wider municipal water system.
How often do backflow prevention devices need testing?
Most municipalities require the testing of backflow prevention devices annually. This ensures the device testing process confirms the valves still function properly. If issues appear, the technician will repair the backflow devices to continue protecting water quality.
A certified tester or fire system sprinkler fitter handles the official maintenance and testing procedures. They check the double check valve assembly, RP assembly, and other devices for performance issues. This ensures your property stays compliant with the cross connection control program.
After testing, an online test report form must be submitted to the municipality. This test report documents the results and confirms the device’s status for your management system. Failing to submit the report may lead to penalties or re-inspection.
What type of device do I need for my building?
Moderate-risk properties typically require a double check valve assembly. This double-check device protects against non-potable water entering the system. Higher hazards require an RP assembly to prevent backflow in more severe scenarios.
Buildings with irrigation, mechanical equipment, or fire suppression system setups may need stronger protection. These systems often require a specialized form of backflow prevention based on hazard level. A professional engineer can help classify the risk properly.
The correct device depends on your private plumbing system, hazard rating, and municipal rules. A certified cross-connection control specialist will assess your cross-connections and recommend the right assembly. This ensures your premise isolation meets code and keeps contaminants out of the municipal water system.
Who is legally allowed to test or install backflow prevention devices?
Only a qualified person, such as a certified tester, licensed plumber, or fire system sprinkler fitter, can install or test backflow devices. These professionals understand how to safely work with double check valve assembly units and RP assemblies. Hiring a qualified person ensures full compliance with Ontario’s requirements.
A professional engineer may be required to oversee installations in complex commercial and institutional buildings. They ensure devices match the hazard classification and satisfy building permit requirements. Their role supports long-term water safety and proper management system documentation.
Professionals performing device testing must follow municipal rules and submit the online test report form. This keeps your property compliant under the cross connection control program. Working with approved experts ensures your required backflow prevention devices are installed and tested correctly.
Protect Your Drinking Water With Certified Backflow Prevention Services
Backflow prevention is necessary to maintain the safety of your water supply and to comply with Ontario's legal standards. To arrange testing, install a new device, or update your cross-connection control program, get in touch with Absolute Draining & Plumbing right now. Our top focus is providing you with clean drinking water.