Backflow Prevention Testing & Compliance
Licenced backflow testing, inspections, repairs, and compliance reporting that protects your water supply, keeps your property compliant, and gives Victorian businesses, strata, and high-risk sites complete peace of mind.
Victoria’s Backflow Prevention Specialists
At Crawford Plumbing, we help protect Victoria’s water supply with certified backflow prevention services for commercial properties, strata buildings, and high-risk residential sites. As fully licenced plumbing specialists, we are qualified to test, inspect, repair, install, and certify backflow prevention devices.
We handle the full compliance cycle, from initial hazard assessment and device installation through to annual testing and compliance reporting. That means no outsourcing, no unnecessary delays, and no confusion about who is responsible for the work.
- VBA Licenced | Licence No. 117033
- Lifetime Workmanship Guarantee
- Upfront, Transparent Pricing
- 24/7 Emergency Response
Backflow Prevention Services We Provide
Full-scope backflow services for commercial properties, body corporates, industrial facilities, and residential high-risk sites.
Backflow Prevention Testing
Annual backflow testing is a legal requirement for any property with a testable backflow prevention device registered with your water authority. Our licenced tester conducts a pressure differential test on each device, verifies the valves are operating within specification, and issues a compliance test report.
All testing is conducted in line with AS/NZS 2845.3 requirements. Compliance documentation is prepared and can be submitted directly to your water authority.
Backflow Prevention Inspections & Hazard Assessments
Not sure whether your property needs a backflow prevention device, or what type is required? We carry out full backflow hazard assessments to determine your property’s risk classification and identify the correct device for your connection type.
Whether you’re a facility manager preparing for a water authority audit or a property owner who has received a compliance notice, we’ll assess your site and give you a clear, straightforward recommendation.
Ongoing Maintenance Programs
For commercial clients managing multiple devices across a site or portfolio, we offer scheduled maintenance programs. We track your test due dates, manage compliance records, and contact you when devices are due, so nothing slips through.
Backflow Repairs & Fault Rectification
If your backflow prevention device fails its annual test, it must be repaired or replaced before it can be re-certified. We carry out same-service rectification where possible, repairing faulty check valves, replacing seals, addressing pressure issues, and re-test on the same visit to minimise downtime and re-attendance costs.
Certified Backflow Solutions You Can Rely On
Whether you need annual backflow testing, urgent repairs, or guidance on compliance requirements, Crawford Plumbing delivers professional service, transparent advice, and dependable workmanship across Victoria.
What Is Backflow and Why Does It Require Professional Testing?
Backflow occurs when a drop or reversal in water pressure causes water to flow backwards through your plumbing system. This can pull water from secondary sources, such as irrigation systems, pools, rainwater tanks, or fire services, into the main drinking water supply, creating a serious contamination risk.
Because of this risk, backflow prevention is strictly regulated. Any property with a testable backflow device must have it inspected and tested annually by a licenced and accredited tester. Skipping testing or using an unqualified person can result in non-compliance notices, failed audits, and liability for property owners and facility managers.
Protect the Water Supply
Prevent contaminated water from private systems re-entering the public drinking water network.
Meet Your Legal Obligations
Annual testing is a legal requirement for most commercial properties and any residential property with a testable device installed.
Avoid Penalties and Liability
Non-compliance with backflow prevention regulations can result in formal notices and fines from your water authority.
Why Property Owners Choose Crawford Plumbing
Licenced Backflow Prevention Specialist
We hold current Victorian plumbing licensing and specialist backflow prevention accreditation, ensuring all testing, inspections, and compliance work is completed to the required industry and regulatory standards.
Full Compliance Documentation
We don’t just test. We prepare and issue the compliance test reports your water authority requires, with clear records you can store and produce on request.
Solutions Across Industries
Working across commercial properties, industrial sites, body corporates, strata complexes, irrigation systems, cooling towers, fire service connections, pools and spa systems, and residential properties fitted with a testable device at the water meter.
Upfront, Transparent Pricing
You’ll know exactly what you’re paying before any work begins. We provide clear, upfront pricing so there are no surprise invoices, hidden fees, or uncertainty.
Lifetime Workmanship Guarantee
Every installation and repair we carry out is backed by a lifetime guarantee on our workmanship. That means every job is completed to the highest standards, ensuring long-lasting, reliable results.
One Team, End to End
We handle backflow assessments, testing, repairs, installations, and compliance paperwork. You don’t need to coordinate with multiple contractors.
Ready to Book Your Backflow Prevention Test?
Licenced, local, and ready to respond. From annual compliance testing and inspections to repairs and new installations, book online or call us today to get it sorted.
Who We Work With
We work primarily with commercial and strata clients who have ongoing compliance obligations, but we also service residential properties where a testable backflow device has been installed.
Commercial & Industrial Properties
Factories, warehouses, food processing facilities, medical centres, car washes, nurseries, and any property with a medium or high-hazard water connection. Annual testing is required by your water authority, and failure to comply can affect your operating licence and liability.
Body Corporates & Strata Managers
Multi-unit residential and commercial strata complexes often have testable backflow prevention devices on shared services, irrigation systems, and fire service connections. We work with body corporates and strata managers to maintain compliance across entire portfolios and keep records current.
Residential Properties
In Victoria, a standard single-family home on a direct mains connection is generally low-risk and does not require a testable backflow prevention device. However, a testable device is legally required if your property has a medium or high-hazard connection, including a below-ground rainwater tank, in-ground irrigation system, swimming pool, or bidet. If a testable device has been installed at your water meter, annual testing is your legal responsibility.
Backflow Prevention Services Across Victoria
We provide backflow prevention testing, inspections, repairs, and compliance services across Melbourne’s northern and outer suburbs, and throughout central Victoria.
Craigieburn · Wallan · Kilmore · Whittlesea · Beveridge · Seymour · Heathcote · Northwood · Epping · Bundoora · Mill Park · Thomastown · Doreen · Wandong · Mitchell Shire · Hume City
Not on this list? Contact us. We service all areas across Victoria and take on commercial compliance work state-wide.
More About Backflow Prevention
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve answered some of the most commonly asked plumbing questions here. Don’t see your question? Feel free to reach out! Our expert team is always just a call away.
What is backflow prevention?
Backflow prevention refers to mechanical devices and systems installed on plumbing connections to stop water from flowing backwards through the water supply system. When pressure in the mains drops, water can be drawn back from private connections, potentially pulling in contaminants like chemicals, fertilisers, or bacteria. Backflow prevention devices stop this from happening.
Is backflow prevention testing a legal requirement in Victoria?
Yes. In Victoria, any testable backflow prevention device must be tested at least once every 12 months by a licenced backflow prevention tester. This is a requirement under the Plumbing Regulations 2018 and is enforced by your local water authority. Failure to comply can result in compliance notices and fines.
How often does a backflow prevention device need to be tested?
Testable backflow prevention devices must be tested annually. Your water authority will typically send a compliance notice when your device is due. Testing must be carried out by a licenced plumber holding a current backflow prevention endorsement.
Who is qualified to test backflow prevention devices in Victoria?
Only a licenced plumber holding an endorsed Backflow Prevention accreditation issued by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) is legally authorised to test backflow prevention devices in Victoria. Always check your tester’s VBA licence before engaging them. Our tester holds VBA Licence No. 117033 with a current Backflow Prevention endorsement.
What is a testable backflow prevention device?
A testable backflow prevention device is a mechanical valve assembly installed at a water connection point that can be physically tested using a differential pressure gauge. Common types include the Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) device and the Double Check Valve (DCV). These are required at medium and high-hazard connections. Basic dual check valves built into a water meter are not testable devices.
Does my residential property need backflow prevention testing?
Most standard residential homes in Victoria are low-risk and have only a non-testable dual check valve at the meter, which does not require annual testing. However, if your property has a below-ground rainwater tank, in-ground irrigation system, swimming pool, bidet, or any other medium or high-hazard connection, and a testable device has been installed, you are legally required to have it tested annually.
What happens if my backflow prevention device fails a test?
If a device fails its pressure test, it must be repaired or replaced before it can be re-certified. A device that fails cannot be left in service without rectification. We carry out repairs on the same visit where possible and re-test immediately to avoid a return trip.
What properties are required to have testable backflow prevention devices?
Testable devices are required at any connection that poses a medium or high risk of contaminating the drinking water supply. This typically includes commercial and industrial properties, properties with irrigation systems, cooling towers, fire service connections, swimming pools, spas, and residential properties with below-ground rainwater tanks or other high-risk connections.
What documentation do I receive after backflow prevention testing?
After each test, we issue a compliance test report documenting the device type, location, test results, and the tester’s licence details. This report is your compliance record and may be required by your water authority to confirm that your annual testing obligation has been met.
How do I register a backflow prevention device?
New backflow prevention devices must be registered with your local water authority when first installed. Your licenced plumber is responsible for lodging the registration documentation as part of the installation. Crawford Plumbing handles this as part of every new installation.