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Residential plumbing · Backflow prevention
Backflow Prevention Sydney
Need help with backflow prevention? EKORP services Sydney's south. Call to discuss the property, the work and current availability.
Where’s the job?
Backflow prevention is the part of plumbing nobody thinks about until the water runs brown. When mains pressure drops or property-side pressure rises, water can reverse direction and pull whatever is connected to your plumbing, irrigation water, pool water, chemicals, back towards your taps.
Requirements can vary by property and authority. We will help you confirm what applies before work begins. Every tester holds a NSW licence with the backflow endorsement, every test runs on calibrated gauges, and every pass ends with a compliance certificate for Sydney Water.
What backflow is and why it matters
Backflow happens when water in your plumbing reverses direction and draws contaminated water back towards the drinking supply. It takes nothing exotic to trigger it: a burst main up the street, Sydney Water working on the network nearby, or a pump pushing property-side pressure above the mains.
The consequences run from an odd taste at the tap to a genuine public health incident, which is why NSW law requires approved devices on any connection with a real contamination risk.
- Pressure drops that siphon water backwards through open connections
- Back-pressure from pumped or boosted systems
- Burst water mains dropping network pressure in seconds
- Firefighting draw causing sharp local pressure swings
Testing, installation and repairs, one call
Annual testing is the core of it. We isolate the device, connect calibrated differential pressure gauges to the test cocks, confirm every valve seals as designed, and issue the compliance certificate on the spot. The test itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes per device.
New installations start with a hazard assessment, because the device class is set by the contamination risk of the connection, not the size of the property. Failed devices are usually repaired the same visit from parts on the van.
- Reduced pressure zone (RPZ) valves for high-hazard connections
- Double check valves for irrigation, fire hose reels and cooling systems
- Pressure vacuum breakers to stop irrigation back-siphonage
- Atmospheric vacuum breakers for low-hazard outlets
- Dual check valves at residential boundaries
What the law requires in NSW
Requirements can vary by property and authority. We will help you confirm what applies before work begins. Sydney Water requires devices on properties with a medium or high risk of contamination entering the public supply: mains-connected irrigation, fire sprinklers, pools with mains top-up, commercial equipment.
Most devices must then be tested every year by a licensed plumber holding the backflow endorsement, with the report lodged with the water authority. The property owner is responsible for keeping devices working and tested on time. We track the schedule so you never miss a cycle.
What backflow testing costs
Testing is charged per device rather than per property, so a site with four devices costs roughly four times a site with one. We inspect the job and confirm the price before work begins.
Call us to explain what is happening. We will confirm availability and any callout charge before booking.
Call 02 8667 5354Contact us →What to expect
What to expect from our backflow prevention service.
We inspect the problem, explain the options and confirm the price before work begins.
We check the plumbing and identify what is causing the issue before recommending work.
You get a clear explanation of the available repairs and what each option involves.
We provide the price before work begins and speak with you before changing the agreed scope.
“From booking to completion, everything ran smoothly. The work was carried out efficiently, problems were identified and handled on the spot, and the end result was exactly what we hoped for. Clean finish, clear communication, and fair pricing. Wouldn’t hesitate to use again.”
“Emilio was prompt and professional. He quickly assessed the issue with our hot water system and had Nik come and fix it in no time. We highly recommend for anyone needing any plumbing assistance!”
“EKORP stepped in immediately with no fuss. Within less than an hour, they’d contacted my real estate agent and had a plumber (Nick) show up at my door. What could have been very stressful was made smooth and easy.”
“Quick response and turn around. Completed the job as per description and left the area tidy.”
“We had some water pressure issues. The young fellow who came around was polite, courteous and knew exactly what we needed and proceeded to fix the problem with no fuss at all.”
“If we need a plumber we call Emilio! Friendly and polite plumbers. Good work done ASAP, usually with a follow up call.”
“Great communication, fast service and Emilio was lovely to deal with and got the job done. Thanks guys!”
“The EKORP plumbing team are highly professional and prompt in their communications. … Polite, friendly service, answered questions appropriately.”
Questions
Common questions about backflow prevention.
Here are clear answers to common questions. Call us if you need help with something else.
What is backflow prevention and why is it important?
Backflow prevention involves installing approved devices in your plumbing system that physically stop contaminated water from reversing direction and entering your clean drinking water supply. Without these devices, a drop in mains pressure or a rise in property-side pressure can draw whatever is connected to your system, including irrigation water, chemicals or pool water, back into the supply line. That contamination can reach your taps and, in some situations, spread further into the public network. Backflow prevention is required by law for many connection types in NSW precisely because the risk to public health is real.
How often should backflow testing be performed?
For most installed backflow prevention devices, annual testing is a mandatory requirement under Sydney Water's guidelines and NSW plumbing regulations. The exact frequency can vary depending on the device class and the hazard level of the connection, but annual as a minimum is the standard for RPZD, DCV and DCDA devices. Some high-hazard industrial installations may require more frequent testing. After each test, a signed certificate must be submitted to the relevant water authority.
What happens during a backflow testing appointment?
Our certified plumber isolates the backflow device and connects calibrated differential pressure test equipment to the test cocks on the device. We check that each valve opens and closes correctly, measure the pressure differential across the device to confirm it meets the required minimum, and verify that any relief valves operate as designed. Emergency arrival times depend on location, traffic and plumber availability. We will give you an estimated arrival window when you call. You receive a signed test report at the end, which you can submit to Sydney Water or retain for council compliance.
What are the costs involved with backflow testing and repairs?
We provide upfront pricing before any work begins, so there are clear pricing. Annual testing costs vary by device type, location and access difficulty. Repairs depend on what part has failed and the brand of device. We carry parts for the most common brands on our service vans, which keeps repair costs down by avoiding return visits. If a device is beyond economical repair, we will tell you clearly and provide a replacement quote before proceeding.
How much does backflow testing cost in Sydney?
Backflow testing cost in Sydney is charged per device, not per property, so a site with four devices costs roughly four times a site with one. The test itself takes about 20 to 30 minutes per device. Repairs, replacement parts and a re-test are billed separately if the device fails.
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