2025 Test Routes Begin in Late January
Hello, backflow hive - happy new year! We're busy preparing for our 2025 season, with test routes resuming in late January. Current orders will be fulfilled after we're back in testing mode later this month. In the meantime, we'll be in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays to answer questions and help schedule your work! Please get in touch if you have any questions, and we look forward to serving you this year!
You have questions.
We have answers!
Welcome to our FAQ! We've included some helpful quick links below to help you navigate to the information you need. If you don't see your question answered here, please contact us so we can help.
Quick Links
(click a link to jump to a specific question, or scroll down to read everything in order)
(click a link to jump to a specific question, or scroll down to read everything in order)
Backflow basics
What is a backflow assembly, and why do I have one?
A backflow prevention assembly keep water downstream from mixing with water upstream, preventing pollution of the upstream supply. Imagine landscape sprinklers submerged in a puddle of dirty water, fire sprinkler systems laced with antifreeze, car washes mixing water with soap before it's sprayed on your vehicle, dental clinics handling body fluids, etc. Once water enters these systems and becomes contaminated, it isn't safe to drink, so your water provider wants it to stay put, 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. And the way they're typically plumbed, a backflow assembly installed on your landscape sprinkler system provides protection for your home's water too! 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.
A backflow prevention assembly keep water downstream from mixing with water upstream, preventing pollution of the upstream supply. Imagine landscape sprinklers submerged in a puddle of dirty water, fire sprinkler systems laced with antifreeze, car washes mixing water with soap before it's sprayed on your vehicle, dental clinics handling body fluids, etc. Once water enters these systems and becomes contaminated, it isn't safe to drink, so your water provider wants it to stay put, 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. And the way they're typically plumbed, a backflow assembly installed on your landscape sprinkler system provides protection for your home's water too! 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 sprinkler systems.
Good question! Not at all. Our work mainly involves landscape sprinkler systems.
Why does my backflow assembly need to be tested?
Annual testing ensures that your assembly is working properly. Debris in the line, corrosion, or wear/damage/fatigue of the internal components can let water migrate upstream, allowing water potentially contaminated with harmful microorganisms or hazardous chemicals to contaminate your drinking water. With this in mind, the State of Oregon requires backflow assemblies to be tested at least annually. Backflow testers evaluate how the valves on your backflow assembly are working, then report to you and your water district with the results.
Annual testing ensures that your assembly is working properly. Debris in the line, corrosion, or wear/damage/fatigue of the internal components can let water migrate upstream, allowing water potentially contaminated with harmful microorganisms or hazardous chemicals to contaminate your drinking water. With this in mind, the State of Oregon requires backflow assemblies to be tested at least annually. Backflow testers evaluate how the valves on your backflow assembly are working, 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). We also file reporting for other types of service calls, including repairs and untestable equipment.
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). We also file reporting for other types of service calls, including repairs and untestable equipment.
How much of my test fee goes to the water district?
Zero dollars - water districts don't receive any of the test fee you pay to us. Cross-connection programs are an expense to budget for, not an income generator, and a well-run program is money well-spent . Each and every connection to a public water system poses a potential contamination risk to the water supply, and districts have an obligation to their customers to protect against this whenever possible. In service of this objective, water districts must budget for a database to track assemblies and test results, sending reminders letters (often repeatedly), making site visits (to see if assemblies are installed, need to be installed, have been removed, are properly installed, etc.), answering incoming inquiries from customers and testers, submitting regular reporting to the state, and staying up to date on required licensing. This requires money for software, staffing, postage, continuing education, vehicles, office supplies, and anything else required to ensure the program runs smoothly. The goal is safe, clean drinking water, which reflects a collaborative effort of water users, water districts, testers, inspectors, plumbers, and other professionals. By working together, we can ensure healthy water for everybody. (Side note: though this isn't the case in our service area, some districts charge report submittal fees to testers to help offset the costs of running their cross connection programs. We're not aware of any districts recouping the full costs of their cross connection programs through these fees, and no such charges are currently assessed to us by any of the water districts we operate in.)
Zero dollars - water districts don't receive any of the test fee you pay to us. Cross-connection programs are an expense to budget for, not an income generator, and a well-run program is money well-spent . Each and every connection to a public water system poses a potential contamination risk to the water supply, and districts have an obligation to their customers to protect against this whenever possible. In service of this objective, water districts must budget for a database to track assemblies and test results, sending reminders letters (often repeatedly), making site visits (to see if assemblies are installed, need to be installed, have been removed, are properly installed, etc.), answering incoming inquiries from customers and testers, submitting regular reporting to the state, and staying up to date on required licensing. This requires money for software, staffing, postage, continuing education, vehicles, office supplies, and anything else required to ensure the program runs smoothly. The goal is safe, clean drinking water, which reflects a collaborative effort of water users, water districts, testers, inspectors, plumbers, and other professionals. By working together, we can ensure healthy water for everybody. (Side note: though this isn't the case in our service area, some districts charge report submittal fees to testers to help offset the costs of running their cross connection programs. We're not aware of any districts recouping the full costs of their cross connection programs through these fees, and no such charges are currently assessed to us by any of the water districts we operate in.)
How do I prepare for your visit?
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 work. Please make sure these 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, but 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 work. Please make sure these 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, but please contact us if you need further guidance.
What if my equipment isn't ready when you arrive?
This may delay your testing or require an additional service call to resolve. 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 service 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 visit so we can confirm access with you. Otherwise, service calls are added to the next open route after your order is placed (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 often need to move promptly to the next job, reach out later to ask the you to address the issue, and then process an order for a follow-up service call. The initial service call is nonrefundable.
This may delay your testing or require an additional service call to resolve. 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 service 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 visit so we can confirm access with you. Otherwise, service calls are added to the next open route after your order is placed (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 often need to move promptly to the next job, reach out later to ask the you 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-visit: 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 service route and visit your site. 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 detailed 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. And we occasionally find that equipment isn't ready for testing (in poor condition, inaccessible, hidden, etc.)
- Post-visit: reporting and billing are usually the final steps, and we complete this once we return to the office with our service notes. We enter these into our database, file reporting with the water district, and send a copy to 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. Billing, if applicable, follows.
- 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 or repair 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 work, and then restore handles to their original positions in reverse order. This allows our work 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 systems where this isn't the case, we may not be able to do our work, water pressure may move beyond the backflow assembly, and/or we may decline service.
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 work, and then restore handles to their original positions in reverse order. This allows our work 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 systems where this isn't the case, we may not be able to do our work, water pressure may move beyond the backflow assembly, and/or we may decline service.
Can you turn my winterized sprinkler system back on when you test?
If water is off when we arrive, our policy is always to 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 for the irrigation season, 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 irrigation professional to make sure your system is properly started back up for the season.
If water is off when we arrive, our policy is always to 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 for the irrigation season, 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 irrigation 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. But please note that simply turning water off to a system is no substitute for proper winterization. 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. But please note that simply turning water off to a system is no substitute for proper winterization. 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 lifespan of a typical assembly, replacement generally represents about $50-100 per year in costs. To extend the life of your assembly, we recommend ensuring adequate drainage for your valve boxes, protecting equipment from sun and freezing temperatures, preventing soil contact with your backflow assembly, and ensuring that any replacement backflow assemblies installed below grade are equipped with stainless handles to maximize longevity. The Febco 850 (or LF850, if you need a lead-free version) is a solid model with stainless handles standard as of 2024, and our top recommendation.
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 lifespan of a typical assembly, replacement generally represents about $50-100 per year in costs. To extend the life of your assembly, we recommend ensuring adequate drainage for your valve boxes, protecting equipment from sun and freezing temperatures, preventing soil contact with your backflow assembly, and ensuring that any replacement backflow assemblies installed below grade are equipped with stainless handles to maximize longevity. The Febco 850 (or LF850, if you need a lead-free version) is a solid model with stainless handles standard as of 2024, and our top recommendation.
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-maintained 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-maintained 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 almost always 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 almost always 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... and this can set us behind in serving both you and other waiting customers. 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 absolutely 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... and this can set us behind in serving both you and other waiting customers. 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 absolutely necessary for testing.
Can my tester text or call me just before (or when) 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're unable to 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 sure the necessary preparations are complete 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're unable to 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 sure the necessary preparations are complete 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?
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, nor can we offer additional scheduling coordination (such as advance notifications) intended to achieve this - thank you for your understanding. But if the stars align and you happen to be around when we stop by, we're happy to have company during our visit! If you're simply 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 professional, as this isn't our specific area of expertise.
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, nor can we offer additional scheduling coordination (such as advance notifications) intended to achieve this - thank you for your understanding. But if the stars align and you happen to be around when we stop by, we're happy to have company during our visit! If you're simply 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 professional, 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 critical commercial, medical, municipal, or other downstream uses for which continuous water service during specific 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 critical commercial, medical, municipal, or other downstream uses for which continuous water service during specific 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 (503.260.3453) can't receive text messages, but we do have a special text-only number (503.383.1862) set up for those who prefer texting. And, of course, you can always reach out by phone, email, or our contact page.
Our main phone line (503.260.3453) can't receive text messages, but we do have a special text-only number (503.383.1862) set up for those who prefer texting. And, of course, you can always reach out by phone, email, or our contact page.
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 testing 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 fairly 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 their 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 testing 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 fairly 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 their water district.
Why can't I order testing from mid-November through mid-January?
Peak season is hectic, leaving time for little else except taking orders, testing, and preparing test reports. Demand comes to a near-standstill during our off-season, so we use this time to catch up on tasks that tend to get crowded out during our busy season. To facilitate this, we close our order form (and pause test routes) from mid-November to mid-January. Having this uninterrupted time to focus on background tasks is a big help! We put it toward mailing list maintenance, website updates, continuing education, license renewals, gauge calibrations, tax prep, and prep for the upcoming testing season. We also welcome the rest for our bodies (testing takes a toll) and spending quality time with loved ones. If you have a critical need for testing during this window, please use this link to review a state-provided list of backflow testers.
Peak season is hectic, leaving time for little else except taking orders, testing, and preparing test reports. Demand comes to a near-standstill during our off-season, so we use this time to catch up on tasks that tend to get crowded out during our busy season. To facilitate this, we close our order form (and pause test routes) from mid-November to mid-January. Having this uninterrupted time to focus on background tasks is a big help! We put it toward mailing list maintenance, website updates, continuing education, license renewals, gauge calibrations, tax prep, and prep for the upcoming testing season. We also welcome the rest for our bodies (testing takes a toll) and spending quality time with loved ones. If you have a critical need for testing during this window, please use this link to review a state-provided list of backflow testers.
pricing and payments
How much do you charge for testing?
This depends on your testing needs, but our rate for a basic residential test is $50, and pricing for commercial work starts at $55. This includes service call, testing, and reporting (filed with the city and emailed to you) after testing. Please visit our pricing page for more details. Basic test fees assume that your equipment is readily visible, accessible, operable, and with water pressure available - if it's not, additional service calls, parts, or labor may be required to complete your work. If this is the case, you're responsible for the additional cost (either prepaid or invoiced after service, depending on the item).
This depends on your testing needs, but our rate for a basic residential test is $50, and pricing for commercial work starts at $55. This includes service call, testing, and reporting (filed with the city and emailed to you) after testing. Please visit our pricing page for more details. Basic test fees assume that your equipment is readily visible, accessible, operable, and with water pressure available - if it's not, additional service calls, parts, or labor may be required to complete your work. If this is the case, you're responsible for the additional cost (either prepaid or invoiced after service, depending on the item).
How do I pay for service?
For small testing jobs ($125 or less expected cost) and testing at sites still under construction, we collect a debit or credit card payment at the time of your order. For most other testing jobs over $125, we offer a choice between prepayment (by card), or emailed invoicing (payable by check). If you've received our annual testing reminder email, it includes a convenient quick-order link, or you can use our full order form for most drop-in residential orders (for commercial jobs without an email reminder, please contact us to request an order link). Residential repairs are payable by check, or online via the Review and Pay link/button, if included your emailed invoice (sent after repairs). For larger accounts with a late payment history, we may request prepayment for the base testing and confined space entry charges.
For small testing jobs ($125 or less expected cost) and testing at sites still under construction, we collect a debit or credit card payment at the time of your order. For most other testing jobs over $125, we offer a choice between prepayment (by card), or emailed invoicing (payable by check). If you've received our annual testing reminder email, it includes a convenient quick-order link, or you can use our full order form for most drop-in residential orders (for commercial jobs without an email reminder, please contact us to request an order link). Residential repairs are payable by check, or online via the Review and Pay link/button, if included your emailed invoice (sent after repairs). 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.
Not at this time, sorry.
Do you take phone payments?
Not as a standard offering. Our work schedule frequently has us out in the field and away from our billing software, so most orders are routed through our online order form. If our payment platform is down or otherwise not working as expected, we can arrange exceptions at times when we're in the office. We can also schedule phone payments for customers whose disabilities prevent them from placing an online order, though we still need to email order confirmations and test reporting for recordkeeping purposes.
Not as a standard offering. Our work schedule frequently has us out in the field and away from our billing software, so most orders are routed through our online order form. If our payment platform is down or otherwise not working as expected, we can arrange exceptions at times when we're in the office. We can also schedule phone payments for customers whose disabilities prevent them from placing an online order, though we still need to email order confirmations and test reporting for recordkeeping purposes.
Why did I receive an invoice after my prepaid test?
If additional billable parts or services are required to complete your residential testing (rare), you're responsible for the cost of these. For small repairs or additional services required to proceed with testing, we cap the total invoiced amount at $75 for residential jobs, or $150 for commercial, before contacting you to request authorization for additional work. Costs beyond these limits are usually due to a failing assembly that needs more involved repairs - in this case, if we're able to offer repair, we'll contact you - usually after testing - to provide an estimate and request authorization. The most common small repair we make is replacement of seized or worn test cocks. We need to operate the valves on these as part of your test procedure, and when they're not working properly, the most cost-effective solution is to replace the part immediately and proceed with testing. We only do this when necessary (about one in every 200 tests) and bill as a flat $25 per part for assemblies 2" or smaller (includes part and labor). Please see Additional Parts and Services and Repairs for more information.
If additional billable parts or services are required to complete your residential testing (rare), you're responsible for the cost of these. For small repairs or additional services required to proceed with testing, we cap the total invoiced amount at $75 for residential jobs, or $150 for commercial, before contacting you to request authorization for additional work. Costs beyond these limits are usually due to a failing assembly that needs more involved repairs - in this case, if we're able to offer repair, we'll contact you - usually after testing - to provide an estimate and request authorization. The most common small repair we make is replacement of seized or worn test cocks. We need to operate the valves on these as part of your test procedure, and when they're not working properly, the most cost-effective solution is to replace the part immediately and proceed with testing. We only do this when necessary (about one in every 200 tests) and bill as a flat $25 per part for assemblies 2" or smaller (includes part and labor). Please see Additional Parts and Services and Repairs for more information.
Failures, Repairs, and Maintenance
Why did my assembly fail?
That's a great question. Backflow testing alone can only tell us "the what" (pass or fail), but not "the why." It simply give us pressure values that tell us whether the valves inside your backflow assembly are working as intended. If they're not, the only way for us to learn more is to get permission for repairs so we can open up the backflow assembly and take a look. We've done plenty of repairs over the years, and here are the most common causes of failure:
That's a great question. Backflow testing alone can only tell us "the what" (pass or fail), but not "the why." It simply give us pressure values that tell us whether the valves inside your backflow assembly are working as intended. If they're not, the only way for us to learn more is to get permission for repairs so we can open up the backflow assembly and take a look. We've done plenty of repairs over the years, and here are the most common causes of failure:
- Debris in the line (silt, small rocks, sand, bark dust, rust, excess PVC cement, etc.), which prevents the valves from operating properly.
- Corrosion or mineral buildup on wear surfaces: this can cause moving parts to seize up, or a rough surface on parts that need to be smooth for a good seal.
- Wear, damage, or fatigue of the internal parts: if any of the parts inside the assembly aren't in tip-top shape, they won't work as well.
- Lack of lubrication o-ring lubrication: in some designs, there are o-rings that need good lubrication to properly seal the valve.
- Other causes of failure may include warping from freeze damage, pitting of the metal components of the assembly body, or anything else which prevents the valves from holding (or opening at) the correct pressures. In a few rare cases, we're unable to identify a cause of failure.
Can a failing backflow assembly be fixed?
Usually. Most backflow 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 if any need to be replaced. This is almost always more cost-effective than replacing the entire backflow assembly, and a sensible solution for most assemblies, assuming they're good candidates for repair. We can offer rebuilds for many failing assemblies, and if you're shopping this around, we'd encourage you to contact an experienced and properly licensed professional for an estimate (see "Who can rebuild or replace my assembly?" below). In some cases, replacement may be a better option.
Usually. Most backflow 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 if any need to be replaced. This is almost always more cost-effective than replacing the entire backflow assembly, and a sensible solution for most assemblies, assuming they're good candidates for repair. We can offer rebuilds for many failing assemblies, and if you're shopping this around, we'd encourage you to contact an experienced and properly licensed professional for an estimate (see "Who can rebuild or replace my assembly?" below). In some cases, replacement may be a better option.
What are my next steps after a failure?
If your backflow 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 backflow 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, still in production, and well-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, discontinued, installed in a way that prevents an expedient rebuild, or no longer supported with repair parts. Poor overall condition could include corroded or inoperable shutoff valves, jammed test cocks, freeze damage to your assembly, or internal pitting, among other conditions. Replacement requires a permit
Can't I just remove my backflow assembly?
Sometimes, but not often. We have a special page set up for this topic here, where we provide more in-depth information.
Sometimes, but not often. We have a special page set up for this topic here, where we provide more in-depth information.
Who can rebuild, replace, or remove 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 with your local permitting office (usually operated by your city or county, depending on where you live) before beginning any work. Rebuilds don't generally require a permit, provided the assembly isn't 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 or REMOVALS of 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, you can verify licenses here. Contractors with "All Phases" or "Irrigation Only" in the "phase" column, AND "plus backflow" in the "backflow" column are properly licensed to install and/or replace backflow assemblies (though this doesn't necessarily mean they're licensed to test, so we recommend making sure retesting arrangements are in place after any replacement work. You can contact us if you'd like us to schedule a follow-up service call after replacement is complete). Note: if your irrigation assembly is on its own dedicated meter, see "non-potable lines," below.
- REBUILDS 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-phases or irrigation endorsement (see previous bullet point for more information), 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.
- Any REBUILDS, REPLACEMENTS, or REMOVALS on 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. A license with the LCB (such as ours) doesn't allow us to offer replacement or internal repair work on domestic assemblies.
- REBUILDS on non-potable lines (dedicated meters with NO potable uses downstream): any contractor is generally allowed to do repairs. This is usually limited to fire lines and assemblies on dedicated irrigation meters only (ie: any assembly that tees off of a potable domestic main after the meter doesn't qualify). We do some limited repairs in this category. Please consult with your water district regarding contractor options for replacements or removals.
- A safety note for equipment 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 with your local permitting office (usually operated by your city or county, depending on where you live) before beginning any work. Rebuilds don't generally require a permit, provided the assembly isn't 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 exceptionally frustrating for the average homeowner to undertake. Even equipped with decades of experience, the right tools, OEM parts, and a test gauge to confirm if repairs are successful, we find some repairs to be particularly challenging. 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 library of manuals and videos is a good place to start your research. These provide 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 exceptionally frustrating for the average homeowner to undertake. Even equipped with decades of experience, the right tools, OEM parts, and a test gauge to confirm if repairs are successful, we find some repairs to be particularly challenging. 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 library of manuals and videos is a good place to start your research. These provide lots of helpful of information on what's involved, and may help you decide whether you'd like to do the work yourself.
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 parts (if indicated), and 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 parts (if indicated), and 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).
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 far more time-intensive, and we often spend extra 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 our preferred outcome, which is why 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 far more time-intensive, and we often spend extra 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 our preferred outcome, which is why 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. Testing is a snapshot of your backflow assembly's health, which can change over time. When testing is performed using the correct procedures and with a precise, responsive, and calibrated test instrument, test values change only in response to conditions inside your backflow assembly - not as a result of who tests it. Test procedures are designed to produce objective test values, and no matter how much we wish an assembly might pass, we must accurately and honestly report the results. One note on low-opening relief valves for RP type assemblies: 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. If a relief valve fails its initial test, our recommendation is for the assembly be opened up and serviced before a follow-up test is performed.
The short answer is that they can both be right. Testing is a snapshot of your backflow assembly's health, which can change over time. When testing is performed using the correct procedures and with a precise, responsive, and calibrated test instrument, test values change only in response to conditions inside your backflow assembly - not as a result of who tests it. Test procedures are designed to produce objective test values, and no matter how much we wish an assembly might pass, we must accurately and honestly report the results. One note on low-opening relief valves for RP type assemblies: 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. If a relief valve fails its initial test, our recommendation is for the assembly be opened up and serviced before a follow-up test is performed.
Who follows up on the repair or maintenance notes on my test report?
If we've recommended (or requested) specific repair or maintenance steps in the notes on your test report, following up on these is your responsibility - if you're currently renting, please forward any actionable report notes to the property owner or their representative for follow-up. These recommendations may include repairs for an ailing 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, or our ability to readily test it. Please review these notes and make sure any recommended maintenance or repairs are completed before your next order.
If we've recommended (or requested) specific repair or maintenance steps in the notes on your test report, following up on these is your responsibility - if you're currently renting, please forward any actionable report notes to the property owner or their representative for follow-up. These recommendations may include repairs for an ailing 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, or our ability to readily test it. Please review these notes and make sure any recommended maintenance or repairs are completed before your next order.
Why is the order form telling me my equipment needs extra attention before testing?
If we note a maintenance or repair need year after year, or if it may have an adverse impact on water quality or 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 hold, we'll usually include extra notes in your reporting email to detail the issue, so you'll have about a year of advance notice to follow up . Depending on which version of our order form 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 next 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 may have an adverse impact on water quality or 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 hold, we'll usually include extra notes in your reporting email to detail the issue, so you'll have about a year of advance notice to follow up . Depending on which version of our order form 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 next 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.