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Backflow basics
What is a backflow assembly, and why do I have one?
Put simply, a backflow prevention assembly keep water downstream from mixing with water upstream. This prevents contamination of the water source. Think landscape sprinklers, hoses immersed in pools or watering troughs, fire sprinklers, medical clinics working with body fluids, etc. Once water enters these systems, your water provider doesn't want it back, and for good reason. A properly working backflow assembly has one or more one-way valves that keep water moving in only one direction so contaminants can't get back upstream. Neat, huh? Some water districts require backflow protection just upstream of uses they're concerned about, and others (especially in rural areas) install one at every meter.
Put simply, a backflow prevention assembly keep water downstream from mixing with water upstream. This prevents contamination of the water source. Think landscape sprinklers, hoses immersed in pools or watering troughs, fire sprinklers, medical clinics working with body fluids, etc. Once water enters these systems, your water provider doesn't want it back, and for good reason. A properly working backflow assembly has one or more one-way valves that keep water moving in only one direction so contaminants can't get back upstream. Neat, huh? Some water districts require backflow protection just upstream of uses they're concerned about, and others (especially in rural areas) install one at every meter.
Backflow sounds gross. do you deal with sewage?
Good question! Not at all. Our work mainly involves landscape irrigation systems.
Good question! Not at all. Our work mainly involves landscape irrigation systems.
Why does my backflow assembly need to be tested?
Annual testing ensures that your assembly is working properly. Debris in the line, wear or damage to seals, or failure of other components can allow water to pass freely upstream, allowing water potentially contaminated with germs or hazardous chemicals to be introduced to the public water system. With this in mind, the State of Oregon requires backflow assemblies to be tested at least annually. As backflow testers, we test the function of the valves on your backflow assembly, then report to you and your water district with the results.
Annual testing ensures that your assembly is working properly. Debris in the line, wear or damage to seals, or failure of other components can allow water to pass freely upstream, allowing water potentially contaminated with germs or hazardous chemicals to be introduced to the public water system. With this in mind, the State of Oregon requires backflow assemblies to be tested at least annually. As backflow testers, we test the function of the valves on your backflow assembly, then report to you and your water district with the results.
Do you sent a report to my water district, and do I get one too?
Yes, and yes. Testers are required to file reporting with the water district and provide a copy to the customer. When filing test results with your water district, we may need to enter the data online, email reporting as a PDF, or mail in a physical copy, depending on each district's policies. We send customer copies as a PDF attachment to an email (an example is provided just a few questions down).
Yes, and yes. Testers are required to file reporting with the water district and provide a copy to the customer. When filing test results with your water district, we may need to enter the data online, email reporting as a PDF, or mail in a physical copy, depending on each district's policies. We send customer copies as a PDF attachment to an email (an example is provided just a few questions down).
How do I prepare for testing?
Our prep guide has some great information on this. To summarize: we ask that equipment be readily visible, accessible, operable, and with water pressure easily available . Otherwise, we may not be able to complete your test. Please make sure things are ready to go before your order so we can offer prompt, efficient, and cost-effective service to you and other customers. We may decline service for accounts that don't consistently meet these basic standards. Our Terms of Service go into more detail. Please contact us if you need further guidance.
Our prep guide has some great information on this. To summarize: we ask that equipment be readily visible, accessible, operable, and with water pressure easily available . Otherwise, we may not be able to complete your test. Please make sure things are ready to go before your order so we can offer prompt, efficient, and cost-effective service to you and other customers. We may decline service for accounts that don't consistently meet these basic standards. Our Terms of Service go into more detail. Please contact us if you need further guidance.
What if my equipment isn't ready when you arrive?
As a courtesy to your hard-working technician (and other customers who rely upon us), please make sure your equipment is ready to go (as outlined in our prep guide) before your drop-in order is placed. For preparations that can't be completed well in advance (like bringing in a dog or unlocking a gate) , use the order comments to let us know: we'll send you a courtesy notification email the day before we plan to test. Otherwise, testing will be completed on the next available route after the order is submitted (sometimes even the same day). Obstacles like hidden or overgrown valve box lids, or buried assemblies, can seriously delay our work and set us behind in meeting commitments to other customers. For this reason, if equipment isn't ready when we stop by, we'll often need to move promptly to the next job, reach out later to ask the customer to address the issue, and then process an order for a follow-up service call. The initial service call is nonrefundable.
As a courtesy to your hard-working technician (and other customers who rely upon us), please make sure your equipment is ready to go (as outlined in our prep guide) before your drop-in order is placed. For preparations that can't be completed well in advance (like bringing in a dog or unlocking a gate) , use the order comments to let us know: we'll send you a courtesy notification email the day before we plan to test. Otherwise, testing will be completed on the next available route after the order is submitted (sometimes even the same day). Obstacles like hidden or overgrown valve box lids, or buried assemblies, can seriously delay our work and set us behind in meeting commitments to other customers. For this reason, if equipment isn't ready when we stop by, we'll often need to move promptly to the next job, reach out later to ask the customer to address the issue, and then process an order for a follow-up service call. The initial service call is nonrefundable.
What's involved in a test?
A lot! There are three main "phases" to testing for a new customer:
A lot! There are three main "phases" to testing for a new customer:
- Pre-test: we talk with you to set up the account and discuss your testing needs. Occasionally we'll need to contact your water district for additional information. After basic account setup, we'll email you with an order link and wait for the order to be placed.
- Service call: after the order is placed, we'll add your work to a test route and dispatch a tester. Once we arrive, we'll try to locate and access your assembly, then remove any plugs or caps from the test cocks, flush the ports, and attach adapters (if necessary). We then use a differential pressure gauge and specific USC-developed test procedures to take readings that tell us if the assembly is working properly. We record these, along with any notes, plus the make, model, serial number, size, and location of the assembly. Before leaving, we replace any plugs or caps and check to make sure the assembly (and upstream shutoff) handles are back in their original positions. Some work involves special access needs, fire alarms, appointments, or other factors that require extra time and care.
- Post-test: reporting is usually the final step, and we complete this once we return to the office with the test data. We enter test data into our database and report test results to the water district and the customer. Depending on what we found onsite, we may need to take additional steps, such as sending a detailed follow-up email to a customer whose assembly is failing.
- Report number. (Blue)
- Contact and site details: site name, contact phone, mailing address, site address. (Red)
- Assembly details: type, size, manufacturer, model, serial number, location, water purveyor, installation status. (Orange)
- Test details: test values, pass/fail, test date, system PSI, comments on the visit, any any test data taken after repairs (if applicable), and whether or not water service was turned back on at the end of the test. (Gold)
- Tester details: tester name, signature, certification number, gauge number (and calibration date), plus company and contact details. For a fire line bypass, we also record the detector meter reading in this section (Green )
Can you test when my sprinkler system is winterized?
In most cases, yes. Properly plumbed, your irrigation system consists of an upstream shutoff, followed by a backflow assembly, then all other system components, including points that may be opened up for the winter such as sprinkler heads, drain valves, zone control valves, drip lines, etc. If we see that water is off at the upstream shutoff or the backflow assembly, our standard procedure is to close the backflow shutoff valve furthest downstream, restore service upstream, do our testing, and then restore handles to their original positions in reverse order. This allows testing without pressurizing the downstream lines and requires that the three shutoff valves we normally interact with (upstream shutoff and both of the backflow shutoffs, including their handles) are visible, accessible, and in good operating condition. For the small minority of system where this is not the case, we may not be able to test, water pressure may move beyond the backflow assembly during testing, and/or we may decline testing.
In most cases, yes. Properly plumbed, your irrigation system consists of an upstream shutoff, followed by a backflow assembly, then all other system components, including points that may be opened up for the winter such as sprinkler heads, drain valves, zone control valves, drip lines, etc. If we see that water is off at the upstream shutoff or the backflow assembly, our standard procedure is to close the backflow shutoff valve furthest downstream, restore service upstream, do our testing, and then restore handles to their original positions in reverse order. This allows testing without pressurizing the downstream lines and requires that the three shutoff valves we normally interact with (upstream shutoff and both of the backflow shutoffs, including their handles) are visible, accessible, and in good operating condition. For the small minority of system where this is not the case, we may not be able to test, water pressure may move beyond the backflow assembly during testing, and/or we may decline testing.
Can you turn my winterized sprinkler system back on when you test?
If water is off when we arrive, our policy is to always leave it off at the end of the test whenever possible. A proper spring start-up of your lawn sprinkler system isn't quite as simple as leaving a shutoff valve open, and usually takes about 30-60 minutes. A well-winterized system has multiple points open to prevent freeze damage, so our test procedures are specifically designed to avoid pressurizing winterized systems. Before a system is re-pressurized, any open points downstream (drain valves, drip lines, air bleed attachments, solenoids, damaged heads or lines, etc.) must first be identified and closed, and landscape professionals often also do additional system wellness checks as part of spring start-up. For us to simply leave water on without carefully checking the rest of the system would risk flooding your lawn, crawlspace, or basement. The help of an experienced landscaper is invaluable, and this is why we always recommend hiring a skilled, LCB-licensed landscape professional to make sure your system is properly started back up for the season.
If water is off when we arrive, our policy is to always leave it off at the end of the test whenever possible. A proper spring start-up of your lawn sprinkler system isn't quite as simple as leaving a shutoff valve open, and usually takes about 30-60 minutes. A well-winterized system has multiple points open to prevent freeze damage, so our test procedures are specifically designed to avoid pressurizing winterized systems. Before a system is re-pressurized, any open points downstream (drain valves, drip lines, air bleed attachments, solenoids, damaged heads or lines, etc.) must first be identified and closed, and landscape professionals often also do additional system wellness checks as part of spring start-up. For us to simply leave water on without carefully checking the rest of the system would risk flooding your lawn, crawlspace, or basement. The help of an experienced landscaper is invaluable, and this is why we always recommend hiring a skilled, LCB-licensed landscape professional to make sure your system is properly started back up for the season.
Can you turn my water off before you leave?
For customers who happen to be present during the test and specifically request this, yes, we can leave water off. Please note that simply turning water off to a system is no substitute for proper winterization, which should also include a thorough draining of the system (using gravity or, ideally, compressed air), among other things. If you're not sure how to do this, we'd recommend hiring a experienced landscape professional to assist you. (Note: in very rare cases, we may leave water off if we notice a line break or other condition in/near our work area that could cause damage or result in an astronomical water bill. In these cases, we'll attempt to make contact and notify you about this. )
For customers who happen to be present during the test and specifically request this, yes, we can leave water off. Please note that simply turning water off to a system is no substitute for proper winterization, which should also include a thorough draining of the system (using gravity or, ideally, compressed air), among other things. If you're not sure how to do this, we'd recommend hiring a experienced landscape professional to assist you. (Note: in very rare cases, we may leave water off if we notice a line break or other condition in/near our work area that could cause damage or result in an astronomical water bill. In these cases, we'll attempt to make contact and notify you about this. )
I have no idea where my assembly is. Can you find it for me?
We kindly ask that your equipment (or its box lids) be fully visible and accessible before your order. Most water districts provide location details in your reminder letter (or upon request), and we rely upon this for our work when we haven't visited a site before. Our prep guide and gallery have lots of useful information (including photos) intended to help you locate and identify your equipment, and you're welcome to send us photos if you'd like help with ID. With that in said, we do need a solid lead on your assembly location (from water district records, a prior report, or your first-hand knowledge), or we can't offer a service call. Even with basic location details, finding a buried box can be very difficult (or night impossible) without the help of sophisticated locating equipment - we sometimes wish we had x-ray vision, but, alas! Some landscaping or plumbing companies offer water line location services, and we'd encourage you to hire one if you're in need of this service. It's also worth noting that if neither you nor the water district have record of an assembly location, it's possible that a backflow assembly may not be installed at your site.
We kindly ask that your equipment (or its box lids) be fully visible and accessible before your order. Most water districts provide location details in your reminder letter (or upon request), and we rely upon this for our work when we haven't visited a site before. Our prep guide and gallery have lots of useful information (including photos) intended to help you locate and identify your equipment, and you're welcome to send us photos if you'd like help with ID. With that in said, we do need a solid lead on your assembly location (from water district records, a prior report, or your first-hand knowledge), or we can't offer a service call. Even with basic location details, finding a buried box can be very difficult (or night impossible) without the help of sophisticated locating equipment - we sometimes wish we had x-ray vision, but, alas! Some landscaping or plumbing companies offer water line location services, and we'd encourage you to hire one if you're in need of this service. It's also worth noting that if neither you nor the water district have record of an assembly location, it's possible that a backflow assembly may not be installed at your site.
How long will my backflow assembly last?
Like many other sprinkler system components, your backflow assembly will age and eventually need to be replaced. This is especially true for irrigation assemblies installed outdoors in a below-ground valve box - these usually require replacement roughly every 15-25 years under typical field conditions. We've seen assemblies with a lifespan of under five years, or over thirty! It depends a lot on the quality of installation, materials used (are the handles stainless?), and level of maintenance - along with other variables like box conditions, frequency of use, conditions inside the water line, parts availability, weather exposure, etc. Backflow replacement should be considered a regular (though hopefully infrequent!) part of maintaining a landscape sprinkler system and provided for in your annual maintenance budget: averaged over the life of the assembly, replacement generally represents about $50-100 per year in maintenance costs. To extend the life of your assembly, we recommend ensuring adequate drainage for your valve box, protecting equipment from sun and freezing temperatures, preventing soil contact with your backflow assembly, and ensuring that any replacement equipment installed below grade is equipped with stainless handles to maximize longevity. The Febco 850 (or 850LF if you need a lead-free version) is a solid model with stainless handles standard as of 2023.
Like many other sprinkler system components, your backflow assembly will age and eventually need to be replaced. This is especially true for irrigation assemblies installed outdoors in a below-ground valve box - these usually require replacement roughly every 15-25 years under typical field conditions. We've seen assemblies with a lifespan of under five years, or over thirty! It depends a lot on the quality of installation, materials used (are the handles stainless?), and level of maintenance - along with other variables like box conditions, frequency of use, conditions inside the water line, parts availability, weather exposure, etc. Backflow replacement should be considered a regular (though hopefully infrequent!) part of maintaining a landscape sprinkler system and provided for in your annual maintenance budget: averaged over the life of the assembly, replacement generally represents about $50-100 per year in maintenance costs. To extend the life of your assembly, we recommend ensuring adequate drainage for your valve box, protecting equipment from sun and freezing temperatures, preventing soil contact with your backflow assembly, and ensuring that any replacement equipment installed below grade is equipped with stainless handles to maximize longevity. The Febco 850 (or 850LF if you need a lead-free version) is a solid model with stainless handles standard as of 2023.
Scheduling
Do I need to be present when you test at my home?
Not usually. Backflow assemblies at most one- or two-family residential properties are almost always outside, and we offer testing for these as a drop-in service, with reporting emailed to you after we've finished testing. Due to capacity constraints, we're not currently able to offer testing by appointment for residential jobs - in the rare event that your residential assembly is inside, please use this OHA-curated referral list to find a tester. (Note: we may offer testing by appointment for commercial sites, depending on the scope of the work - in these cases, we'll discuss your general scheduling needs in advance and try to find a date and arrival window that will work for everybody. Check toward the bottom of this section for additional details on scheduling an appointment.)
Not usually. Backflow assemblies at most one- or two-family residential properties are almost always outside, and we offer testing for these as a drop-in service, with reporting emailed to you after we've finished testing. Due to capacity constraints, we're not currently able to offer testing by appointment for residential jobs - in the rare event that your residential assembly is inside, please use this OHA-curated referral list to find a tester. (Note: we may offer testing by appointment for commercial sites, depending on the scope of the work - in these cases, we'll discuss your general scheduling needs in advance and try to find a date and arrival window that will work for everybody. Check toward the bottom of this section for additional details on scheduling an appointment.)
When will you do my test?
The vast majority of our drop-in service calls are completed within two weeks of your completed order. However, lead time may vary depending on water district deadlines, your scheduling and notification needs, seasonal demand, or other factors. We understand that some orders aren't placed until near the due date - if you're approaching your water district's deadline, it often helps to keep them in the loop: if you tell them you've scheduled with a reliable tester, they'll usually allow some extra time for testing. If you'd like us to email them with an expected testing timeline, please request this in the order comments. You're always welcome to contact us for a status update, if needed, or to request a guaranteed testing deadline.
The vast majority of our drop-in service calls are completed within two weeks of your completed order. However, lead time may vary depending on water district deadlines, your scheduling and notification needs, seasonal demand, or other factors. We understand that some orders aren't placed until near the due date - if you're approaching your water district's deadline, it often helps to keep them in the loop: if you tell them you've scheduled with a reliable tester, they'll usually allow some extra time for testing. If you'd like us to email them with an expected testing timeline, please request this in the order comments. You're always welcome to contact us for a status update, if needed, or to request a guaranteed testing deadline.
For drop-in testing, how do I know my test has been done?
We'll send you an emailed test report after we visit (usually within a few business days), and this is the most reliable indication that we've stopped by. Because there is some processing time between your test and when reporting has been processed and emailed (usually just a few days), we'd encourage you to contact us if you need the most up-to-date status information.
We'll send you an emailed test report after we visit (usually within a few business days), and this is the most reliable indication that we've stopped by. Because there is some processing time between your test and when reporting has been processed and emailed (usually just a few days), we'd encourage you to contact us if you need the most up-to-date status information.
Why do you ask me to have equipment ready for testing before my order?
We pride ourselves on prompt, efficient service and will add your testing to the very next open route after your order comes in - sometimes we'll even see an order come in while we're in the neighborhood and stop by the same day! If you place an order but indicate in the comments that you're not ready for testing, this often results in repeated follow-ups and delays while we attempt to confirm whether/if/when we can send out a tester. If you need some extra time to trim back plants, uncover your box, turn water on at an inside shutoff, or make other necessary testing preparations, please wait to place your order until after these are complete. We understand there are a few things that simply can't be done days or weeks in advance (like unlocking a gate or bringing in a pet), so we do offer advance notifications when necessary for testing.
We pride ourselves on prompt, efficient service and will add your testing to the very next open route after your order comes in - sometimes we'll even see an order come in while we're in the neighborhood and stop by the same day! If you place an order but indicate in the comments that you're not ready for testing, this often results in repeated follow-ups and delays while we attempt to confirm whether/if/when we can send out a tester. If you need some extra time to trim back plants, uncover your box, turn water on at an inside shutoff, or make other necessary testing preparations, please wait to place your order until after these are complete. We understand there are a few things that simply can't be done days or weeks in advance (like unlocking a gate or bringing in a pet), so we do offer advance notifications when necessary for testing.
Can my tester text or call me just before they arrive?
When we're out on test routes, we try to keep side distractions to a minimum and focus on the work at hand. For this reason, we can't offer on-the-go timing/arrival updates as we progress through a route. For testing by appointment, we'll make any necessary scheduling arrangements before the test date. And if you need to bring in a pet, unlock a gate, or make other preparations that can't be done before your order, we can send an advance notification email the day before we plan to visit - please be sure to tell us about any of these needs in the order comments so we're aware of them. When we email with this advance notification, please make the necessary preparations in before the test date/window provided in the notification email.
When we're out on test routes, we try to keep side distractions to a minimum and focus on the work at hand. For this reason, we can't offer on-the-go timing/arrival updates as we progress through a route. For testing by appointment, we'll make any necessary scheduling arrangements before the test date. And if you need to bring in a pet, unlock a gate, or make other preparations that can't be done before your order, we can send an advance notification email the day before we plan to visit - please be sure to tell us about any of these needs in the order comments so we're aware of them. When we email with this advance notification, please make the necessary preparations in before the test date/window provided in the notification email.
Can I watch while you do my drop-in test, and can you time the work to make this possible?
If you'd like to come out and watch us test when we stop by, we're happy to have the company. Please note that, due to scheduling and capacity limitations, we can't time our visit to guarantee you'll be present when we visit for a drop-in test or offer additional scheduling coordination (such as advance notifications) intended to achieve this - thank you for your understanding. If you're curious about your assembly, or what testing involves, we've tried to answer most of those questions here and in the other resources in our learning library, but you're also welcome to contact us if you don't see an answer. If you have questions about operating or maintaining your irrigation system, please contact a qualified landscape profession, as this isn't our specific area of expertise.
If you'd like to come out and watch us test when we stop by, we're happy to have the company. Please note that, due to scheduling and capacity limitations, we can't time our visit to guarantee you'll be present when we visit for a drop-in test or offer additional scheduling coordination (such as advance notifications) intended to achieve this - thank you for your understanding. If you're curious about your assembly, or what testing involves, we've tried to answer most of those questions here and in the other resources in our learning library, but you're also welcome to contact us if you don't see an answer. If you have questions about operating or maintaining your irrigation system, please contact a qualified landscape profession, as this isn't our specific area of expertise.
Do you offer specific appointment times?
When necessary for the work, and when our schedule allows, we offer limited testing by appointment. Our capacity for these types of service calls is very limited, so we only offer appointments for larger commercial jobs, and these cost an additional $10.00 (waived for jobs over $200). Please contact our office to see what we can do for you. All appointments are scheduled as windows (not pinpoint times) to account for job-to-job variability and traffic conditions. (Note: we consider necessary appointments to be those scheduled 1.) for access to indoor assemblies, 2.) to strategically time disruption on domestic lines serving commercial, medical, municipal, or other downstream uses for which continuous water service during certain windows is essential, 3.) to ensure that alarms for a fire line assembly can be put into test mode during our work, or 4.) to arrange access to high-security outdoor areas for certain commercial, industrial, and government-operated sites.)
When necessary for the work, and when our schedule allows, we offer limited testing by appointment. Our capacity for these types of service calls is very limited, so we only offer appointments for larger commercial jobs, and these cost an additional $10.00 (waived for jobs over $200). Please contact our office to see what we can do for you. All appointments are scheduled as windows (not pinpoint times) to account for job-to-job variability and traffic conditions. (Note: we consider necessary appointments to be those scheduled 1.) for access to indoor assemblies, 2.) to strategically time disruption on domestic lines serving commercial, medical, municipal, or other downstream uses for which continuous water service during certain windows is essential, 3.) to ensure that alarms for a fire line assembly can be put into test mode during our work, or 4.) to arrange access to high-security outdoor areas for certain commercial, industrial, and government-operated sites.)
Can I text you about my test, or to request a service call?
Our main phone line can't receive text messages, so please contact us by phone, email, or our contact page. For recordkeeping purposes, we generally avoid business-related texting from our personal numbers since these communications can be difficult to refer back to when scattered across multiple devices.
Our main phone line can't receive text messages, so please contact us by phone, email, or our contact page. For recordkeeping purposes, we generally avoid business-related texting from our personal numbers since these communications can be difficult to refer back to when scattered across multiple devices.
Will testing early mean I have to test even earlier next year?
That's a good question, and it depends on the water district. Most districts used fixed due dates, meaning an early (or late) test will not affect your future due dates. There are a few exceptions to this, so please check our due date policies page for additional information. Districts may change due dates for other reasons, too - like more evenly distributing notices through the year, or accommodating their current staffing needs. Due dates and related policies can (and do) change without notice to us, but this is pretty infrequent. We do our best to keep up with these changes as we become aware of them (including in how we time reminder emails), but customers are ultimately responsible for testing in a timely manner as instructed by the water district.
That's a good question, and it depends on the water district. Most districts used fixed due dates, meaning an early (or late) test will not affect your future due dates. There are a few exceptions to this, so please check our due date policies page for additional information. Districts may change due dates for other reasons, too - like more evenly distributing notices through the year, or accommodating their current staffing needs. Due dates and related policies can (and do) change without notice to us, but this is pretty infrequent. We do our best to keep up with these changes as we become aware of them (including in how we time reminder emails), but customers are ultimately responsible for testing in a timely manner as instructed by the water district.
payments
How do I pay for service?
For small residential and commercial jobs ($100 or less expected cost), or tests on brand new installations when the site is still under construction, we collect prepayment via debit or credit card using our online order form. We include a quick and easy order link with our annual email reminders, or you can use our full order form for most drop-in residential orders. For larger jobs, we may also offer emailed invoicing payable by check, ACH, and/or card - payment options will depend on the amount of the invoice. For larger accounts with a late payment history, we may request prepayment for the base testing and confined space entry charges.
For small residential and commercial jobs ($100 or less expected cost), or tests on brand new installations when the site is still under construction, we collect prepayment via debit or credit card using our online order form. We include a quick and easy order link with our annual email reminders, or you can use our full order form for most drop-in residential orders. For larger jobs, we may also offer emailed invoicing payable by check, ACH, and/or card - payment options will depend on the amount of the invoice. For larger accounts with a late payment history, we may request prepayment for the base testing and confined space entry charges.
Can I pay my tester when s/he is onsite?
Not at this time, sorry. Most of our orders include prepayment as part of the order process. For work or parts that need to be invoiced, you may be able to pay by card, check, or ACH, depending on the bill. For the security of your payment, we avoid storing cash and checks in our work vehicle during testing routes.
Not at this time, sorry. Most of our orders include prepayment as part of the order process. For work or parts that need to be invoiced, you may be able to pay by card, check, or ACH, depending on the bill. For the security of your payment, we avoid storing cash and checks in our work vehicle during testing routes.
Do you take phone payments?
Not often. Our work schedule frequently has us out in the field and away from our billing software, which is why most orders are routed through our online order form. If either of our payment platforms are down or otherwise not working as expected, we can arrange exceptions at times when we're in the office. We can also make ourselves available to process phone payments for customers whose disabilities prevent them from placing an online order, though we will still need the ability to email order confirmations and test reporting for recordkeeping purposes.
Not often. Our work schedule frequently has us out in the field and away from our billing software, which is why most orders are routed through our online order form. If either of our payment platforms are down or otherwise not working as expected, we can arrange exceptions at times when we're in the office. We can also make ourselves available to process phone payments for customers whose disabilities prevent them from placing an online order, though we will still need the ability to email order confirmations and test reporting for recordkeeping purposes.
Failures, Repairs, and Maintenance
Why did my assembly fail?
The main cause of failure is some sort of debris fouling the line - we've seen silt, small rocks, sand, bark dust, rust, excess PVC cement, and loose teflon tape causing failures. We even know a tester who found a beer can lodged in a check valve! This debris can prevent the valve from closing fully, and/or cause damage to the seals that yield poor test values even after the line is cleaned out. Other causes of failure may include worn or damaged seals, broken check modules, damage to the valve seat or springs, and damage to the assembly body - all of which can prevent the valve from holding the correct pressure.
The main cause of failure is some sort of debris fouling the line - we've seen silt, small rocks, sand, bark dust, rust, excess PVC cement, and loose teflon tape causing failures. We even know a tester who found a beer can lodged in a check valve! This debris can prevent the valve from closing fully, and/or cause damage to the seals that yield poor test values even after the line is cleaned out. Other causes of failure may include worn or damaged seals, broken check modules, damage to the valve seat or springs, and damage to the assembly body - all of which can prevent the valve from holding the correct pressure.
Can a failing backflow assembly be fixed?
Usually. Most assemblies are designed to be rebuilt without having to be removed or replaced, and we can usually source parts kits for the internal valve components. A rebuild involves taking the assembly apart, clearing out any debris interfering with the operation of the check valves, replacing parts as needed, and reassembling. This is almost always more cost-effective than a replacement, and a sensible solution for assemblies that are otherwise in good condition, installed in a way that facilitates repair, and supported with parts from the manufacturer. We can offer rebuilds for many failing assemblies, and if you're shopping this around, we'd encourage you to contact a properly licensed professional for an estimate (see "Who can rebuild or replace my assembly?" below). If you're interested in DIY repairs, we offer additional repair information here.
Usually. Most assemblies are designed to be rebuilt without having to be removed or replaced, and we can usually source parts kits for the internal valve components. A rebuild involves taking the assembly apart, clearing out any debris interfering with the operation of the check valves, replacing parts as needed, and reassembling. This is almost always more cost-effective than a replacement, and a sensible solution for assemblies that are otherwise in good condition, installed in a way that facilitates repair, and supported with parts from the manufacturer. We can offer rebuilds for many failing assemblies, and if you're shopping this around, we'd encourage you to contact a properly licensed professional for an estimate (see "Who can rebuild or replace my assembly?" below). If you're interested in DIY repairs, we offer additional repair information here.
What are my next steps after a failure?
If your assembly fails, it will usually need to be rebuilt or replaced, then retested. If you're no longer using the downstream equipment, or if an backflow protection is no longer required, you can contact your water district about removal, but these instances are rare.
If your assembly fails, it will usually need to be rebuilt or replaced, then retested. If you're no longer using the downstream equipment, or if an backflow protection is no longer required, you can contact your water district about removal, but these instances are rare.
When should I rebuild, and when should I replace?
- Rebuild when: your assembly is otherwise in good working order, installed in a way that facilitates repair, and supported by the manufacturer with repair parts. Rebuilds are far more cost effective than replacements, and usually enough to bring your assembly to nearly-new working condition. Most of the failures we see fall into this category. Rebuilds do not require a permit.
- Replace your assembly when: the assembly is in poor overall condition, installed in a way that prevents an expedient rebuild, or no longer supported with repair parts. Poor overall condition could include inoperable shutoff valves, jammed test cocks, or freeze damage to your assembly, among other conditions. Replacement requires a permit
Who can rebuild or replace my assembly?
It depends on the type of installation. Here are the general guidelines for hiring this work out:
DIY Repairs: Homeowners and/or employees of a property owner, lessee, or site operator (ie: maintenance staff) are also often allowed to do repair work. The state law allowing this also extends to friends and family, provided they're not compensated in any way. So if you're not handy yourself but have a friend or family member who's willing to help you with a repair, that's generally allowed.
Rules may be stricter within your local municipality, so always verify before beginning any work. Rebuilds do not generally require a permit, provided the assembly is not removed for the work, but replacements usually do. Anybody performing a repair is responsible for following all applicable plumbing and safety rules. If you're not sure your contractor of choice has the licensing required to legally repair your equipment, you can contact us for assistance.
It depends on the type of installation. Here are the general guidelines for hiring this work out:
- REPLACEMENTS for assemblies serving only landscape sprinklers or ornamental water features: you can hire a plumber or a landscape contractor licensed with the LCB (Landscape Contractors Board). If you're working with an LCB-licensed contractor, make sure that their license is "All Phase" or "Irrigation & Backflow" endorsement. Note: if your irrigation assembly is on its own dedicated meter, see "non-potable lines," below.
- REPAIRS for assemblies serving only landscape sprinklers or ornamental water features: you can hire a plumber or a few select landscape contractors. If you're working with a landscape contractor, the individual doing the work must have an LCP (Landscape Construction Professional) license, AND they must be employed by an LCB-licensed company with an all-phase or irrigation & backflow endorsement, AND they must be licensed as a backflow tester. We meet all three of these requirements and are pleased to offer basic repairs (pricing here). Note: if your irrigation assembly is on its own dedicated meter, see "non-potable lines," below.
- Domestic lines (non-irrigation assemblies served by a meter with potable usage downstream): if you're hiring the work out, you'll need to use a licensed plumber. Our licensing with the LCB does not allow us to offer replacement or internal repair work on domestic assemblies.
- Non-potable lines (dedicated meters with NO potable uses downstream): anybody is allowed to do repairs. This is usually limited to fire lines and assemblies on dedicated irrigation meters only (so any assembly that tees off of the domestic main after the meter reverts back to the options above). We can provide you a quote for repair on most assemblies on fire lines or other dedicated meters serving non-potable uses.
- Assemblies in large utility vaults: due to the lethal dangers of low oxygen in large underground work spaces (such as utility vaults), DO NOT attempt a DIY repair in a vault, and DO NOT attempt to enter the vault for any other purpose. Please consult a repair company with the equipment and knowledge necessary to safety enter a vault following OSHA's confined space rules.
DIY Repairs: Homeowners and/or employees of a property owner, lessee, or site operator (ie: maintenance staff) are also often allowed to do repair work. The state law allowing this also extends to friends and family, provided they're not compensated in any way. So if you're not handy yourself but have a friend or family member who's willing to help you with a repair, that's generally allowed.
Rules may be stricter within your local municipality, so always verify before beginning any work. Rebuilds do not generally require a permit, provided the assembly is not removed for the work, but replacements usually do. Anybody performing a repair is responsible for following all applicable plumbing and safety rules. If you're not sure your contractor of choice has the licensing required to legally repair your equipment, you can contact us for assistance.
Can I rebuild or replace my own assembly?
This is allowed in many cases, but without prior expertise, DIY repairs can be a frustrating experience for the average homeowner to undertake. It helps to be detail-oriented and have a mechanically-oriented mindset - for example, we find engineers tend to be more successful with this! It's also worth considering the cost of your time in researching and understanding repair procedures, procuring parts, and, of course, doing the actual repair - it may be well worth the money to hire an experienced technician to do the work for you. If you decide to take the leap and attempt a DIY repair, our rebuild guide and library of manuals and videos are good places to start learning more. These provide a lots of helpful of information on what's involved, and may help you decide whether you'd like to do the work yourself.
This is allowed in many cases, but without prior expertise, DIY repairs can be a frustrating experience for the average homeowner to undertake. It helps to be detail-oriented and have a mechanically-oriented mindset - for example, we find engineers tend to be more successful with this! It's also worth considering the cost of your time in researching and understanding repair procedures, procuring parts, and, of course, doing the actual repair - it may be well worth the money to hire an experienced technician to do the work for you. If you decide to take the leap and attempt a DIY repair, our rebuild guide and library of manuals and videos are good places to start learning more. These provide a lots of helpful of information on what's involved, and may help you decide whether you'd like to do the work yourself.
Can you help me with my rebuild or replacement?
We'd love to discuss your repair needs with you! Our repair pricing page is a great place to learn more. We have 20+ years of combined repair experience between the two of us, and our licensing allows us to perform work on both landscape irrigation lines and non-potable lines. For domestic lines, we can discuss setting up a repair consultation to walk you through a re-build. Repair consultations include a service call, one-on-one repair guidance, use of all the necessary tools, re-testing, and reporting - depending on the repair, we may also recommend that parts be ordered for the work. You can contact us to confirm price and set up an appointment. If you're looking to replace only, please contact a landscaper or plumber for assistance.
We'd love to discuss your repair needs with you! Our repair pricing page is a great place to learn more. We have 20+ years of combined repair experience between the two of us, and our licensing allows us to perform work on both landscape irrigation lines and non-potable lines. For domestic lines, we can discuss setting up a repair consultation to walk you through a re-build. Repair consultations include a service call, one-on-one repair guidance, use of all the necessary tools, re-testing, and reporting - depending on the repair, we may also recommend that parts be ordered for the work. You can contact us to confirm price and set up an appointment. If you're looking to replace only, please contact a landscaper or plumber for assistance.
What's involved in a rebuild?
Before any rebuild, we first do a verification test on the assembly. Sometimes (but not often), the issue causing the failure has resolved, and we see a passing retest. If the assembly fails this test, as it usually does, we'll proceed with a rebuild. During this process we open the assembly, remove and clean the failing valve, install new rubber parts (if indicated - in rare case, additional parts can be required, depending on the cause of failure), put the assembly back together. Rebuilds are followed by a retest to confirm assembly function, along with reporting follow-up (sent to both you and your water district).
Before any rebuild, we first do a verification test on the assembly. Sometimes (but not often), the issue causing the failure has resolved, and we see a passing retest. If the assembly fails this test, as it usually does, we'll proceed with a rebuild. During this process we open the assembly, remove and clean the failing valve, install new rubber parts (if indicated - in rare case, additional parts can be required, depending on the cause of failure), put the assembly back together. Rebuilds are followed by a retest to confirm assembly function, along with reporting follow-up (sent to both you and your water district).
Where can I buy parts?
The local supplier with the best selection is currently Mesher Supply, but their selection has dwindled over the last few years. If you contact them and ask for the order desk, they can look up parts using the make, model, and size listed on your report. We usually ask them for what we industry folks call a "complete rubber parts kit." You can pick up in person at their location near the SE Portland waterfront, or they can ship directly to you for an extra charge. If Mesher does not carry parts for your assembly, please contact us so that we can talk with our out-of-state suppliers about special-ordering what you need.
The local supplier with the best selection is currently Mesher Supply, but their selection has dwindled over the last few years. If you contact them and ask for the order desk, they can look up parts using the make, model, and size listed on your report. We usually ask them for what we industry folks call a "complete rubber parts kit." You can pick up in person at their location near the SE Portland waterfront, or they can ship directly to you for an extra charge. If Mesher does not carry parts for your assembly, please contact us so that we can talk with our out-of-state suppliers about special-ordering what you need.
Am I still charged if my assembly fails or is untestable?
Yes, we charge the same price for a test regardless of whether the assembly passes, fails, or is untestable. It may help to know that failing and untestable assemblies require much more time during nearly all stages of the process: we usually spend extra time on diagnostic steps, attempting to flush debris out the line, and/or re-testing. Untestable assemblies can also suffer a host of problems that significantly extend the amount of time we spend onsite, even if we're ultimately unable to get test values: corroded handles, buried equipment, flooded boxes, seized valves, etc. Report write-ups and customer support for failing assemblies are also much more time-intensive, and we often spend additional time communicating with water water districts and outside repair technicians after the test is complete. A straightforward test on an assembly in good working order is always the least involved scenario for everybody, and thus we put a lot of thought into making sure that our Terms of Service, order process, and repair follow-up are fine-tuned to help things run as smoothly as possible.
Yes, we charge the same price for a test regardless of whether the assembly passes, fails, or is untestable. It may help to know that failing and untestable assemblies require much more time during nearly all stages of the process: we usually spend extra time on diagnostic steps, attempting to flush debris out the line, and/or re-testing. Untestable assemblies can also suffer a host of problems that significantly extend the amount of time we spend onsite, even if we're ultimately unable to get test values: corroded handles, buried equipment, flooded boxes, seized valves, etc. Report write-ups and customer support for failing assemblies are also much more time-intensive, and we often spend additional time communicating with water water districts and outside repair technicians after the test is complete. A straightforward test on an assembly in good working order is always the least involved scenario for everybody, and thus we put a lot of thought into making sure that our Terms of Service, order process, and repair follow-up are fine-tuned to help things run as smoothly as possible.
One tester told me my assembly failed, and different one told me it passed. Who's right?
The short answer is that they can both be right. When testing is performed according to proper procedures and with regularly-calibrated equipment, test values will respond only in response to conditions inside your backflow assembly, and not as a result of who is testing it. Test procedures are designed to lead to objective test values. If both testers are following the correct procedures, using properly calibrated gauges, and honestly reporting test results, any variations in results between tests will be due to different conditions inside the assembly. Most failures are caused by debris in the line, and it's possible for this to be introduced between tests, or to be knocked loose and flushed into a part of the plumbing where it no longer causes a failure. This is why testing is performed annually: conditions inside the line change over time. For this reason, we start all repairs with a verification test, just in case - if test values are passing, fantastic: we just bill for a test, and you've saved a bundle on repairs. However, the odds of this are fairly low. Another type of failure, which we see on RP type assemblies, involves a relief valve that opens at pressure that's too low. Very often, this value will "recover" and nudge a bit closer toward a passing result with each successive test. Hence, testers used to "exercise" the relief valve to try and force a passing result. However, USC (the body that develops test procedures) has specifically clarified that the only accurate reading for the relief valve opening point is the one taken when the valve first opens, and this is the guidance we follow to ensure you receive the most accurate test results.
The short answer is that they can both be right. When testing is performed according to proper procedures and with regularly-calibrated equipment, test values will respond only in response to conditions inside your backflow assembly, and not as a result of who is testing it. Test procedures are designed to lead to objective test values. If both testers are following the correct procedures, using properly calibrated gauges, and honestly reporting test results, any variations in results between tests will be due to different conditions inside the assembly. Most failures are caused by debris in the line, and it's possible for this to be introduced between tests, or to be knocked loose and flushed into a part of the plumbing where it no longer causes a failure. This is why testing is performed annually: conditions inside the line change over time. For this reason, we start all repairs with a verification test, just in case - if test values are passing, fantastic: we just bill for a test, and you've saved a bundle on repairs. However, the odds of this are fairly low. Another type of failure, which we see on RP type assemblies, involves a relief valve that opens at pressure that's too low. Very often, this value will "recover" and nudge a bit closer toward a passing result with each successive test. Hence, testers used to "exercise" the relief valve to try and force a passing result. However, USC (the body that develops test procedures) has specifically clarified that the only accurate reading for the relief valve opening point is the one taken when the valve first opens, and this is the guidance we follow to ensure you receive the most accurate test results.
Who follows up on the repair or maintenance notes on my test report?
If we've recommended (or requested) specific repair or maintenance items in the notes on your test report, following up on these is your responsibility - if you're currently renting, please pass any applicable notes on to the property owner or their representative. Follow-up needs might include repairs for a failing assembly, but most often are items like trimming back plants, giving the box a thorough dig-out, making repairs, or other items that can affect the health of your equipment. These notes are often related to our ability to readily test your assembly, so please review and act on them before your next test.
If we've recommended (or requested) specific repair or maintenance items in the notes on your test report, following up on these is your responsibility - if you're currently renting, please pass any applicable notes on to the property owner or their representative. Follow-up needs might include repairs for a failing assembly, but most often are items like trimming back plants, giving the box a thorough dig-out, making repairs, or other items that can affect the health of your equipment. These notes are often related to our ability to readily test your assembly, so please review and act on them before your next test.
Why is the order form telling me my equipment needs work before testing?
If we note a maintenance or repair need year after year, or if it has an adverse impact on our ability to test, we may add an account hold so we can discuss the issue with you before future service and confirm with you in advance that your equipment is ready for testing. When adding the account hold, we'll often include extra notes in your reporting email for that year's service call to highlight the issue, and this gives about a year of advance notice so you have time to take care of things . Depending on the version of our order form that you're using, our system may then a.) pause future orders before they're completed and display a message asking you to contact us or b.) display an account hold message that we manually follow up on after the order is placed. In either case, we'll need to confirm that the maintenance or repair items have been addressed before we schedule your next service call.
If we note a maintenance or repair need year after year, or if it has an adverse impact on our ability to test, we may add an account hold so we can discuss the issue with you before future service and confirm with you in advance that your equipment is ready for testing. When adding the account hold, we'll often include extra notes in your reporting email for that year's service call to highlight the issue, and this gives about a year of advance notice so you have time to take care of things . Depending on the version of our order form that you're using, our system may then a.) pause future orders before they're completed and display a message asking you to contact us or b.) display an account hold message that we manually follow up on after the order is placed. In either case, we'll need to confirm that the maintenance or repair items have been addressed before we schedule your next service call.