Can I Test or Maintain My Own Backflow Device?
- bill57931
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
Key Takeaways:
Testing: In California (including San Diego County), you generally cannot legally test your own backflow prevention device unless you are a certified tester registered with your local water purveyor and using a currently calibrated test gauge. Otherwise, your report will be rejected and you can face fines or shutoffs.
Maintenance: You can perform basic owner maintenance (clearances, insulation, keeping enclosures dry). Repairs that affect internal check or relief valves must be followed by a certified test and official report submission.
For stress‑free compliance, our Backflow Testing San Diego experts recommend hiring a certified pro like Atlas Backflow Services to test, document, and submit your report directly to your water provider.
Why self-testing usually isn’t allowed
California Code of Regulations (Title 17) requires water suppliers to operate cross‑connection control programs. In practice, that means your local water purveyor (the utility on your water bill) enforces device testing by approved, certified testers.
To be accepted, tests must be:
Performed by a certified backflow tester recognized by the purveyor
Completed with a calibrated differential pressure gauge (with current calibration certificate, usually updated annually)
Submitted on the district’s official form or portal (e.g., BSI Online, SwiftComply, VEPO CrossConnex)
Accurately matched to your device model, serial number, size, and location on file
If you’re not on your purveyor’s approved tester list, your submission won’t count, even if you perform correct procedures. That’s why our Backflow Testing San Diego experts recommendusing a certified tester who is already registered in your district’s system.
Who can legally test a backflow device?
Certified testers registered with your purveyor. Most San Diego‑area utilities maintain an approved list and require documentation (tester certification, gauge calibration, insurance).
In‑house testers at large facilities may test devices on their own property only if they hold current certification, are registered with the purveyor, and follow the same reporting rules. This is common for universities, hospitals, and some industrial campuses.
Licensed contractors are not automatically authorized. Without specific backflow tester certification and purveyor approval, their tests cannot be accepted.
When in doubt, check the notice you received or call your utility. Or send it to Atlas Backflow Services—our Backflow Testing San Diego experts recommendemailing us a photo of your notice and device tag so we can verify your purveyor’s requirements.
What maintenance can an owner safely do?
You can absolutely help your device last longer and reduce failures by handling routine care that doesn’t alter internal components:
Maintain clearances: Keep 12–36 inches of space (varies by purveyor) around the assembly for access and ventilation.
Protect from weather: Insulate and weatherproof above‑ground units; keep enclosures ventilated to avoid condensation and corrosion; protect from freeze events in East County and higher elevations.
Keep it clean and dry: Clear debris, weeds, and standing water from vaults and boxes; ensure drain lines are open so relief valve discharges don’t flood the device.
Avoid impacts: Protect from vehicle damage with bollards or cages where needed.
Monitor for leaks: Look for continuous dripping from relief valves or shutoffs; if you see it, schedule a certified test and repair.
Preserve identification: Don’t remove tags or paint over serial/model plates—purveyors reject tests without accurate device IDs.
These steps are owner‑friendly and help you avoid emergency repairs. For anything that involves opening the body, replacing seats, springs, or checks,our Backflow Testing San Diego experts recommend professional service followed by a certified re‑test and official report.
What you should not do yourself
Don’t disassemble internal components of RP, DC, PVB, or SVB assemblies unless you’re qualified and prepared to have a certified tester re‑test immediately after repairs.
Don’t break or bypass shutoff valve seals installed by a purveyor or inspector.
Don’t relocate the device without permits and purveyor approval; relocations require a new passing test.
Don’t submit your own report unless you are a registered certified tester with the correct portal credentials and current calibration documentation.
Violations can trigger notice of non‑compliance, repeat inspections, accelerated testing schedules, or even meter lockouts. To avoid this,our Backflow Testing San Diego experts recommendscheduling annual tests 30 days before your due date, leaving time for any needed repairs and re‑tests.
What if you really want to test your own device?
If you’re determined to self‑test legally, here’s what it takes:
Earn a recognized tester certification (e.g., from AWWA‑approved or ABPA‑recognized programs).
Purchase and maintain a differential gauge suitable for backflow testing and get it calibrated annually by an accredited lab.
Register with your water purveyor (application, fees, proof of certification, calibration, and insurance).
Enroll in the purveyor’s compliance system (BSI, SwiftComply, or VEPO) and maintain your profile.
Follow official test procedures for your device type (RP, DC, PVB, SVB, DCDA, RPDA), complete the correct form, and submit within the deadline.
Keep records for at least 3–5 years, including calibration certificates.
For most property owners, the time and cost outweigh the benefits. That’s why our Backflow Testing San Diego experts recommend hiring a local certified tester like Atlas Backflow Services who already meets these requirements and can file accepted reports the same day.
Special cases: Fireline and high‑hazard sites
Fireline backflow (DCDA/RPDA): Your water purveyor requires an annual test; your fire authority may have separate NFPA 25 inspection requirements. We coordinate both and route copies to the right agencies.
Recycled water or industrial processes: You may face tighter inspection schedules or additional documentation. We’ll confirm the exact rules with your purveyor and keep you compliant.
Common pitfalls when DIY or using non‑registered testers
Using the wrong form or missing required data (device orientation, location, model/serial).
No current gauge calibration on file—automatic rejection.
Tester not on the purveyor’s approved list—report won’t count.
Submitting to the wrong portal or email, leading to missed deadlines.
Performing repairs without a post‑repair certified test and resubmission.
To avoid these problems, our Backflow Testing San Diego experts recommend full‑service testing, repair, and submission through Atlas Backflow Services.
FAQs
Can a handyman or plumber test my device?
Not unless they hold backflow tester certification and are approved by your purveyor. Licensing alone isn’t enough.
Can I replace a leaking relief valve washer myself?
Any internal repair requires a certified re‑test and report. DIY repairs often lead to failures and rejections. Call a certified tester.
How often do I need to test?
At installation, after any repair or relocation, and at least annually. Your purveyor sets the enforceable due date.
Will you submit the report for me?
Yes. We test, complete the official form, and submit via your purveyor’s portal or email. You get a confirmation copy for your records.
Conclusion
Testing your own backflow device is not permitted unless you’re a certified tester registered with your water purveyor and using a calibrated gauge.
Basic owner maintenance is fine—keep the device protected, accessible, and dry—but repairs and all testing must be certified and officially reported.
For fast, accepted compliance, our Backflow Testing San Diego experts recommend calling Atlas Backflow Services. We verify your purveyor, test with calibrated gauges, handle any repairs, and submit your passing report—on time and approved.
Need help now or have a notice in hand? Contact Atlas Backflow Services and we’ll take it from inspection to accepted report with zero hassle.