Backflow testing and prevention

Our licensed plumbers provide expert backflow testing services and backflow prevention solutions across Melbourne, ensuring your water supply remains safe and compliant with local regulations.

Backflow testing and prevention

Our licensed plumbers provide expert backflow testing services and backflow prevention solutions across Melbourne, ensuring your water supply remains safe and compliant with local regulations.

Qualified professionals

Qualified professional plumbers

Our team are highly experienced and fully certified plumbing professionals

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24 hour emergency plumbers

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Backflow prevention

Backflow occurs when water flows backward through your plumbing system, potentially allowing contaminated water to enter the clean water supply. This dangerous situation can happen during pressure drops from burst mains, high water demand, or fire-fighting operations. Professional backflow testing ensures your prevention devices are working correctly to protect your water supply.

We provide comprehensive testing and certification services to keep your property safe and compliant.

Expert backflow testing services

Our accredited backflow plumbers deliver thorough testing services that meet all regulatory requirements. We handle everything from annual compliance testing and new installations to emergency repairs and council documentation. Every backflow prevention device receives detailed attention from our experienced team.

Your property will maintain the highest standard of water safety.

Hazard ratings

Your property's required level of backflow protection depends on its specific hazard rating. High hazard properties, such as chemical processing facilities, industrial sites, and medical facilities, require the most robust prevention systems due to serious health risks. Medium hazard locations including commercial buildings, irrigation systems, and swimming pools need reliable protection against moderate contamination risks. Even low hazard properties like standard residential homes require appropriate backflow prevention measures to maintain water safety.

Professional backflow prevention installation

Our licensed plumbers begin with a thorough assessment of your property's specific needs before recommending and installing the most appropriate backflow device.

Whether your property requires a Reduced Pressure Zone Device, Double Check Valve, or simpler solution, we ensure every installation meets strict safety and compliance standards.

Certified Annual Testing

For properties with medium or high hazard ratings, annual backflow testing isn't just recommended - it's mandatory. Our comprehensive testing process includes thorough device inspection, precise pressure testing, and complete valve operation verification. We handle all documentation and council submissions, ensuring your property maintains full compliance with current regulations.

When you choose our professional backflow testing service, you're partnering with Melbourne's most trusted backflow prevention specialists. Our licensed and accredited plumbers bring years of experience to every job, offering complete documentation, council compliance expertise, and emergency response capabilities. We back every service with our quality guarantee and provide clear, upfront pricing for your peace of mind.

Contact Our Backflow Specialists

Don't risk your water supply safety or compliance status. Contact our professional backflow testing team today for expert service across Melbourne. Whether you need annual testing, new installation, or emergency repairs, our licensed plumbers are ready to help.

Experience excellence

When you choose After Hours Plumbing Melbourne, you're choosing peace of mind. Our licensed plumbers arrive promptly, equipped with expertise and the right tools to fix your plumbing issues efficiently.

With transparent pricing, clear communication, and meticulous attention to detail, we ensure every job is completed to the highest standard.

Giving you one less thing to worry about.

About backflow testing

What is backflow testing and why is it important?
Backflow testing is a critical safety procedure that checks whether your property's backflow prevention devices are working correctly to protect drinking water from contamination. In Melbourne's water supply system, these devices prevent polluted water from flowing backwards into the clean water supply, protecting public health and safety.

Licensed plumbers conduct annual testing to ensure these devices function properly, particularly in properties with irrigation systems, fire sprinklers, or industrial processes. This testing is mandatory for many properties and helps maintain the safety and quality of the drinking water supply.
How often should backflow testing be conducted?
Australian Standards require annual testing of backflow prevention devices by certified testers. Properties with high-hazard installations might require more frequent testing based on local regulations and specific risk assessments.

Professional plumbers maintain detailed records of all tests and can establish appropriate testing schedules based on your property's specific requirements. They'll provide reminders for upcoming tests and maintain documentation of compliance for property owners.
What happens during a backflow test?
During testing, certified plumbers check all components of your backflow prevention devices, including relief valves, check valves, and shut-off valves. They measure pressure differences and flow directions to ensure the device prevents contaminated water from entering the drinking water supply.

The testing process includes visual inspection for damage, operational testing of all moving parts, and pressure testing to verify proper function. Detailed records are maintained, and test results are submitted to relevant water authorities as required by regulations.
What types of properties require backflow prevention?
Properties with potential cross-connections to the water supply require backflow prevention, including commercial buildings, industrial facilities, irrigation systems, and properties with swimming pools or fire sprinkler systems. Even residential properties with certain types of equipment or water features may require these devices.

The level of protection required depends on the hazard rating of potential contamination sources. Professional plumbers can assess your property and recommend appropriate backflow prevention measures based on current regulations and risk factors.
What happens if my backflow device fails testing?
Failed backflow tests require immediate attention to protect water supply safety. Your plumber will provide a detailed report explaining the failure and recommend necessary repairs or replacement options. They can often perform required repairs immediately to minimise disruption.

Property owners must address failures promptly to maintain compliance with health regulations. Professional plumbers can handle all aspects of repair or replacement, ensuring your system returns to full compliance quickly and efficiently.
Can I test my own backflow prevention device?
Backflow testing must be conducted by licensed plumbers with specific backflow testing certification. This ensures testing meets Australian Standards and local water authority requirements. DIY testing is not permitted due to the critical nature of these safety devices.

Certified testers use specialised equipment and follow strict procedures to ensure accurate results. They maintain current certifications and stay updated with changing regulations and testing requirements.
What documentation do I receive after testing?
After testing, you'll receive a detailed report showing test results, device condition, and any recommendations for maintenance or repairs. This documentation includes test dates, device details, and certification of compliance with current regulations.

Professional plumbers submit required documentation to water authorities and maintain records for future reference. They can also provide maintenance histories and testing schedules to help property owners maintain compliance.
How do I maintain my backflow prevention device between tests?
While annual testing is essential, regular visual inspections can help identify potential issues between tests. Check for visible leaks, damage, or unusual noises, and ensure the device area remains accessible and clean.

Professional plumbers can provide maintenance guidelines specific to your device type and usage patterns. They recommend reporting any concerns promptly to prevent potential problems and maintain system effectiveness.
What are the consequences of not conducting regular backflow testing?
Failing to conduct required backflow testing can result in significant penalties from water authorities and potential liability issues. More importantly, it risks contamination of the drinking water supply, potentially affecting public health and safety.

Property owners may face fines, legal issues, or service interruptions for non-compliance. Professional plumbers can help establish proper testing schedules and maintain compliance, protecting both public safety and property owners' interests.
24 hour emergency plumber

Your 24 hour emergency plumber

When plumbing emergencies strike, you need a reliable team that responds immediately - not tomorrow or next week. Based in Werribee and serving Melbourne's Western, Northern and Inner suburbs, After Hours Plumbing delivers professional emergency plumbing services exactly when you need them, with expert solutions for burst pipes, blocked drains, hot water failures and gas leaks.

Beyond emergency callouts, we're your complete plumbing partners, offering comprehensive services including gas appliance maintenance, backflow testing, heat pump installations, air conditioning services and general plumbing work. With licensed professionals who prioritise quality workmanship and clear communication, we ensure every job is completed to the highest standard.

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What people say about After Hours Plumbing

I am very happy with Nathan’s quality work and his service. He was incredibly prompt, arriving shortly after I reached out about a pipe leakage issue in my house. His customer service was top-notch, he kept me informed every step of the way, explaining the process and ensuring I understood what needed to be done.Not only did he fix the pipe leakage with diligence and great attention to quality, but he also helped me with my kitchen tap while he was here and resolved it on the spot! Additionally, he provided me with a reasonable quote for replacing my aging hot water system, which I’ll definitely consider in the near future.I highly recommend Nathan for anyone looking for professional, reliable, reasonable and efficient plumbing services.Great work Nathan!
We have no hesitation in recommending Nathan. His work was thorough, professional and meticulous. He clearly takes great pride in his work. Our 24 year old hot water service died and Nathan was able to replace it the next day. He arranged purchase and delivery of the new heater and removal of the old hot water service. He is an excellent communicator and kept us in the loop re: arrival time etc.Thanks Nathan, Peter and Yvonne.
Twice we had Nath Schofield to do our projects. One to fit an outdoor sink for my outdor kitchen and next to fix the irrigation system for our garden. He did an amazing job and I highly recommend his services to anyone. He is very professional, knowledgeable and you will be very happy & contented with his neat work.
Nathan was very professional in all dealings with our hot water replacement. The job was completed quickly with no problems. Highly recommend for all plumbing service or replacement needs.
Nathan was very professional and very prompt. He identified the problem in no time . I would not hesitate to recommend Nathan to anyone who has any plumbing issues. Nathan is very responsible in his prices. Thank you for a great job .
Highly recommend Nathan & After Hours Plumbing Melbourne!Nathan was attentive and explored a number of options to help solve our problem.Great & prompt service!
We had a backyard leak in our irrigation piping on a Saturday late afternoon. Nathan replied less than a minute after I texted him and arrived at 7:30 the next morning to fix our issue, so we had to go only one night without water. So happy with our service.
I would recommend Nathan in a heartbeat. He has done a few jobs for me now and I've found him to be extremely trustworthy and very friendly. He is responsive, quickly diagnoses the issue and explains the work required in an easy to understand way. His pricing is fair and it's clear he knows his stuff with extra qualifications to provide a more comprehensive plumbing service. I will definitely continue to use Nathan in the future.
As a property manager, I would only recommend Nathan from After Hours Plumbing, & for my own home as well. We always receive detailed explanations of the issues we send work for, and get unprompted praise from our renters after he has left.Good results and fair pricing always!
Can always count on Nathan to turn up find the issue and fix it! Is reliable, trustworthy and I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone and everyone who is in need of a plumber!
Got water tap moved as it was too close to driveway and Nathan provided me a competitive quote, communication was fantastic and the work was immaculate. He gave me great advice on couple of things that saved me some $$.I definitely recommend him. Positive Responsiveness, Punctuality, Quality, Professionalism, Value
Nathan is a very helpful guy, I had issues with my water heater and called this guy as it was 6 PM so needed someone after-hours but rather coming to my house this man explained me everything over the phone and saved me $$$.Pretty unusual nowadays, wishing him more success.
Had Nathan over to install a new kitchen tap. He was highly responsive to messages and emails, was friendly and on time and did a great job. Will have no hesitation using Nathan again and recommending him to others. Positive Responsiveness, Punctuality, Quality, Professionalism, Value Services Tap installation
Highly recommend for all your plumbing needs. Very knowledgeable, friendly and professional with great communication and fast service time. I finally have got ‘hot’ hot water again thanks to Nathan diagnosing the issue and replacing my hot water service with a suitable replacement at a great price. I would not hesitate to recommend to anyone! Thanks for your great work 😁
Found this guy about 10 years ago and have kept his number ever since. Professional, Friendly, Polite to the kids/wife/pet, Reasonable prices, and is constantly offering suggestions to save me a buck.Really couldn't recommend more, Great to have in the contacts as your local guy
Highly recommend Nathan he is very professional, reliable, friendly and always does a great job. I've been using him for years now and never disappointed in his work 😊 Positive Responsiveness, Punctuality, Quality, Professionalism, Value
Great to have a tradesman actually turn up on time ! He was clear and concise with what he planned on doing and great people person. I would recommend highly. Services Plumbing pipe repair
Nathan provided great friendly service through the whole process. Would recommend and use his services again.
Highly recommend Nathan and will only use him anytime I need a plumber in the future. He exceeded all expectations and did not over charge on parts Positive Responsiveness, Punctuality, Quality, Professionalism, Value Services Plumbing pipe repair, Tap installation, Service not listed
Thanks Nathan for an easy quote and a fast hot water unit replacement. Will call again and thanks
Quick response. Knows what he's doing
Septic tank maintenance scheduled for After Hours Plumbing Melbourne and it was worth it.
Positive Responsiveness, Punctuality, Quality, Professionalism, Value Services Toilet repair, Water heater installation, Drain cleaning, Plumbing leak detection, Plumbing pipe repair, Tap repair, Tap installation, Sewer repair, Plumbing leak repair

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We're available on YOUR schedule

At After Hours Plumbing, we will work around your busy schedule.

With our services, you don't have to skip a day of work or rush back home to let us in, with certain services available from the standard trade hours and continuing past 4 PM.