Backflow Testing Melbourne
Annual Backflow Testing & Compliance
VBA-accredited backflow testing for residential, commercial, industrial, and strata properties across Melbourne. Same-day compliance certificates, with reports submitted directly to your water authority.
Why It Matters
What Is Backflow Testing, and Why Is It Required?
Backflow occurs when water reverses direction inside your property's plumbing and flows back into Melbourne's reticulated water supply. If your system is connected to any chemical, irrigation, or non-potable water source, the contaminants can travel back into the public network, affecting properties well beyond your own.
To prevent this, Melbourne's water authorities, including Yarra Valley Water, South East Water, and Greater Western Water, require properties with a testable backflow prevention device to have it inspected and tested by a VBA-accredited plumber at intervals of no more than 12 months. The test results must be submitted directly to your water authority.
12
months maximum between tests, as required by your water authority
Who Needs Testing
Does Your Property Need Annual Testing?
If your property has a testable backflow prevention device installed, annual testing is compulsory. These are the most common property types we work with.
Commercial Properties
Offices, retail premises, restaurants, and any business connected to Melbourne's reticulated water supply with a testable containment device.
- Offices & retail
- Cafés & restaurants
- Shopping centres
- Mixed-use developments
Industrial Facilities
Manufacturing plants, chemical processing sites, food production facilities, and any high-hazard premises requiring RPZ valve testing.
- Manufacturing plants
- Food production
- Chemical processing
- Car washes & laundries
Strata & Body Corporate
Apartment buildings, commercial complexes, and shared facilities with central or individual testable backflow prevention devices.
- Apartment buildings
- Commercial complexes
- Common area fire services
- Irrigation systems
Residential Properties
Homes with below-ground rainwater tanks, bidets, irrigation systems, or any property notified by their water authority.
- Homes with rainwater tanks
- Below-ground irrigation
- Bidets & toilet douches
- New builds with notices
The Testing Process
What Happens During a Backflow Test?
Every test follows the same structured process, conducted by our VBA-accredited plumber to AS/NZS 2845.1 standards. Most single-device tests take between 20 and 45 minutes.
Visual Inspection
We begin with a thorough inspection of the device's physical condition. This includes checking for corrosion, leaks, damage to the valve body, and accessibility issues before any pressure testing begins.
Connect Test Equipment
Calibrated test gauges are connected to the dedicated test ports on the device. Our equipment is regularly calibrated to ensure accuracy and AS/NZS 2845.1 compliance.
Pressure & Valve Testing
We test each internal check valve and the relief valve (for RPZ devices) individually, measuring pressure differentials to confirm they are sealing correctly and functioning to specification.
Record Results
All pressure readings, valve performance data, and pass/fail status are recorded on the compliance report. Any faults are documented with repair recommendations.
Issue Certificate
A compliance certificate is issued the same day. For passed devices, the certificate confirms the device is functioning correctly to the relevant standard.
Submit to Water Authority
We submit your compliance report directly to Yarra Valley Water, South East Water, or Greater Western Water on your behalf, typically within 24 hours of the test.
Device Types
All Backflow Device Types Tested
We test, inspect, service, and repair all backflow prevention device types, from standard double check valves through to high-hazard RPZ assemblies.
RPZ
Reduced Pressure Zone Device
Required for the highest-risk properties including chemical sites, laboratories, and properties with standpipes. Features a relief valve for fail-safe protection.
DCV
Double Check Valve
The standard testable device for commercial properties, homes with rainwater tanks or bidets, and most medium-hazard applications.
PVB
Pressure Vacuum Breaker
Used primarily for irrigation systems. Must be installed above the highest outlet and tested annually under Melbourne water authority requirements.
AVB
Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker
A non-testable device for low-hazard point-of-use applications. While not annually testable, condition inspections are recommended.
We also service DCVA, RPZDA, PVBA, air gap assemblies, and all other registered testable devices.
Why Choose Us
Melbourne's Trusted Backflow Testing Specialists
We're accredited backflow prevention plumbers. We are not generalists who add testing as an afterthought. Backflow prevention is our primary focus, which means faster service, genuine expertise, and compliance you can count on.
Every Device in One Visit
All devices on the property are tested in the one visit, each with its own readings and its own entry on the report.
Same-Day Compliance Certificates
Certificates are issued on the same day as the test, not days later.
We Submit Reports for You
Your compliance report goes directly to your water authority. You do nothing.
Annual Reminder Program
We track your due date and contact you before it lapses, so you're never non-compliant.
All Melbourne Water Authorities
Fully accredited with Yarra Valley Water, South East Water, and Greater Western Water.
Repairs On the Spot
If a device fails, we carry common parts to perform minor repairs in the same visit.
"Prompt, professional, and handled all the paperwork. Our annual compliance is in great hands."
Verified Google Review
Water Authorities
We Report to All Three Melbourne Water Authorities
After every test, we submit your compliance report directly to your water authority before the submission deadline.
Yarra Valley Water
Northern & eastern suburbs
South East Water
Southern & south-eastern suburbs
Greater Western Water
CBD, inner-west & western suburbs
Not sure which authority covers your property? Use the Victorian Government's lookup tool, or call us and we'll confirm it for you.
FAQ
Common Questions About Backflow Testing
All Melbourne water authorities require testable backflow prevention devices to be tested at intervals of no more than 12 months from the date of initial commissioning or the last test. Missing the annual test window can trigger compliance notices and, in serious cases, water supply disconnection.
Any property owner with a testable backflow prevention device installed is required to have it tested annually. This is the property owner's obligation, not the tenant's or the water authority's. Properties with commercial or industrial activity, irrigation systems, rainwater tanks, bidets, or fire services are most commonly required to have devices.
A failed test does not necessarily mean immediate replacement. Most failures involve worn seals, debris build-up, or pressure irregularities that can be repaired. We carry common parts and can often perform minor repairs on the same visit. After repairs, the device is retested and a new report submitted. If the device cannot be repaired, we will advise on replacement options.
For most residential properties, someone needs to provide access to the water meter and the device. For commercial properties we can often arrange access with a site contact or building manager. We work around your schedule and provide a confirmed appointment window.
Yes, report submission is included in every test. After the test we submit your compliance report directly to your water authority, whether it is Yarra Valley Water, South East Water, or Greater Western Water, within the required reporting deadline.
No. A standard licensed plumber can install a backflow prevention device, but only a plumber holding VBA accreditation in backflow prevention can legally test it and submit a compliance certificate. Aussie Backflow holds VBA Licence No. 28465 with full backflow prevention accreditation.
A typical single-device test takes between 20 and 45 minutes. Multi-device properties take longer depending on the number and type of devices. We will advise estimated duration when you book.
Yes, we cover properties across all three water authority service areas: Yarra Valley Water in the northern and eastern suburbs, South East Water in the southern and south-eastern suburbs, and Greater Western Water in the CBD, inner-west, and western suburbs.
Need Professional Backflow Testing?
Aussie BACKFLOW provides accredited backflow testing and compliance reporting across Melbourne. Contact our accredited specialists today.