Water lines & quality
Backflow testing and prevention
A backflow preventer stops water from irrigation systems, boilers or other connections from flowing back into the public drinking water supply. Water utilities typically require testable assemblies to be tested once a year by a certified tester.
- Cause diagnosed first
- Written price before work
- Permits pulled where required
- Clean-up included
If you have an irrigation system, there's likely a testable backflow assembly near it — and a yearly notice from your water utility asking for a test report.
A test takes a short visit with calibrated gauges. If the assembly fails, the fix is usually new internal parts rather than a whole new device. The test report is then submitted to the utility as required.
Backflow Testing & Prevention at a glance
- What it is
- A backflow preventer stops water from irrigation systems, boilers or other connections from flowing back into the public drinking water supply.
- Service category
- Water lines & quality
- Where
- 19 towns across the Charlotte metro (NC and York County, SC)
- Urgent service
- Scheduled service — call if water is actively leaking.
- Pricing
- Written price after diagnosis, before any work starts.
Signs you need backflow testing help
- Annual testing notice from your water utility
- Water dripping from the backflow assembly relief port
- Irrigation system installed or modified
- Assembly damaged by a freeze
The visit
What the visit involves
- 1
Test
Calibrated test kit checks each check valve and relief valve against the standard.
- 2
Repair if it fails
Replace springs, seals or checks and retest.
- 3
Report
Complete the utility's test report with the results.
- 4
Winter protection
Advice on draining or insulating exposed assemblies before freezes.
What affects the cost
We don't publish flat prices for work that depends on what we find. These are the things that move the number — you'll get a written price before any work starts.
- Assembly type and size
- Repair kit vs. replacement
- Freeze damage
- Access to the assembly
Backflow Testing & Prevention: common questions
Why does my water utility require a backflow test?
Backflow can pull fertilizers, stagnant water or chemicals into the public supply. Annual testing confirms the preventer still works. Check your utility's notice for the deadline and submission method.
How often do backflow preventers need testing?
Most water utilities require testable backflow assemblies to be tested once a year by a certified tester, and after installation or repair. Your utility's notice states the deadline.
What happens if a backflow test fails?
The assembly is usually repaired with new internal parts and retested. Once it passes, the test report is submitted to the water utility.
Service area
Backflow Testing & Prevention across the Charlotte metro
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Learn moreGet help with backflow testing
Call for current availability — urgent leaks and backups are prioritized.