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.