Backflow Testing & Prevention in Coquitlam & the Lower Mainland

What a Backflow Prevention Device Actually Does

Backflow preventers are required anywhere your plumbing connects to a system that could introduce contaminants into the water supply if pressure reversed. Depending on the hazard level, that might mean a double check valve assembly or another type of backflow prevention assembly, installed at connections such as:



• Irrigation systems, which sit in soil and fertilizer-treated ground.
• Fire sprinkler systems, where water can sit stagnant in the lines for long periods.
• Boilers and hydronic heating systems, which often contain treated water or additives.
• Commercial equipment such as dish sanitizers, chemical feed systems, and some medical or industrial fixtures.

If the device fails, none of that risk is theoretical. It's why the annual test isn't just paperwork, it's confirming the device will actually do its job if pressure in the main ever drops.

Backflow preventers have moving internal parts, check valves and springs, that wear out over time even if the device is never visibly triggered. A test confirms those parts still hold under pressure. Most municipalities, Coquitlam included, require proof of a passed test every year, and results are typically reported directly to the city by the certified tester, not just handed to the property owner.

We connect a calibrated gauge to the device and check that each check valve and relief valve holds and releases at the correct pressure. Most tests take well under an hour and don't require water to be shut off to the rest of the property for long. If a device fails, we'll walk you through repair options and retest once it's fixed, since a failed device needs to pass before the paperwork can be filed.

Not sure if your device is due? Call (604) 873-3753 and we'll check your last test date and get you scheduled.

Why Coquitlam Property Owners Choose a Certified Backflow Tester

Our testers are BCWWA-certified to test and file results directly, so you're not stuck chasing paperwork after the fact. Every job carries our work warranty, full customer satisfaction, and manufacturer warranty on any parts we install.

Areas We Serve

We provide backflow testing throughout Coquitlam and the surrounding Lower Mainland, for residential, commercial, and irrigation systems. Call (604) 873-3753 if you're unsure whether you're in our service area.

How often does backflow testing need to be done?

Annually, in most municipalities including Coquitlam. Some commercial properties or higher-hazard connections may require testing more often depending on local bylaws.

What happens if my device fails the test?

We'll walk you through what failed and the repair options. Once it's repaired, we retest it, since a passed test is what gets filed with the city.

Do I need to be home for the test?

Not necessarily, as long as we can access the device. We'll confirm access details when you book.

Who do the test results go to?

We file certified results directly, which is usually what the municipality requires to confirm your potable water supply is protected, rather than a copy handed to the property owner. We'll also give you a test report for your own records.

Stay compliant without the hassle. Call KC's Plumbing at (604) 873-3753 for certified backflow testing in Coquitlam and the Lower Mainland, backed by our work warranty on every job.

Written by our licensed team at KC's Plumbing, Heating & Drain Services.