A backflow assembly test uses a differential pressure gauge connected to the test cocks on the device. The tester closes the shutoff valves, then measures how well each check holds and, on an RP, when the relief valve opens. Those numbers decide pass or fail.
- Price$105 flat
- TimeUnder an hour
- SchedulingSame week
- FilingIncluded
Pricing
| Backflow size | Flat fee per backflow |
|---|---|
| Under 4" | $105 |
| 4" and larger | $175 |
Includes the test and filing with your water district. No hidden fees.
Want to get on the schedule? Call or book online.
On every test
- Both shutoffs seal
- RP relief valve opens on time
- Vacuum breaker air inlet works
- Check valves hold above the minimum
- No visible leaks or damage
Calibrated equipment, accurate readings
Every backflow test depends on a differential pressure gauge. It measures the small pressure differences across each check valve and, on an RP, the point where the relief valve opens. Those numbers decide whether your device passes.
A gauge that reads even slightly off can pass a bad device or fail a good one. That's why water districts require test gauges to be checked for accuracy on a regular schedule, and why our gauges are kept in calibration.
It's also why a test has to be done by a certified tester. Certification means the tester has been trained on the procedures and passed an exam on them. Your district won't accept a report without a certified tester's signature and the gauge details listed.
Step by step through an assembly test
The test starts with a quick look at the assembly: is it the right type, is anything cracked or leaking, are the test cocks in good shape. The tester flushes each test cock so grit doesn't skew the readings.
Then the downstream shutoff is closed and the gauge is connected. The tester checks the first check valve, then the second. On an RP the relief valve opening point is checked as well. Vacuum breakers get an air inlet test and a check valve test.
After the readings, the valves are reopened, the caps go back on and the tester looks for leaks. Most assemblies take between 20 and 45 minutes. Bigger devices or tight spots can add a little time.
The usual causes of a failed test
The most common reason a test fails is debris. Sand, rust flakes and bits of pipe sealant travel down the water main and get caught on a check valve seat, keeping it from closing all the way. A cleaning often fixes it.
Worn rubber is next. Check discs and o-rings harden and crack with age, heat and chlorine in the water. Rebuild kits replace those parts for a fraction of the cost of a new device.
Less often, a spring has weakened, a relief valve diaphragm has torn, or the body is cracked from freezing or impact. Springs and diaphragms are repairable. A cracked body usually means replacement. Whatever the cause, we show you the reading and explain it before any work starts.
What goes on the test report
The test report is the document your water district actually cares about. It lists the property address, the device's make, model, size and serial number, where it's located, and the readings from the test.
It also includes the tester's certification details and the gauge information, plus whether the device passed, failed, or passed after repair. If parts were replaced, those are noted too.
Each district has its own form or online system, and some have strict deadlines for when a report must be submitted after the test. We handle the submission so you don't have to figure out which form goes where. You get a copy for your files, which is handy if a buyer, landlord or inspector asks for proof.
Test cocks and shutoff valves
An assembly has small valves called test cocks where the gauge connects, plus a shutoff valve on each end. If a test cock is clogged or a shutoff won't close fully, the test can't be done accurately.
We check these before starting. Clogged test cocks can often be cleared on the spot. A shutoff valve that won't seal may need repair before the device can be tested properly, and we'll explain it if that's the case.
Other times an assembly is tested
The yearly test is the most common, but it isn't the only time an assembly gets tested. Any repair needs a retest before the district will accept the device as compliant. A device that's been moved or reinstalled gets tested too, and so does every new installation.
Each of those tests follows the same procedure and produces a report for your district. When we do the repair, move or install, the follow-up test is included.
What if it fails?
You see the readings and get a price for the fix before we do anything. See assembly repair.
Questions
How long does an assembly test take?
Most take 20 to 45 minutes per device, depending on size and access.
Who gets the test results?
Your water district gets the report, and you get a copy too.
Is the gauge calibrated?
Yes. Districts require test gauges to be calibrated on a schedule, and ours are.
Do you need to shut my water off?
Only for a few minutes during the test. We'll let you know before we close the valves.
Can a device pass one year and fail the next?
Yes. Debris and wear build up over time, which is exactly why the test is yearly.
Will I see the readings?
Yes. They're on your copy of the report, and the tester can walk you through them on site.
Working with a local backflow company
When you call us about backflow assembly testing, you're talking to a company that focuses on backflow prevention. That focus means we know the devices, the test procedures and what your water district expects to see on the report.
Here's what you can count on: certified testers, calibrated gauges, a price before any work, and filing with your district included. Testing is $105 flat per device under 4 inches and $175 for 4 inches and up. We pick up seven days a week from 6am to 12pm, book most visits within the week and take emergency calls 24/7. Every customer gets a copy of the report for their records.
Backflow Assembly Testing near Corona
We offer backflow Assembly Testing throughout Corona and nearby cities, including Norco, Eastvale, Home Gardens, Weisel and Arlington. Most appointments are available within the week, and you can call or book online.