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Home » Services » Backflow Prevention Testing & Certification in Toronto
Everest Drain & Plumbing, as a certified backflow tester associated with Ontario Water Works, we offer same-day backflow testing for all commercial businesses, industrial settings, and multi-unit residential properties across the Greater Toronto Area with a same-day report to the city.
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We believe in transparent and upfront pricing.
Our standard backflow prevention testing up to a size of 1 inch is a $280.00 flat fee per device, no matter where its location or how difficult its accessibility is. This fee includes everything from travel costs to city tag and report submission to Toronto Water. There is no surprise or hidden fee; this is what you pay at the end of backflow testing.
If you have multiple devices at multiple locations, or if you manage property, we also offer discount pricing to take care of all your property’s backflow. Please contact us directly via email or phone for pricing.
City compliance is the primary driver for testing backflow prevention devices in Toronto. Under Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 851, backflow prevention is a legal requirement to protect the public water supply from “cross-connections.”
If no backflow preventer is present in buildings where contaminated water (containing chemicals, bacteria, or heavy metals) is processed daily, during an unexpected city pressure drop, this contaminated water could be siphoned back into the city’s water supply system.
This may cause a significant impact on public health if chemical waste gets siphoned back into the city supply.
Most of the time, people just install the device and leave it. Sometimes small, unseen debris or minor malfunctions of the check valve in the device may cause it not to work properly. And there is no way to find a way unless it is tested. To ensure proper working condition of the device and maintain a check and balance between the working condition of the device and the city water system, the city mandates annual backflow testing for all businesses and industries that have a high risk of contamination and hazard.
Failure to provide a backflow test report can lead to significant fines or the shut-off of your water service.
In Toronto, backflow testing is mandatory for most non-residential properties, depending upon the risk and hazards associated with buildings or industries.
Awarded in 2021 for an Outstanding Toronto Plumber by Homestars
We aren’t just certified testers; we are testers with master plumbing 306A license experience with all in and out of the Toronto plumbing system.
“If your device fails the test, our team provides same-day backflow repairs as well.”
The City of Toronto categorizes properties by hazard level. The type of device installed on your property dictates the testing procedure and the specific reporting requirements for your annual certification.
For a standard backflow preventer test, your water will typically be shut down for 10 to 20 minutes per device. At Everest Drain & Plumbing, we understand that a shutdown can disrupt your business or residential tenants, so we work efficiently to minimize this window. For restaurants or medical clinics in Toronto, we can often schedule these tests during off-peak hours to avoid any operational impact.
Yes. The City of Toronto takes compliance with By-law Chapter 851 very seriously. If you miss your deadline, the city may issue a Notice of Violation. Failure to comply after this warning can lead to significant daily fines (often starting around $100 to $500 per day) and, in extreme cases, the city may disconnect your water service to protect the public water supply. Additionally, the city may prosecute non-compliant companies, which can result in court-ordered fines reaching thousands of dollars.
The physical testing process usually takes between 30 and 45 minutes per device. This includes the visual inspection, the functional test with our calibrated gauges, and the time required to record the results for the city’s portal. If the device is located in a difficult-to-reach area (like a high ceiling or a tight crawlspace) or if it requires minor cleaning to pass, it may take up to an hour.
No. As your certified backflow tester, we handle the entire submission process. We upload your test results directly to the City of Toronto’s online reporting portal. You will receive a physical copy for your records, and we will affix the official Toronto Water test tag to your device.
Toronto’s water system relies on pressure to keep water flowing in one direction. If a water main breaks or a fire hydrant is opened nearby, a sudden drop in pressure can suck contaminated water back into the city’s drinking supply. Annual backflow testing ensures that your device’s mechanical checks are still holding strong enough to prevent this “back-siphonage.”
