How Soon Must Repairs Be Made After a Failed Backflow Test? A Clear LA Compliance Guide by Atlas Backflow Services

TL;DR

• Most Los Angeles–area water utilities require repairs and retesting within 7–30 days of a failed backflow test, with some notices specifying 10 days.

• High-hazard or actively leaking assemblies may require immediate shutdown or same‑day mitigation.

• Deadlines are set by your water purveyor (LADWP, Glendale, Burbank, LA County Waterworks, etc.). Always follow the date on your notice.

• To avoid penalties or water service interruption, our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend scheduling repairs and retesting within the first week.

The Direct Answer: Repair Windows After a Failed Test

Backflow prevention assemblies must be kept in working order to protect the public water supply. When a device fails an annual test,you are obligated to repair and retest within the timeframe set by your local water purveyor, not just state guidelines. In greater Los Angeles, those repair windows commonly fall into three buckets:

• 7–10 days: Frequently listed for higher-hazard services or when the notice explicitly states a short timeline.

• 14 days: A common mid-level deadline for standard commercial/domestic services.

• 30 days: Often the maximum allowed for non-health hazards—though utilities may escalate sooner if there’s ongoing leakage or risk.

Because rules vary, our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommendtreating any failed test as time-sensitive and aiming to complete repairs and submit the passing report well before the posted deadline.

What Triggers “Urgent” vs. “Standard” Repairs

Not all failures carry the same risk. Utilities prioritize based on hazard:

• Immediate/urgent action likely required if:

  • The assembly is an RP (Reduced Pressure) with continuous discharge at the relief valve indicating a serious failure.

  • The device protects a high-hazard process (restaurants with carbonators, medical/lab facilities, chemical or reclaimed water interfaces).

  • There is evidence of cross-connection or backsiphonage risk.

    
    

    In such cases, our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend same-day mitigation (temporary shutdown, isolation, or replacement).

• Standard action (within posted deadline) if:

  • The device fails on a test point (e.g., check valve leakage, relief valve opening point out of spec) without active discharge or obvious hazard escalation.

When in doubt, follow the strictest interpretation of your notice and contact your water purveyor—or let Atlas Backflow Services handle the coordination.

How Los Angeles Utilities Typically Handle Failed Tests

Los Angeles is governed by state cross-connection control requirements, with enforcement by local water agencies. Across the region:

• All failed tests must be corrected and retested by a certified tester.

• Documentation must be submitted to the purveyor by the stated deadline.

• Penalties or water service interruption may occur if deadlines are missed or hazards persist.

Because each agency’s policy differs—and may change—our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommendverifying your specific purveyor’s rules (LADWP, Glendale, Burbank, LA County Waterworks, private mutuals, etc.) and using reminders to stay ahead of due dates.

A Smart 7‑Day Action Plan After a Failure

To protect your water service and stay compliant, move quickly:

• Day 0 (Fail Noted):

  • Obtain the full test report with serial number, size, type, and failure points.

  • Photograph the assembly and surrounding conditions.

  • If there’s active discharge or a high-hazard process, our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend immediate mitigation (isolate line, temporary protection, or expedited replacement).

• Day 1:

  • Request a repair quote and parts availability.

  • Confirm approved assemblies if replacement is likely (use USC-FCCCHR approved models where required).

  • Ask your purveyor about temporary measures if needed.

• Days 2–4:

  • Complete repairs or replacement.

  • Retest immediately after work.

  • If the assembly still fails, escalate to replacement to avoid deadline issues.

• Days 5–7:

  • Submit passing test certification to your water purveyor.

  • File and store digital copies (report, photos, invoices) for audits.

  • Schedule reminders for next year’s test window.

This approach keeps you comfortably within 10‑day notices and well ahead of 14–30 day deadlines.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

• Second notices and fines: Administrative penalties can add up quickly.

• Service interruption: For persistent non-compliance—especially high-hazard lines—utilities may suspend service until a passing test is on file.

• Tenant and operations impact: Restaurants, multifamily, healthcare, and manufacturing can see costly downtime.

To avoid these outcomes,our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommendtackling repairs immediately and letting a certified team handle submissions and purveyor communication.

Cost, Scheduling, and Parts: What to Expect

• Repair vs. Replacement:

  • Minor repairs (seat kits, springs) are often cost-effective.

  • Older or corroded assemblies may be cheaper to replace than repeatedly repair.

• Lead Times:

  • Common sizes (3/4"–2") are usually in stock; larger sizes (3"–8") may require ordering.

  • Planning within the first week provides buffer if parts are delayed.

• Access and Shutdowns:

  • Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend coordinating with building management for water shutdowns, especially for multifamily or commercial properties, to minimize disruption.

• Documentation:

  • Utilities require a certified test report. Atlas backstops this with photos and device asset tracking to simplify audits.

Preventing Future Failures

• Annual proactive testing window: Test 30–60 days before your due date; fix small issues early.

• Keep assemblies clean and accessible: Avoid enclosures that flood or trap heat; protect from vandalism.

• Schedule preventative maintenance: Lubrication, cleaning, and periodic rebuilds extend device life.

• Match device to hazard: For new projects, confirm the right assembly type before install. Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend verifying with your purveyor to avoid costly change-outs.

Why Choose Atlas Backflow Services

Atlas Backflow Services specializes in Los Angeles cross-connection compliance from start to finish:

• Certified backflow testers familiar with LADWP, Glendale, Burbank, LA County Waterworks, and more

• Rapid-response repairs and replacements with approved assemblies

• Same-day retesting where possible and direct report submission to your utility

• Automated reminders, asset lists, and digital records for audit readiness

• Clear pricing and minimal downtime for restaurants, multifamily, healthcare, and commercial sites

For time-sensitive failures,our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommendcalling us immediately to protect your deadline and avoid service risks.

FAQs

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

  • Follow your notice. In LA, most purveyors require repair and retest within 7–30 days, with some calling for 10 days. High‑hazard issues may require immediate action.

• Do I need to submit anything after the repair?

  • Yes. A passing certified test report must be filed with your water purveyor by the deadline.

• What if parts are delayed?

  • Communicate with your purveyor and document efforts. Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend arranging temporary mitigation or expedited replacement to stay compliant.

• Can I switch to a different device type?

  • Only if it meets or exceeds the hazard requirement and is approved by your purveyor. Check before purchasing.

Need fast, compliant repairs after a failed test? Atlas Backflow Services will diagnose, repair or replace, retest, and submit your paperwork—on time. Contact us today to get back to compliant the right way.