How Soon Must Repairs Be Made After a Failed Backflow Test?

If your backflow prevention assembly fails its annual test, the clock starts ticking. In the Los Angeles area, most water purveyors give a short window to fix the issue and submit a passing retest—often 10 days or less for high‑hazard services.

Delays can lead to fines, shut-off notices, or permit problems. Below, our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend a clear, step-by-step approach so you stay compliant without stress. Atlas Backflow Services handles testing, repairs, retesting, and paperwork—end to end.

Quick Answer:

• Typical deadline: Repairs and retesting must be completed within 10 days of a failed test in many Los Angeles jurisdictions; some allow up to 30 days, while high-hazard services may require faster action.

• What to do now: Authorize repairs immediately and schedule retesting. Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend aiming to complete everything within 3–7 days to stay ahead of any strict purveyor deadlines.

• If parts are backordered: Request an extension in writing from your water provider. Atlas Backflow Services can do this on your behalf and document interim safeguards.

Why the Deadline Varies

Each water purveyor (LADWP, Glendale Water & Power, Burbank Water & Power, Pasadena Water and Power, LA County-managed systems, and private purveyors) sets its own compliance rules. Most align with USC Foundation for Cross-Connection Control standards and enforce short correction windows to protect potable water.

Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend verifying your specific purveyor’s policy the moment a failure occurs—Atlas Backflow Services will confirm and manage the required timeline for you.

Common scenarios we see across Greater Los Angeles:

• High hazard (chemical/process, medical, food/bev): Often 0–10 days; many purveyors expect immediate scheduling and rapid completion.

• Domestic and irrigation lines: Frequently 10 calendar days; some agencies allow up to 30 days, but don’t assume—always check the notice.

• Fire service lines: Usually expedited due to life-safety implications; repairs should be prioritized and coordinated with the fire authority if needed.

What Triggers the “Repair Clock”

The countdown typically begins on one of the following:

• The test date recorded on your failed report.

• The date the water purveyor receives the failed report.

• The notice date on a formal deficiency letter or email.

Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend acting on the earliest date to avoid a timing dispute. Atlas Backflow Services submits results promptly and documents all dates to keep your records airtight.

A Practical, Compliant Timeline (What We Aim For)

To keep you well within any Los Angeles deadline, here’s the timeline we follow at Atlas Backflow Services:

• Day 0: Failed test identified

  • We submit the fail report the same day (as required) and provide a detailed repair plan and quote.

• Day 0–1: Approval and parts procurement

  • Upon approval, we reserve the next available repair slot. If specialty parts are required, we verify stock and lead times immediately.

• Day 1–3: Repair appointment

  • We perform repair or replacement, verify shut-off valve integrity, and prep for retesting.

• Same day or within 24 hours post-repair: Retest

  • We conduct the certified retest and capture passing readings.

• Within 24 hours of retest: Submission

  • We submit the passing report to your purveyor and send you a digital copy for your records.

Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend completing everything within 3–7 days whenever possible, even if your purveyor allows longer. It reduces risk and avoids penalty windows.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline

• Non-compliance notices and fines

• Water service interruption for the affected line or address

• Permit or inspection delays, especially for remodels and tenant improvements

• Insurance and liability exposure if a cross-connection event occurs during a known failure window

If you’re approaching a deadline and parts are delayed, our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend requesting an extension in writing. Atlas Backflow Services will submit the request with proof of parts on order, proposed repair date, and interim control measures.

Special Cases That Require Faster Action

• RPs protecting high-hazard processes: Prioritize same-week repair and retest.

• Food and beverage production: Coordinate shutdown windows; aim for 24–72 hour turnaround.

• Healthcare and lab facilities: Document interim procedures if a short delay is unavoidable.

• Fire service assemblies: Coordinate with the fire authority and building management; temporary impairment must be minimized and documented.

Atlas Backflow Services is experienced with accelerated schedules, after-hours work, and multi-device properties to minimize downtime.

What a Corrective Repair Includes

A compliant repair and retest cover more than swapping parts:

• Assembly evaluation to confirm the root cause (worn checks, fouled relief, debris in seats, damaged O-rings, compromised shut-offs).

• OEM-quality parts and proper torque/spec rebuild procedures.

• Environmental protections (avoiding contamination during service).

• Functional verification before retest (bleed ports, test cocks, shut-offs).

• Certified retesting with a calibrated gauge and fully documented readings.

• Submission of the passing report to your water purveyor.

Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend replacing suspect shut-off valves and cleaning upstream strainers during the same visit to prevent near-term repeat failures.

Extension Requests: When and How

Extensions aren’t guaranteed, but many purveyors will consider them if:

• The device is a unique size/model with documented backorder parts.

• A permit or shut-down is required (common on large fire lines).

• The site has limited access windows (schools, hospitals, production lines).

What we provide with an extension request:

• The failed test report

• A quote and scheduled repair date

• Proof of parts on order

• Interim safety measures (e.g., temporary isolation, additional inspections) Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend submitting extension requests as soon as a delay is known—not days before the deadline.

How to Avoid Future Fail Windows

• Test early: Schedule 30 days before the due date to create a buffer.

• Track trends: If readings are near minimums, plan a proactive rebuild.

• Keep strainers clean and protect outdoor devices from debris and weather.

• Ensure valve accessibility: Painted-over or frozen valves delay repairs.

• Annual service kits for older RPs/DCVAs: cheaper than rush rebuilds.

Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend pairing your test with a quick preventive check to catch issues before they become failures.

FAQs

• How soon must repairs be made after a failed test in Los Angeles?

  • Most purveyors require correction and retesting within 10 days; some allow up to 30 days. High-hazard services may need faster action. Atlas Backflow Services will verify your exact deadline with your provider.

• Can I keep operating with a failed device?

  • You must repair and retest quickly. For some high-hazard uses, purveyors may require immediate corrective action or isolation until repaired.

• Do repairs require a new test report?

  • Yes. A passing retest must be submitted and accepted by your water purveyor to close the violation.

• What if my device is obsolete?

  • We’ll recommend a like-for-like replacement that meets current specs, secure parts, perform installation, and submit the passing retest. If a shutdown or permit is needed, we’ll coordinate and, if necessary, request an extension.

Why Choose Atlas Backflow Services

• Local compliance experts: We work daily with Los Angeles-area purveyors and know each one’s timelines and submission portals.

• Fast turnaround: Same-day testing, rapid repairs, and prompt retesting to keep you inside your deadline.

• Certified technicians and calibrated equipment: Accurate results and accepted reports.

• End-to-end handling: Testing, repairs, retesting, documentation, and extension requests if needed.

Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend acting the day a failure occurs. Contact Atlas Backflow Services to schedule repairs and retesting now—we’ll keep you compliant, protect your water, and prevent costly interruptions.