Pressure gauges on brass valves in a water supply line

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.

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At a glance

Common sign
Annual testing notice from your water utility
First step
Test

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
Related: Outdoor Faucets & Yard Lines, Main Water Line Repair, Low Water Pressure Diagnosis

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 a backflow testing 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 of backflow testing

Assembly type and size
Repair kit vs. replacement
Freeze damage
Access to the assembly

Check backflow testing coverage near you

Use your location or ZIP code to see whether backflow testing & prevention is covered where you are, and the nearest service area.

Location is only used to find the service area nearest you. It stays on your device and isn't stored.

Water actively leaking, overflowing or backing up? That's a job for 24-hour emergency service, not a scheduled visit.

Backflow Testing: 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.

Which backflow assembly does an irrigation system need?

Requirements vary by utility. Charlotte Water, for example, requires a reduced pressure principle assembly (RP) on irrigation systems installed since March 24, 2003, and testing by an approved tester at installation and annually after.