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Diagram of backflow prevention device with arrows.

Understanding Backflow Prevention Devices (and Why You Might Need One)

Clean water in. Dirty water out.
That’s how plumbing should work. But when backflow happens, that flow gets reversed — and contaminated water can end up inside your drinking lines.

It sounds extreme, but it’s a real threat. And it happens more often than you’d think in older plumbing systems, especially around Toronto and the GTA.

That’s why many homes and businesses install backflow prevention devices — simple, effective systems that stop dirty water from ever flowing in the wrong direction.

So What Exactly Is Backflow?

Backflow happens when the pressure in your plumbing system drops (like during a water main break or sudden demand) and allows outside or contaminated water to reverse into your clean water lines.

That means stuff like:

  • Pesticides from lawn irrigation

  • Dirty water from garden hoses

  • Commercial chemicals

  • Or even sewage in extreme cases

…can flow into your home’s water supply if you’re not protected.

Scary? Yes. Preventable? Absolutely.

What’s a Backflow Prevention Device?

It’s a one-way valve — professionally installed — that keeps water moving in only one direction. If pressure drops, the valve shuts automatically to prevent any backward flow.

There are different types depending on your setup:

  • Hose bib vacuum breakers (for outdoor taps)

  • Double check valves (for homes with irrigation systems)

  • Reduced pressure zone (RPZ) devices (required for some businesses and high-risk setups)

These devices are required by law in many commercial or multi-unit buildings — and increasingly recommended for residential homes, especially with irrigation or pool systems.

What UPR Does

We assess your home or building setup and tell you whether you actually need a device (some companies will try to oversell it — we don’t).

If one is needed, we:

  • Choose the right type

  • Handle permits and inspection (if required by your city)

  • Install and test it to code

  • And schedule annual testing if your region mandates it

Fast. Professional. Certified.

Toronto Homeowner Tip:

If you’ve got an underground sprinkler system, a boiler, or a garden hose that regularly sits in puddles — backflow risk is real. Toronto’s municipal code requires devices in many cases. We stay up to date so you don’t have to.

Call 647-833-6743

Contact UPR


Keep your water clean, no nasty surprise — UPR installs backflow guards that are smart and wise.
Serving Toronto & the GTA with certified backflow prevention and annual testing.

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