Backflow Testing and Certification

If you notice dirty water entering your potable water system, it means that you will need to get your plumbing tested for backflow issues. You will have to get the issue resolved quickly, before the germs and bacteria start affecting your health.

All residences and commercial spaces in the Greater Vancouver area are required to test their backflow every once in a while. Our knowledgeable plumbers at 911 Rooter can test your plumbing system, and make sure it does let contaminated water enter your kitchen and bathroom outlets.

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What is backflow?

The water that enters your home from the water supply is treated, so that it is clean and potable (suitable for consumption). When it leaves your home through the drainage system, it carries with it all the waste that you flush through the bathroom, kitchen sink, and toilets.

Sometimes, the drainage system throws back some of this water into your water supply system. This could be due to clogging, bad state of your pipes, or because of clean water mixing with drain pipes.

Sewage water that enters your home due to backflow

  • Contains harmful bacteria and other microorganisms
  • Can carry a number of diseases
  • Contaminates your entire water system including your drinking water

For this reason, we recommend you to get your entire plumbing system backflow tested once a year or at least once every 18 months. Our plumbers are certified, and they understand the codes applicable in the Metro Vancouver area.

We will test your potable water system thoroughly and certify if it as free of any backflow. If there is a problem with the backflow, then we will fix it first, and then certify it.

When to call us?

While we think that an annual backflow testing is the best for both residents and commercial properties, there are some tell-tale signs that you should look out for. These include:

  • Odd coloured water entering from your kitchen and bathroom faucets
  • Bad odour coming out from the kitchen and bathroom water (even if it looks clean)
  • Clogged toilets, sinks, bathtubs or any part of the drainage system

If you experience any of the above, then make sure that you call use at 911 Rooter immediately. You most likely have a backflow problem, but our technicians will examine the source of backflow, and make sure that your water system is clean again.

What we do?

The first thing that our plumbers do when you suspect backflow is check something called as the backflow preventer. This is a mechanism built into every plumbing system that will keep sewage water lines separate from the supply lines. We have an extensive process to test water backflow:

  • We first make sure that the water supply is turned off and no water is used from the existing water
  • We then use advanced tools to check the valves that are needed to be tested
  • The first valve to be checked is the downstream valve. We first service it before testing
  • We then employ our test kit hoses, in order to identify which valves are leaking

If the double check valve lets out water during the testing, it means that your system is safe. If on the other hand, the downstream or the relief valve shows leaks, then your water is most likely contaminated, and the valves will need to be replaced completely.

Of a a potable water system in your home has backflow issues, then it can make your family members sick, and create an unhealthy environment. Don't wait for the problem to get more serious, and ensure that you do backflow testing regularly to keep your water clean.

Our friendly technician and plumbers at 911 Rooter in Greater Vancouver will be more than happy to answer any questions you have regarding backflow testing. We will make sure you have healthy water running through your supply.

Incorporate backflow testing annually to be in compliance with the law and to avoid making everyone sick.

Need help with backflow testing & certification? 911 rooter, LTD. is here for you! Call (604) 828 8000.