Testing an assembly means hooking a calibrated gauge to its test cocks and measuring pressure across each check valve. On an RP we also find the point where the relief valve opens. The readings go straight onto your district's report form.
- 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
- Shutoff valves close tight
- Relief valve opens at the right point (RP)
- Each check valve holds pressure
- Air inlet opens fully (PVB and SVB)
- Test cocks and body show no leaks
The test gauge and why calibration matters
The tool at the center of every assembly test is a differential pressure gauge. It reads small pressure differences across the checks and relief valve, and those readings are what the district looks at.
Accuracy matters. A gauge that drifts can give a false pass or a false fail, so districts require gauges to be verified on a schedule. Ours are kept in calibration and the details go on every report.
Districts also only accept tests from certified testers. Certification means the tester has been trained on the procedures for each device type and passed an exam. It's the reason you can't simply test your own device, even if you own a gauge.
What the tester is actually doing
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
Debris is behind most failed tests. Grit and scale from the main lodge on a check seat and keep it from sealing. Often, cleaning it out is all it takes.
Aging rubber comes next. Discs, seats and o-rings stiffen and crack over time. A rebuild kit replaces them and usually costs far less than a new device.
Sometimes it's a tired spring, a torn relief valve diaphragm, or a body that cracked in a freeze or got hit by a mower or car. Springs and diaphragms can be replaced. A cracked body generally can't. In every case, you'll see the failed reading and hear the likely cause before we do anything.
What goes on the test report
Your water district judges compliance by the report, not the visit. The report shows the address, the device make, model, size and serial number, its location, and every reading taken.
It also carries the tester's certification and gauge details, plus the result: pass, fail, or pass after repair, with any replaced parts listed.
Districts don't all use the same form, and many have deadlines for submitting reports after a test. We take care of that part and send you a copy. Keep it somewhere easy to find, since escrow companies, landlords and city inspectors sometimes ask for it.
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
Annual tests aren't the only ones. After any repair, the assembly must be retested. When a device is relocated or reinstalled, it's tested again. New devices get a startup test.
The procedure is the same each time, and each produces a report for the district. If we did the work, that follow-up test is part of the job.
If a reading is off
You see the readings and get a price for the fix before we do anything. See assembly repair.
Questions
Will I see the readings?
Yes. They're on your copy of the report, and the tester can walk you through them on site.
Who gets the test results?
Your water district gets the report, and you get a copy too.
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.
Is the gauge calibrated?
Yes. Districts require test gauges to be calibrated on a schedule, and ours are.
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.
How long does an assembly test take?
Most take 20 to 45 minutes per device, depending on size and access.
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.
Where we offer Backflow Assembly Testing
Our testers handle backflow Assembly Testing across Fontana and the surrounding area, from Rialto, Rancho Cucamonga, Colton, San Bernardino and Ontario. Call for the next opening or schedule online.