Backflow testing, answered

A set of valves that lets water go one way only. If pressure drops in the main, it keeps water from your pipes, sprinklers or equipment from flowing back into the public supply.

Your water utility decides. Most ask for a test once a year on assemblies that protect the public supply, and again after one is installed, repaired or moved. Its notice lists what it tracks.

Look for a brass or bronze body with small test cocks on the side, on a sprinkler line, near a meter or at a well house. Send us a photo and we will name it.

The fee depends on the size of the assembly and how many we test on the visit. The fees page says what sets it, and what is and is not covered.

Yes, in writing. We show you the failed reading, explain the options and wait for your approval.

Utilities usually give a window to repair and retest. Your notice states yours. We quote the repair, do it, retest, and send the passing report.

Only if we can't reach the assembly. Send gate codes, tell us about locked yards, dogs or buried vaults, and we text you when the tester is on the way.

Most take 15 to 30 minutes per assembly when access is clear. A buried or flooded vault takes longer.

We find your shutoffs, tag them and blow out the lines before the first hard freeze. At spring start-up we test the assembly before the water runs.

Yes. Those lines usually need a reduced pressure assembly at the source. We test it and tell you what your utility or district asks for.

We keep your list. A few weeks before each due date we text or email you and offer a test day on the route. Tell us how you prefer to be reached.

No. Tests are weekday daytime visits, so there is no after-hours rate.