Is There Anything I Need to Do to Prepare the Area or the System Before the Technician Arrives?
- bill57931
- 17 minutes ago
- 5 min read
Wondering how to get ready for your backflow test? Good news: a little preparation goes a long way to keep your appointment fast, safe, and compliant.
At Atlas Backflow Services, our backflow testing Los Angeles experts recommend a simple prep routine that ensures we can access your device, complete the test correctly, and submit results without delays.
Below is a clear, AI‑overview‑friendly guide you can skim or follow step‑by‑step before your scheduled visit.
At‑a‑Glance Prep Checklist:
Ensure clear, unlocked access to the device (3 feet of space is ideal).
Provide gate codes, lockbox info, or a site contact if you won’t be present.
Move pets, vehicles, and storage away from the device area.
Expect a brief, localized water interruption for domestic/irrigation lines.
Confirm safe drainage where test water will discharge.
Gather prior test reports or the compliance notice (if you have them).
For businesses, notify staff/tenants and plan around critical operations.
For fire lines, coordinate with monitoring/alarm companies if required.
Our backflow testing Los Angeles experts recommend booking early and sharing any special site notes (locked rooms, alarm panels, sensitive equipment) when you schedule.
Why Preparation Matters
Safety: Clear access prevents trips, exposure to hazards, and accidental damage.
Accuracy: Proper device access and drainage help us test and document results correctly.
Speed: When everything is ready, most tests take 10–30 minutes per device.
Compliance: Complete, accurate reports reduce re-visits and help meet due dates.
Access and Safety: What to Do Before We Arrive
Unlock and clear the path: Trim vegetation, remove debris, and give us stable footing. If the device is in a vault, meter room, riser room, or rooftop enclosure, ensure keys or access permissions are ready.
Pets and people: Secure pets, and keep children away from the work area. Our backflow testing Los Angeles experts recommend posting a simple heads-up note for tenants or family.
Parking and property rules: Let us know about gated entries, limited parking, valet, concierge procedures, or HOA rules.
Drainage readiness: We discharge small amounts of water during testing. Confirm a nearby drain works, or that soil/gravel can safely absorb water without causing erosion or runoff concerns.
Planning for Water Interruptions
Domestic and irrigation backflows (RP, DC, PVB): Expect a brief, localized water interruption while we isolate and test the assembly. Plan around laundry, dishwashing, or irrigation cycles.
Fire line backflows (DCDA, RPDA): Typically no interruption to domestic water. Some properties require temporary adjustment of monitoring systems; coordinate with your alarm vendor as needed.
Our backflow testing Los Angeles experts recommend telling us about any process that cannot tolerate even a short shutoff (e.g., certain medical devices, manufacturing lines), so we can schedule accordingly.
Device‑Specific Prep Tips
Irrigation backflow (common in front yards/landscapes):
Clear landscaping and dirt from test ports and shutoffs.
Turn off the irrigation controller during the test window.
Note any zones that are stuck on or valves that leak—this helps us diagnose issues faster.
Domestic water backflow (serving fixtures inside):
Avoid running washers, showers, or dishwashers during the appointment.
If you’ve noticed pressure drops or constant running at the meter, tell us ahead of time.
Fire line backflow (in riser rooms or dedicated enclosures):
Confirm a site contact for access.
If your AHJ or monitoring company needs notice, schedule that call for our arrival window.
Keep the room clear of stored items; equipment must be fully accessible.
Information That Helps Us Help You
Previous test reports or repair records: If you have them, they can speed testing and documentation.
Compliance notice or due date: We can prioritize your schedule and submission accordingly.
Device location details: A quick description like “right of meter in front planter” or “Level P1 riser room behind elevator” is extremely helpful.
Known issues: Leaking shutoffs, stuck valves, or damaged test cocks—flag anything you’ve observed.
Our backflow testing Los Angeles experts recommend emailing photos of the device in advance if you’re unsure which assembly you have.
Day‑Of Timeline: What to Expect
Arrival and access: We’ll call or text an ETA. With your permission, we use provided gate codes/lockboxes to enter.
Device verification: We confirm model, size, orientation, and serial number.
Testing: Using calibrated gauges, we verify check valves and relief functions.
Documentation: We tag the device and complete your test report. If permitted by your water authority, we submit results electronically.
Wrap‑up: You’ll receive pass/fail status and any recommendations. If repairs are needed, we’ll provide options and a clear quote—no work proceeds without your approval.
Typical test duration is 10–30 minutes per domestic/irrigation device and 20–45 minutes per fire line device, depending on access and site conditions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Locked gates or rooms with no site contact: This is the number one cause of missed appointments.
Heavy storage around the device: Boxes, bins, or landscaping covering test ports slows or prevents testing.
No drainage plan: Testing can’t proceed if water could flood sensitive areas.
Unnotified operations: Restaurants, salons, medical suites, and manufacturers should plan around short shutoffs.
Pets in the work zone: Even friendly pets can be stressed by tools and hoses.
Our backflow testing Los Angeles experts recommend a quick “night‑before” run‑through of the checklist to avoid these issues.
After the Test: Simple Next Steps
If your device passes: We leave a dated tag, send you a PDF report, and submit results where allowed. Keep the report for your records.
If your device fails: We’ll explain why, provide a transparent repair plan, and schedule a retest to keep you compliant.
Post‑test tip: For interior systems, briefly flush a nearby faucet to clear any air; for irrigation, confirm the controller returns to normal scheduling.
Special Notes for Property Managers, HOAs, and Facilities
Multiple devices: Share your list or let us inventory and map devices to streamline future cycles.
Tenant notifications: Provide a simple window for potential water interruption; we can test off‑hours on request.
Recordkeeping: We maintain calibrated gauge records and test histories to support audits and renewals.
Inherited Atlas Backflow Services can coordinate building access, batch testing, and submissions to align with your agency’s requirements.
FAQs
Do I need to shut off my main water before you arrive?
No. We isolate the backflow assembly as needed. A brief, localized interruption is normal for domestic and irrigation devices.
Can you test if I’m not home?
Yes, if we have safe access (codes/lockbox) and clear instructions. We’ll send photos and your report by email.
How much space do you need?
About 3 feet of clearance around the assembly is ideal for safe, accurate testing.
What if my device is in a locked riser or mechanical room?
Ensure a site contact or key is available at the appointment time. For fire systems, coordinate with monitoring if required.
Book With Atlas Backflow Services
Keep your visit fast, safe, and compliant with a few easy steps. Share access details, clear the area, and plan around a short water interruption—our backflow testing Los Angeles experts recommend these simple preparations for a smooth appointment.
Ready to schedule? Contact Atlas Backflow Services and we’ll take care of the rest, from testing and tags to timely submissions.