Backflow Testing & Prevention in Dandenong
Got a backflow test due, or a reminder letter from your water corporation? Flow Now Plumbing is a licensed plumbing business based in Dandenong, testing, servicing, repairing and installing backflow prevention devices across south-east Melbourne.
Flow Now Plumbing is owner-operated by Cristian Fernandez, a licensed plumber with a backflow prevention endorsement. The licensed plumber you book is the same one who turns up, does the test and fills in the paperwork.
What backflow prevention is
Water is meant to flow one way: from the water main, through your meter and into the property. Backflow is when it runs the wrong way, back into the supply. That can happen if the pressure drops in the main, or if the pressure on your side gets higher than the supply.
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If that water has picked up chemicals, fertiliser, process water or anything else nasty along the way, it can contaminate the drinking water supply. A backflow prevention device stops that. It lets water in and won't let it flow back out.
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There are different types of device, and the right one depends on how risky the site is. Flow Now Plumbing tests all testable device types, including:
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Reduced pressure zone device (RPZD): used where the risk is high.
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Double check valve (DCV): used where the risk is medium.
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Testable single check valve: often used on fire services.
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Detector assemblies: used on some fire services.
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Vacuum breakers: such as pressure type and atmospheric vacuum breakers, used on particular fixtures and outlets.
Hazard ratings
Every site is given a hazard rating, which decides what sort of device it needs:
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High hazard: anything that could cause death if it got into the drinking water.
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Medium hazard: anything that could endanger health.
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Low hazard: a nuisance, but not a danger to health.
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Most homes are low hazard. Many commercial and industrial sites are medium or high hazard and need a testable device.
Who needs annual testing
If your property has a testable backflow prevention device, it needs to be tested at least once a year by a licensed plumber with a backflow endorsement. In Victoria, it's the property owner's (or owners corporation's) responsibility to make sure that happens.
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Properties that often have testable devices include:
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Businesses and commercial sites: many commercial premises have a testable device, depending on how water is used on site.
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Industrial sites: anywhere chemicals or process water are used.
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Rentals with a device fitted: if a rental property has a testable device, it still needs its yearly test.
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Fire services: many fire service connections have a testable device. Flow Now Plumbing tests, repairs and replaces fire service backflow devices.
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Irrigation systems: some irrigation set-ups, especially where fertiliser is injected or there's a pump, need a testable device. These are covered too.
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Not sure if your property has one? Check your water bill or any letter from your water corporation, or call Flow Now Plumbing and your licensed plumber can come out and check.
What's included in a backflow test
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Inspection. The device, its isolating valves and the strainer are checked to make sure it's installed correctly and easy to get to.
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Test. The device is tested with a calibrated test kit, following the Australian Standard for field testing (AS/NZS 2845.3).
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Tag. The test is recorded on the device tag.
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Report. The backflow test report is filled out and sent to your water corporation where that's required, and you get a copy for your records.
If the device fails, your licensed plumber will explain what's wrong and quote the repair. Failed devices need to be repaired and retested, so it's best to get onto it straight away.
Installs, repairs and replacements
New device installs
Building, fitting out a new business, or been told your site needs a device? Flow Now Plumbing can help select the right device for the hazard rating, install it, then commission and test it once it's in.
Repairs and servicing
Devices wear over time. Seals, springs and check valves can fail, and strainers block up. Flow Now Plumbing services and repairs devices so they're working properly and pass their test.
Replacements
If a device is too old, worn out or no longer right for the site, it can be removed and replaced with a suitable device, which is then commissioned and tested.
For property managers
If you look after commercial properties or rentals with testable devices, annual backflow tests are one more compliance date to keep on top of. Send the property details to Flow Now Plumbing and we'll book in the test, arrange access with your tenant, and send you the report for your file. You can also get a reminder when each yearly retest is coming up, so it doesn't slip through the cracks.
Why Flow Now Plumbing
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Plumbing licence 125484: plumbing, drainage, gas fitting and roofing (stormwater)
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Backflow prevention endorsement: to test, commission and maintain testable devices
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Master Plumbers member
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$10 million public liability insurance, current to September 2027
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10+ years on the tools, running Flow Now Plumbing since 2024
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Available 24/7 for homeowners, property managers, builders and businesses across south-east Melbourne
Backflow testing FAQs
How often does a backflow device need to be tested?
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Testable backflow prevention devices need to be tested at least once every 12 months. They also need to be tested when they're first installed, and after they're repaired or replaced.
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Who is responsible for getting the device tested?
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The property owner, or the owners corporation, is responsible for making sure testable devices are tested every year. If you rent out or manage the property, check who looks after it in your agreement.
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Who can test a backflow prevention device?
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Only a licensed plumber who holds a backflow prevention endorsement, or someone working under their supervision. Flow Now Plumbing holds a backflow prevention endorsement as well as plumbing licence number 125484.
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Does the test report get sent to the water corporation?
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Yes, where it's required. Water corporations such as South East Water and Yarra Valley Water ask for the results of each annual test. Flow Now Plumbing fills out the backflow test report, sends it in where needed, and gives you a copy.
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What happens if my device fails the test?
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Your licensed plumber will explain what's wrong and quote the repair. Once the device is fixed, it gets retested to make sure it's working properly. Failed devices need to be repaired and retested quickly, so don't leave it sitting.
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Do you charge a call-out fee?
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Yes. A call-out fee applies. You'll be told the fee when you book.