Backflow Preventer Testing in Toronto (Certified Annual Inspection & Reporting)

Annual backflow testing isn’t optional in Toronto — it’s required under the Water Supply By-law (Chapter 851) for industrial, commercial, institutional, and many multi-residential buildings.
Our OWWA- and ASSE-certified backflow testers handle everything: inspection, testing, repairs, Form B submission, and compliance reporting to Toronto Water.
If your device is due for renewal — or has already failed — we can inspect it, restore it, and file the required documentation the same day.

Licensed & Insured Drain Repairs

Backflow Valve Inspection and Testing

Residential and Commercial

Obligation free consultation

Adherence to Toronto's Water Supply By-law

Who Needs Annual Backflow Testing in Toronto?

According to Toronto Water’s Cross Connection Control Program, testing is required for:
  • Commercial units (restaurants, salons, offices, retail)

  • Multi-residential properties

  • Industrial buildings

  • Institutional facilities (schools, healthcare, municipal buildings)

  • Properties with irrigation systems, boilers, fire lines, or chemical feed systems

  • Any building classified as moderate or severe hazard

If you received a notice from Toronto Water, we can take care of the inspection, testing, and Form B submission for you.

About MT Drains & Plumbing

Our Certified Backflow Testing Services

Every test is performed by a certified OWWA/ASSE backflow specialist using a calibrated test gauge (Form C compliant).
Our services include:
  • Annual backflow preventer testing (RP, DCVA, PVB)

  • Form B report completion & electronic submission

  • Backflow device cleaning & rebuild services

  • Internal component replacement (springs, checks, diaphragms)

  • Shut-off valve repairs

  • Test cock replacement

  • Gauge calibration verification

  • Emergency “failed test” repairs

  • Backflow preventer installation & first-year certification

We carry rebuild kits on our trucks for Watts, Febco, Zurn, Apollo, and Wilkins devices — meaning most failed devices can be repaired immediately.

Common Reasons Backflow Devices Fail (and How We Fix Them)

SymptomCauseSolution
Low differential pressureworn spring, warped check, debrisrebuild kit, clean seats, retest
Relief valve dischargingdebris or damaged sealclean or replace check + diaphragm
Leaking shut-off valvespacking worn or stem corrosionre-pack or replace valves
Device vibrationundersized device or missing arrestorupsize or add arrestor
Freeze damageimproper drainagereplace body + add heated box
If the city inspector has tagged your device — or testing is overdue — we can resolve it quickly and keep your building compliant.

Backflow Preventer Installation & First-Year Certification

For new installations, we handle:
  • Site survey and sizing (flow rate, hazard level)

  • Code-compliant installation above grade with proper spacing

  • Device startup + first-year Form B certification

  • Test tag placement + compliance log

  • Automatic annual reminder 30 days before renewal

This ensures your building meets the Cross Connection Control Program requirements from day one.

Schedule Your Backflow Preventer Inspection Today

Toronto Backflow Testing Requirements (What the City Looks For)

Toronto Water requires:
  • Annual testing by a certified tester

  • Form B submission for each device

  • A valid Form C gauge calibration

  • Approved test equipment

  • Testing after installation, repair, or relocation

We handle the entire process — testing, repairs (if needed), reports, and communication with Toronto Water.

The City of Toronto has implemented a mandatory requirement, as stated in the Water Supply By-law, for property owners of industrial, commercial, institutional, and certain residential properties to install backflow prevention devices on their water supply lines. This regulation also applies to construction sites. The purpose of this requirement is to safeguard the city’s drinking water by isolating buildings from the municipal water distribution system and preventing the entry of contaminants into the drinking water supply. By installing backflow prevention devices, property owners contribute to maintaining the safety and purity of Toronto’s water resources.

We always follow Toronto’s Backflow Prevention Program rules to make sure your water stays clean and safe. We’re your trusted plumber, keeping things flowing smoothly!

Schedule Your Backflow Preventer Inspection Today

Why Choose Us For Your Backflow Prevention Testing

Certified & Licensed

OWWA- and ASSE-certified testers with decades of commercial and industrial experience.

Fast Form B Submission

We file the report directly with Toronto Water — you get instant confirmation.

Repairs on the Same Visit

We carry OEM rebuild kits to fix failed devices immediately.

Commercial & Industrial Expertise

Restaurants, factories, medical facilities, high-rises — we handle them all.

Gauge-Calibrated Testing

Every test uses a Form C–compliant calibrated gauge.

Competitive Pricing

No surprises, no upselling — just reliable testing.

Benefits of BFP

Installing and maintaining a BFP device is crucial for protecting public health and safety, as well as avoiding fines and legal consequences. Non-compliance with Toronto’s Water Supply By-law can result in significant fines, which may exceed $100,000.

When you choose MT Drains & Plumbing for backflow prevention, you ensure Toronto compliance and device reliability. Our annual inspections detect issues early, saving you time and money.

"He Was Very Knowledgeable And Helped Save Me Money"

Our backflow preventor failed, and Eddy from MT Drains & Plumbing Plumbing saved the day! He tested and replaced it swiftly, ensuring we’re safe from costly fines. We’re grateful for his quick and expert service – highly recommend!

Schedule Your Annual Backflow Test

Backflow Preventer FAQ

A backflow preventer is a mechanical valve installed on your water line to stop contaminated or non-potable water from flowing backward into the clean drinking water supply.
It works by monitoring pressure changes inside the line and sealing off the system if back-pressure or back-siphonage occurs. Toronto requires many commercial, industrial, and multi-residential properties to install and annually test these devices to meet the Water Supply By-law.

oronto Water’s Cross Connection Control Program mandates yearly testing to ensure each device is working properly and protecting the city’s drinking water.
Springs, seals, and check valves inside the device wear down over time, and even small failures can allow contaminants to backflow into the municipal system.
Annual certification confirms the device:

  • maintains proper pressure differential

  • seals correctly

  • passes Toronto’s safety standards

  • is documented on a Form B test report

Without annual testing, a property is considered non-compliant.

If your device fails, it must be repaired or rebuilt before a passing Form B can be submitted.
Common fixes include:

  • replacing worn springs, checks, or diaphragms

  • cleaning debris from the seats

  • repairing leaking shut-off valves

  • recalibrating pressure components

Our technicians carry rebuild kits for major brands (Watts, Zurn, Febco, Apollo, Wilkins), so most failed devices can be repaired and retested during the same visit.

A standard backflow test usually takes 20–40 minutes depending on the device type (RP, DCVA, PVB), condition, and accessibility.
If repairs are needed, the appointment may extend to 1–2 hours.
After testing, we complete the Form B and submit it directly to Toronto Water so you remain compliant.

A Form B is Toronto Water’s official “Test Report for Backflow Prevention Device.”
We complete and submit it on your behalf and it includes:

  • device type and serial number

  • test results (pressure differential readings)

  • notes on repairs or cleaning

  • tester certification number

  • gauge calibration certificate (Form C)

  • confirmation that the device passes Toronto requirements

You receive a copy for your records.

The required device depends on your building’s hazard classification under the Water Supply By-law:

  • DCVA (Double Check Valve Assembly): moderate hazards

  • RP / RPZ (Reduced Pressure Zone): severe hazards

  • PVB (Pressure Vacuum Breaker): irrigation and specialty applications

We perform a site survey, check your plumbing layout, and confirm the correct device according to Toronto Water’s Cross Connection Control Program.

Yes.
Our certified testers inspect, test, repair, and rebuild all common backflow preventer types, including:

  • RP / RPZ devices

  • DCVA assemblies

  • PVB systems

  • 1″ to 8″ commercial and industrial devices

We also supply the required rebuild kits and provide calibrated gauge testing for accurate certification.

Request a Free Estimate Today!

At MT Drains & Plumbing, we take backflow prevention seriously. We are committed to helping our clients protect public health and safety by providing comprehensive backflow prevention services. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you comply with Toronto’s requirements for BFP devices.
Contact us at (905) 761-5551 or online to schedule service or request a free estimate.

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