Why do I have to test my backflow device every year and lodge it with Sydney Water?
If you've received a reminder to test your backflow prevention device, or a plumber has mentioned one at your property, you may wonder why it needs doing every single year. The short answer: it protects the drinking water for you and everyone else on the network, and Sydney Water requires testable devices to be checked annually and the results lodged with them. Here's what that means for homeowners.
What backflow is
Backflow is water flowing the wrong way, from your property back into the drinking water main. It can happen when mains pressure drops, for example during a main break, and anything connected to your pipes, such as a garden hose in a pond, a pool, an irrigation system or an underground tank, can be drawn back into the supply. A backflow prevention device is a valve that only lets water flow one way.
Do homes need them?
Most homes
Standard 20 mm and 25 mm water meters have a built-in dual check valve, so most homes need nothing extra.
Homes that may need a testable device
Properties with higher-risk connections, such as some below-ground tanks, alternative water supplies, larger meters or certain irrigation and pool setups.
Fixture-level protection
Garden taps, bidet sprays and similar fittings have their own small backflow devices. See bidets and garden taps.
Why every year?
- Backflow devices have springs, seals and valves that wear or get jammed with grit, and they can fail without any sign.
- Sydney Water requires testable backflow devices to be tested every 12 months, and after any work on the water service.
- Only licensed plumbers who are backflow accredited can test them.
- The plumber lodges the test report with Sydney Water online and gives you a copy. Lodging the result is how Sydney Water knows the device is working.
How we help
We're accredited to test backflow devices. We test your device, service or repair it if it fails, lodge the report with Sydney Water and give you a copy, and we can remind you when the next test is due. You get a fixed price before any work starts. See backflow testing.
Why locals call us
- Local to Matraville and the southern Eastern Suburbs
- Free on-site quotes, with a fixed price before any work starts
- Lifetime labour warranty on our workmanship
- 100+ five-star Google reviews
- Licensed plumbers and gasfitters (Lic. 398171C)
Common questions
Why does my backflow device need testing every year?
Sydney Water requires testable devices to be tested every 12 months, because their parts wear and can fail without warning.
Who lodges the backflow test with Sydney Water?
The accredited plumber who tests it lodges the report online and gives you a copy.
Do all homes need a backflow device?
Most homes with standard meters already have a built-in dual check valve. Testable devices are needed where there's a higher-risk connection.
What happens if my backflow device fails the test?
It needs servicing or replacing, then retesting, before the passed result is lodged.
Related help: backflow testing, TMV testing, garden taps and rainwater tanks. Local pages: Matraville, Maroubra, Botany and Pagewood. Browse all our plumbing guides.