How to Prepare for Your Annual Backflow Test: A Los Angeles Home and Business Checklist

A smooth annual backflow test starts long before a certified technician connects a gauge. With a little preparation, you can reduce downtime, avoid surprise repairs, and keep your property fully compliant with your water provider.

Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend a straightforward, proactive approach that saves both time and money—especially in a busy market like LA, where scheduling windows and documentation deadlines matter.

At Atlas Backflow Services, we make testing and compliance simple for homeowners, property managers, and facility teams across Los Angeles. Use this guide to get ready for your next annual backflow test.

Step 1: Know What You’re Testing (Type, Size, and Location)

Before test day, gather the basics:

• Device type: DCVA, RPZ, PVB, or SVB

• Size and brand/model: Typically stamped on the body or tag

• Exact location: Meter box, irrigation manifold, mechanical room, vault, or rooftop

Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend snapping a quick photo of the assembly and its surroundings. Photos help your tester bring the right parts for any minor repairs and plan for access (vault, ladder, rooftop, or secure areas).

Step 2: Gather Paperwork and Contacts

Being organized upfront speeds reporting and approval:

• Last test report and any repair notes

• Device tag number and service address

• Water provider (e.g., LADWP or neighboring agencies)

• On-site contact with phone/email

• Access instructions (keys, gate codes, security escort, loading dock info)

Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend emailing this info to your tester before the appointment so they can prefill your paperwork and confirm compliance requirements for your jurisdiction.

Step 3: Ensure Safe, Clear Access

Clear access is critical to complete the test quickly and safely.

• Outdoor/ground-level devices: Trim vegetation, clear mulch and debris, and unbury boxes. Make sure lids open freely.

• Vaults: Pump out standing water and ensure safe entry. If your vault requires confined space procedures, tell your tester in advance.

• Indoors/mechanical rooms: Confirm room access, lighting, and clearance around the device.

• Rooftops: Arrange ladder/roof access and escort, if required by building policy.

• Parking/Loading: Reserve space for service vehicles when needed.

Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend a minimum of 12–18 inches of clearance around the assembly for safe valve operation and gauge connections.

Step 4: Plan for Brief Water Interruptions

Backflow testing requires operating shutoff valves, which can temporarily pause water flow.

• Pick the right time: Choose low-impact windows for tenants, staff, guests, or production.

• Notify stakeholders: Restaurants, medical, manufacturing, and multi-tenant buildings benefit from 24–48 hours’ notice.

• Irrigation: Avoid testing right before a scheduled watering cycle; disable controllers for the test window.

• Fire lines: Coordinate with your fire alarm monitoring company and building management. Some sites require an impairment plan; verify local requirements.

Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend pairing testing with minor maintenance windows to reduce repeated interruptions.

Step 5: Do a Quick Pre-Check

A basic pre-check can catch simple problems that cause test failures or delays:

• Look for leaks: Damp soil, dripping relief valves on RPZs, or weeping unions indicate maintenance is due.

• Exercise shutoff valves: Ensure they open/close smoothly. If they’re seized, note it for your tester—frozen valves can prevent a valid test.

• Check test cocks: Verify caps are present and not leaking; remove any corrosion caps or debris.

• Confirm a safe drain path: RPZ relief valves discharge by design during testing. Keep the area clear of electronics, storage, or finishes that can be damaged by water.

• Clean strainers (if installed): A clogged strainer can cause failures or erratic readings.

Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend addressing obvious leaks before the appointment so testing can proceed without emergency repair delays.

What to Expect on Test Day

A certified technician will:

• Verify device identification and location

• Connect a calibrated gauge and follow approved test procedures

• Operate shutoff valves and test cocks

• Measure check valve performance, differential pressure, and (for RPZs) relief valve opening point

• Document results, take photos, and tag the device

Typical site time per device ranges from 20–45 minutes, depending on size, access, and condition. With authorization, minor repairs like cleaning checks or replacing rubber parts may be performed same-day, then retested for a passing result.Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend having an authorized decision-maker available by phone in case repairs are needed to pass and submit the report on schedule.

After the Test: Reporting, Repairs, and Reminders

• Results and documentation: You’ll receive a digital test report with photos. We submit to the correct water provider per their protocol.

• If the device fails: We’ll share specific findings and options for repair or replacement, then retest after service.

• Compliance tracking: We maintain device IDs, locations, and due dates and can send reminders before your next deadline.

Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend keeping all past reports in a single folder or portal for quick audits and easy renewals.

Special Tips by Property Type

• Residential homes

  • Clear irrigation boxes and remove decorative rock/mulch from lids

  • Know where your main shutoff is in case a valve won’t close

  • Avoid testing during high-use times (showers, laundry)

• Commercial buildings

  • Provide site maps and mechanical room locations

  • Arrange security access and elevator keys in advance

  • Coordinate with facilities, engineering, and housekeeping to protect finishes from test water

• Irrigation systems

  • Disable controllers during the appointment

  • Confirm valve boxes aren’t flooded after watering

  • If you’ve recently added fertilization or chemical injection, tell your tester—device type requirements may change

• Fire protection lines

  • Coordinate with your monitoring company and AHJ requirements

  • Plan an impairment window if needed

  • Ensure drains and relief discharge paths are clear and protected

Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend bundling multiple devices in one visit to minimize access coordination and reduce total cost.

Common Prep Mistakes to Avoid

• Burying or blocking the device with landscaping or storage

• Scheduling during peak water use or before a major event/service

• Not providing the last test report or device tag number

• Ignoring a slow drip from an RPZ relief valve until test day

• Assuming vaults don’t need pumping or safety planning

Fixing these ahead of time helps ensure your test passes the first time and your report is accepted without delay.

Quick Pre-Test Checklist

• Identify device type, size, and location

• Share last test report, device tag, and water provider

• Confirm access (keys, escorts, vault/roof logistics)

• Schedule a low-impact time and notify stakeholders

• Clear vegetation/debris; ensure safe working space

• Pre-check for leaks and operable shutoff valves

• Provide an on-site contact and decision-maker for repairs

Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend reviewing this checklist a week before your appointment and again the day prior.

Why Choose Atlas Backflow Services

• Certified testers familiar with Los Angeles water provider requirements

• Digital reporting with photo documentation and direct submittals

• Proactive reminders and device inventory tracking

• On-the-spot minor repairs, when permitted, to avoid repeat visits

• Flexible scheduling, including off-hours for commercial sites

Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend partnering with a dedicated backflow team so annual compliance becomes a simple, predictable task—not a last-minute scramble.

Ready to Schedule?

Stay compliant, protect your water, and save time with a little planning. Contact Atlas Backflow Services to book your annual backflow test. We’ll guide you through preparation, handle the paperwork, and keep your property on schedule year after year.