Backflow prevention probably isn’t something you think about every day, but it plays a major role in keeping your drinking water safe and clean. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or run a business, backflow protection is not just important, it’s legally required in many cases.
What Is Backflow—and Why Is It a Problem?
Backflow happens when water flows the wrong way through your pipes. Instead of clean water heading into your taps, contaminated water from things like garden hoses, irrigation systems, or commercial equipment can flow back into the mains supply. This can happen if there’s a sudden drop in water pressure, such as during a pipe burst or when firefighters use a hydrant nearby.
The result? Dangerous cross-contamination that can pose serious health risks.
How Backflow Prevention Devices Work
To stop this from happening, plumbers install backflow prevention devices at key points in your plumbing system, especially where there’s a risk of contaminants entering the water supply. These valves act like a one-way gate, letting water flow in, but not back out.
Common types of backflow prevention devices include:
- RPZ valves (Reduced Pressure Zone)
- Double-check valves
- Air gaps
The right device depends on your property type, usage, and risk level.
Who Needs Backflow Prevention?
Certain properties are required by law to have backflow prevention systems installed and tested annually by a licensed plumber. These include:
- Commercial buildings
- Industrial sites
- Apartment blocks
- Cafés and restaurants
- Medical centres
- Schools and childcare centres
- Homes with irrigation systems or rainwater tanks connected to mains
If you’re unsure whether your property needs a device, or if it’s time for your annual test, our team can assess and advise you.
Our Backflow Services
At Collis Bros Plumbing, we provide full-service backflow protection in Sydney, including:
- Backflow prevention installation
- Annual testing and certification
- Repairs and replacements
- Compliance reporting to local water authorities
We’re fully licensed and registered to issue backflow test reports, which are required by most councils and water boards.
Time for Your Annual Backflow Test?
If it’s been over a year since your last test, or you’re not sure when it was done, give us a call. We’ll inspect your system, carry out certified testing, and lodge the report with your local water provider.