A backflow inspection is a hands-on look at the device and everything around it: shutoff valves, test cocks, the enclosure, clearance, drainage and any signs of damage or leaks. We do it with every test and note anything that could cause trouble later.
- Price$105 flat
- TimeUnder an hour
- SchedulingSame week
- FilingIncluded
Want to get on the schedule? Call or book online.
What an inspection covers
- Room to test and service the device
- Whether an RP can drain properly
- Cage or cover condition
- Signs of leaks or past freeze damage
- Condition of the valves and fittings
How an inspection differs from a test
Testing measures how the valves perform. Inspection looks at everything else: the condition of the device, how it was installed and whether it can be serviced and tested going forward.
It's possible for a device to pass every reading and still have issues. Leaks at the fittings, cracked test cocks, an RP installed below grade where it can't drain, or a device boxed in with no room to work are all common finds.
We inspect every device we test. If something looks off, we tell you what it is and whether it's urgent or just something to plan for.
Setup issues that cause trouble later
A lot of issues trace back to the original install. RPs need to sit above grade so the relief valve can dump water freely. If one is in a vault or a box that fills with water, it can't do its job.
PVBs and SVBs have to be higher than the sprinklers they protect. Hillside yards make this easy to get wrong, with heads above the device.
Other finds include devices installed in the wrong direction, devices crammed into spaces too tight to test, and shutoff valves that don't seal. All of these are fixable, and we'll walk you through what it would take.
Signs of wear and damage
Wear tends to show before a device fails outright. Mineral crust around joints means small leaks. A relief valve that drips now and then usually means the first check needs cleaning or new rubber. Rusted hardware can turn a simple repair into a bigger one later.
We check for cracks from freezing and dents or bends from mowers, cars and landscaping work. Missing test cock caps let in debris that can affect readings.
Brass theft is also common, especially near streets and parking lots. If yours is exposed, we might recommend a cage. You'll hear which items need attention right away and which can wait.
When an inspection on its own makes sense
Inspection is part of every test we do, but there are times you might want one by itself. Buyers sometimes ask for it before closing on a property, especially commercial buildings with several devices.
It's also worth a look after a hard freeze, after construction or landscaping work near the device, or after a car or equipment has hit it. Property managers taking over a new building often want to know what they're inheriting.
Call and tell us what's going on. If the device is due for its annual test anyway, we'll usually do both on the same visit so you get a passing report and a full picture of its condition.
Where the water goes
An RP's relief valve will dump water if a check fails. The question is where that water ends up. Indoors without a floor drain, it can damage the building. Outdoors, it can flood walkways or parking areas.
We check whether discharge has a safe path. If it doesn't, we'll suggest fixes such as an air gap drain or moving the device.
How we report what we found
We keep inspection notes brief and clear. For each item, you'll see what we found, why it matters and how urgent it is: now, soon or next year.
Repairs come with prices attached. We don't pad the list, so everything on it deserves a look. Managers frequently forward the notes to owners or boards as-is.
Inspection for buyers
Backflow devices often get missed during a property purchase, and replacing several isn't cheap. That's especially true for commercial buildings, apartments and homes with pools, sprinklers or fire systems.
A pre-closing inspection shows how many devices are on site, their condition and whether any are the wrong type or near the end of their life. It's helpful for negotiating and for budgeting your first year.
If something needs work
You get a plain explanation and a price if a repair is needed.
Questions
Do you inspect devices you didn't install?
Yes. We inspect every device we test, no matter who put it in.
Is an inspection the same as a test?
No. The test measures how the valves perform. The inspection looks at the device's condition and setup. We do both on every visit.
Will you send me what you found?
Yes. Anything worth noting goes in writing with your report.
Can an inspection catch problems before a test fails?
Often, yes. Leaks, worn parts and bad drainage show up before the readings drop.
Will an inspection fix the problems it finds?
No, but we'll explain each issue and give you a price for any repair.
Does the inspection cost extra?
It's part of every test we do. Call if you need an inspection on its own.
What to expect when you book backflow inspection
Booking takes a couple of minutes by phone or online. We confirm the address, the device and how to reach it, and we'll give you a time window that works for you. For most homes, you don't need to be there.
On the visit, a certified tester does the work with a calibrated gauge and explains anything that comes up in plain terms. If a repair is needed, you'll get the price before anything happens. When the device passes, we send the report to your water district and email you a copy. Our office is open seven days a week, 6am to 12pm, and emergency calls are answered around the clock.
Backflow Inspection in Fontana and nearby
Need backflow Inspection outside Fontana? We also cover Rialto, Rancho Cucamonga, Colton, San Bernardino and Ontario. Same-week visits are normal, and booking takes a couple of minutes.