Lawn irrigation systems
Sprinkler lines sit in soil with fertilizer and pesticides, and need an assembly such as a PVB or DCVA.
Backflow preventers
Backflow Prevention for Residential Water Systems
A backflow preventer stops irrigation water, boiler chemicals and other contaminants from being drawn back into your drinking water. We install, test and repair them.
- Assembly installation
- Annual testing support
- Repairs and rebuilds
No heat, no hot water or a gas smell? Call any time, day or night.
WATER SERVICE ยท Schematic
- 24/7 emergency service
- Tri-Cities, Burnaby, Surrey, Pitt Meadows, Maple Ridge
- Clear quote before work starts
- Tidy, respectful work
- Furnaces and boilers
- Air conditioning
- Heat pumps
- Water heaters
- Book online in about a minute
Overview
What backflow prevention protects
Normally water flows one way: from the city main, through your meter and out of your taps. Backflow happens when that direction reverses. A water main break or heavy firefighting draw can create back-siphonage, pulling water backward out of your plumbing. Back-pressure happens when a pump or boiler pushes water at a higher pressure than the supply. Either way, whatever is connected to your system can end up in the public water.
Backflow prevention uses mechanical assemblies that only let water travel in one direction. On a home, the usual places are the lawn irrigation system, a hydronic boiler fill line, a residential fire sprinkler system and sometimes a pool or water feature. Many Metro Vancouver municipalities run cross-connection control programs that require testable assemblies to be registered and tested every year by a qualified tester, with results sent to the city.
Where homes need backflow protection
Any point where drinking water meets something you would not drink needs a barrier.
Boiler fill lines
Hydronic systems carry treated water and inhibitors that must never mix back into potable lines.
Fire sprinkler systems
Standing water in residential sprinkler piping is isolated from household supply by a backflow device.
Pools, ponds and features
Auto-fill lines for pools and water features need protection against siphoning.
Hose bibbs
Simple vacuum breakers on outdoor taps stop hose water from flowing back indoors.
Failed test reports
A leaking relief valve or check that will not hold means the assembly needs repair before retesting.
Included
What an annual backflow test involves
- Locating and identifying the assembly type and size
- Briefly shutting off water downstream of the assembly
- Connecting a calibrated differential pressure test kit
- Checking each check valve holds tight
- Confirming the relief valve opens at the correct point on an RP
- Recording results on the municipal test form
- Restoring water and confirming no leaks
How it works
How Able Pro handles backflow
- 1
Identify what you have
We find the assembly, note its make and size and confirm whether it is testable.
- 2
Test or assess
We arrange the required test and check the device and surrounding piping for problems.
- 3
Repair if it fails
Worn springs, discs and seals are replaced or the assembly is rebuilt, then retested.
- 4
Help with paperwork
We help you understand what your city needs on file and when the next test is due.
Why homeowners call us for backflow
Boiler and irrigation experience
We work on the equipment that most often needs backflow protection, so we understand the full setup.
Reminder-friendly
Annual testing is easy to forget; we help you keep track of the due date.
Clear explanations
We explain RP, DCVA and PVB assemblies in plain language so you know what is protecting your water.
Simple scheduling
Call (236) 222-2222 or book online when your city notice arrives.
Related services
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Questions homeowners ask us
Still unsure? Call (236) 222-2222 and talk it through with us.
Why did I get a letter from my city about backflow?
Municipalities with cross-connection control bylaws keep records of testable assemblies and send reminders when an annual test is due. The letter usually lists the device location and the deadline for submitting a test report.
What is the difference between an RP and a DCVA?
A double check valve assembly uses two independent check valves and suits moderate hazards. A reduced pressure principle assembly adds a relief valve that dumps water if the checks fail, and is used for higher hazards. Your city sets which type is required for each application.
My backflow preventer is dripping. Is that normal?
A reduced pressure assembly may discharge briefly during pressure changes, but steady dripping or spraying means a check or relief valve is not sealing. It should be repaired and retested.
Does my house need a backflow preventer even without irrigation?
Most homes have basic protection such as hose bibb vacuum breakers and dual checks at boilers. Testable assemblies are typically required where there is irrigation, a fire sprinkler system or other higher-hazard connection.
Do I need to be home for the test?
Usually someone should be home to provide access and because water to part of the system is turned off briefly. Testing an accessible irrigation assembly often takes well under an hour.
Book your visit
Keep your drinking water protected
Call (236) 222-2222 or book online for backflow installation, testing support or repair.
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