Waywest Mechanical tests, repairs and installs backflow prevention assemblies in Nanaimo and across Vancouver Island. Backflow preventers stop contaminated water from flowing back into the drinking water supply from irrigation systems, fire sprinklers, boilers and commercial equipment. Many BC municipalities require testable backflow assemblies to be tested annually by a certified tester, with results submitted to the municipality.
Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:30 PM · quotes within the hour
Why backflow prevention matters
Every building connected to a municipal water system is also, potentially, a source of contamination for it. Irrigation lines sit in fertilized soil. Boilers contain treated water. Commercial kitchens, labs, car washes and medical offices use water with chemicals or contaminants in it.
Normally, water pressure keeps everything flowing into the building. But when pressure drops in the main — a water main break, firefighting nearby, or heavy demand — water can be siphoned back. A backflow prevention assembly stops that from happening.
Types of backflow preventers
Double check valve assemblies (DCVA) use two independent check valves and are commonly used for lower-hazard applications such as some fire sprinkler systems.
Reduced pressure principle assemblies (RP) add a relief valve between two check valves and are used for high-hazard connections where contamination would be a health risk.
Pressure vacuum breakers (PVB) are frequently used on irrigation systems.
The type required depends on the hazard level of the connection, as determined by municipal requirements.
Our backflow services
- Annual testing of testable backflow assemblies
- Test report completion for submission to your municipality
- Repair of failed assemblies — seals, springs, check valves and relief valves
- Replacement of assemblies that are corroded, obsolete or cannot be repaired
- New installations for new construction, tenant improvements, irrigation systems and boiler connections
- Hazard assessments to identify which connections need protection
Who typically needs testing
- Restaurants and commercial kitchens
- Strata and multi-unit residential buildings
- Offices, retail and industrial properties
- Schools, care facilities and medical or dental offices
- Properties with in-ground irrigation
- Buildings with fire sprinkler systems
- Buildings with boilers or hydronic heating tied to the domestic supply
Staying on schedule
Municipal cross connection control programs track testing deadlines and send notices when a test is due. Missing a deadline can lead to follow-up from the municipality and, in some cases, interruption of water service. Waywest can keep your assemblies on an annual schedule so tests happen before the notice arrives.
For property managers with several buildings, we can coordinate testing across the portfolio.
Service area
Backflow testing, repair and installation is available in Nanaimo, Lantzville, Ladysmith, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Duncan and across Waywest's Vancouver Island service area.
What happens when you call
- A person answers
You talk to the Nanaimo office, or our own crew on the 24/7 line — not a call centre.
- You hear the rate first
We explain the service rate, or the emergency rate after hours, before anyone is booked or dispatched.
- A licensed technician arrives
A Waywest technician with a stocked vehicle diagnoses the problem and explains your options.
- You approve the work
Repairs go ahead once you agree. Larger jobs get a written quote you can take time to consider.
Quick facts
- Emergency service
- 24/7 at 250-616-1446 — typically on site within an hour in Nanaimo
- Office hours
- Monday–Friday, 7:00 AM–4:30 PM, 250-729-2394
- Service area
- Nanaimo and Vancouver Island, Victoria to Port Hardy
- Licensing
- TSBC licence LGA0004592; licensed, bonded and insured
- Quotes
- Reply within the hour during business hours
- Page updated
Common questions
What is backflow?
Backflow is water flowing the wrong way in a plumbing system — from a building's equipment or irrigation system back into the public drinking water supply. It can happen when pressure in the water main drops suddenly or when a system is under higher pressure than the supply.
How often do backflow preventers need to be tested?
Testable backflow prevention assemblies are generally required to be tested at installation and at least once a year after that by a certified tester. Your municipality's cross connection control program sets the exact requirements and deadlines.
Which properties need backflow prevention?
Commercial, industrial, institutional and multi-unit buildings commonly need them, along with properties with irrigation systems, fire sprinkler systems, boilers, or equipment that could introduce chemicals or contaminants. Some residential properties with irrigation or other hazards need them too.
What happens if my backflow preventer fails the test?
The assembly needs to be repaired — usually by replacing internal seals, springs or check valves — and retested. Waywest can repair most failed assemblies on the same visit when parts are available, and replaces assemblies that are beyond repair.
Need this sorted out?
Call the Nanaimo office and talk to someone who can tell you what the work involves and when we can get to it.