Backflow testing, surveys, repairs and plumbing

We test backflow preventers, survey cross-connections, repair failed assemblies and file the reports with your municipality. We also do commercial plumbing.

Book a backflow test Or email [email protected].

Commercial and institutional
Industrial
Multi-residential
Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area

Backflow assembly with a test kit connected in a mechanical room — Annual test in a mechanical room

Services

Test gauge in a technician's hand with hoses connected to a backflow assembly

Backflow testing

Initial and annual tests of every testable assembly, with the report filed with your municipality.

What happens during a test

Fire pump room with a red fire main, a pump and a backflow test kit on the floor

Cross-connection surveys

A walkthrough of the property's water uses and connections, and a report on what protection is missing. Our survey does not interrupt the water supply.

How a survey differs from a test

Relief valve cover and spring removed from a reduced-pressure assembly during a repair

Repair, rebuild and replacement

If a device fails, we find the cause, send a repair scope for approval and retest the assembly after the work.

Field note: a relief valve failure

New 2-inch double check valve assembly on a vertical riser beside the water meter and an expansion tank

Installation and permits

RPZ, double check and vacuum breaker assemblies, chosen for the hazard and sized for the building's water demand. We install Zurn Wilkins, Watts and Apollo assemblies. We prepare the permit drawings, arrange sealed drawings where the municipality requires them, book the inspections and file the first test. There is no charge for a site visit to quote.

Field note: a DCVA on a vertical riser

Spec-Mark backflow test tag attached to an RPZ

Reporting and reminders

Test records, survey documents and municipal submissions, plus a courtesy reminder before your next test date; the due date remains the owner's responsibility.

ABS drain lines and a floor drain set in an open trench for a new underground rough-in

Plumbing services

Underground and overhead rough-in, bar and restaurant plumbing, and general commercial plumbing for commercial, institutional and multi-residential properties.

Field note: plumbing a warehouse unit

For property managers

One device list, one schedule and one set of records across your properties.

We also maintain boilers and rooftop units for buildings where we look after the backflow devices. Heating and cooling

Book a test

Device inventory by property and location
Scheduled annual testing visits
Shut-offs for testing scheduled around tenants and operations
One list of failed devices and repairs across your properties
Copies of every test and survey record
A courtesy reminder before each test is due

Which assembly a connection needs

The degree of hazard sets the type of assembly. A survey or your municipality classifies the hazard. Read the device guide

Assembly	Protects against	Typical use
RPZReduced-pressure assembly, also called an RP	Backpressure and backsiphonage, including high hazards	Premise isolation where chemicals or contaminants are present: food processing, medical and dental, industrial
DCVADouble check valve assembly	Backpressure and backsiphonage, lower hazards	Premise isolation for many commercial and multi-residential buildings
DCDA / RPDADetector assemblies	Same as DCVA or RP, with a meter bypass that detects flow	Fire sprinkler services
PVBPressure vacuum breaker	Backsiphonage	Irrigation connections

The programs

Every program has its own by-law, forms and deadlines. Start with the municipality that sent your notice.

Not sure what your notice asks for? Read what a backflow notice requires.

Every municipality, with its report deadline

Each page has that municipality's rules, permit and fees. Municipalities without a page link to their section of the regional guide.

Municipality	Program and by-law	Test report due (days after the test)	Spec-Mark Group
City of Toronto
Toronto	City of Toronto, Municipal Code Chapter 851	7 days	Certified testers; reports filed through the City's online system
Scarborough	City of Toronto, Municipal Code Chapter 851	7 days	Certified testers; office in Scarborough
Region of Peel
Mississauga	Region of Peel, By-law 10-2017	14 days	On Peel's qualified contractor list (May 2026)
Brampton	Region of Peel, By-law 10-2017	14 days	On Peel's qualified contractor list (May 2026)
Caledon	Region of Peel, By-law 10-2017	14 days	On Peel's qualified contractor list (May 2026)
Halton Region
Oakville	Halton Region, By-law 71-19	28 days	Send us the notice; we confirm the next step
Burlington	Halton Region, By-law 71-19	28 days	Send us the notice; we confirm the next step
Milton	Halton Region, By-law 71-19	28 days	Send us the notice; we confirm the next step
Halton Hills	Halton Region, By-law 71-19	28 days	Send us the notice; we confirm the next step
York Region
Markham	City of Markham, By-law 2012-27	14 days	On the City's list of qualified persons, as Spec-Mark Mechanical (March 2026)
Richmond Hill	City of Richmond Hill, By-law 125-14	14 days	Send us the notice; we confirm the next step
Vaughan	City of Vaughan, By-law 177-2020	14 days	On the City's Approved Qualified Company List, all functions (October 2026)
Aurora	Town of Aurora, By-law 6213-19	15 days	On the Town's Approved Qualified Company List, all functions (August 2026)
Region of Durham
Oshawa	Region of Durham, By-law 24-2018	28 days	On Durham's qualified contractor list, as Spec-Mark Mechanical
Pickering	Region of Durham, By-law 24-2018	28 days	On Durham's qualified contractor list, as Spec-Mark Mechanical
Whitby	Region of Durham, By-law 24-2018	28 days	On Durham's qualified contractor list, as Spec-Mark Mechanical
Ajax	Region of Durham, By-law 24-2018	28 days	On Durham's qualified contractor list, as Spec-Mark Mechanical
Clarington	Region of Durham, By-law 24-2018	28 days	On Durham's qualified contractor list, as Spec-Mark Mechanical
Uxbridge	Region of Durham, By-law 24-2018	28 days	On Durham's qualified contractor list, as Spec-Mark Mechanical
Scugog	Region of Durham, By-law 24-2018	28 days	On Durham's qualified contractor list, as Spec-Mark Mechanical
Brock	Region of Durham, By-law 24-2018	28 days	On Durham's qualified contractor list, as Spec-Mark Mechanical
City of Hamilton
Hamilton	City of Hamilton, By-law 10-103	14 days	Send us the notice; we confirm the next step

Questions

What is the difference between a survey and a test?

A cross-connection survey looks at the whole property to find where drinking water could be contaminated and what protection is needed. A test checks that an installed backflow assembly is working.

How often does a survey need updating?

It depends on the program. In Toronto, a survey is updated every five years, and sooner if the hazard on the property increases.

Can you test devices another company installed?

Yes. We test testable assemblies regardless of who installed them, and file the report with your municipality.

Do you test backflow devices at houses?

Most houses are outside the GTA programs. Peel includes single homes over 600 m². Markham includes houses with an auxiliary water supply, a lawn sprinkler system, or a fire protection system other than a full flow-through sprinkler system. Halton requires a device on every lawn irrigation system. In Peel and Markham those owners must comply as well, and we take that work. We do not take general house plumbing.

What do you need from me to book?

The property address, the municipality, how many devices are on site, any notice or deadline, and a contact for access on the day. For a failed device, also send the failed test report, photos of the device and its tag, and any repair history.

Ready to book?

Send the address, the number of devices and any notice. We confirm what you need and book the visit.

Book a backflow test [email protected]