Test the Device, Document Everything, and Get It Registered Immediately
- bill57931
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
If your water authority can’t find your backflow device in their system, don’t panic—act. The fastest path to compliance is to verify the device in the field, complete a passing backflow test, and submit a new device registration with the official test report.
In Los Angeles, this often means creating a record in BSI Online or SwiftComply (or emailing the purveyor’s form) with clear photos, device details, and your tester’s credentials. Atlas Backflow Services—the Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts experts recommend—handles this end-to-end so your property stays compliant and avoids late fees or shutoff risks.
Why Your Device Might Not Be on Record
Before you assume it’s missing, understand why records sometimes don’t match:
Data migration gaps: Agencies that switched to BSI Online or SwiftComply may have legacy devices not fully imported.
Unregistered new install: A contractor installed or replaced a device but never filed the registration or initial test.
Ownership changes: The assembly is still listed under a prior owner, outdated account number, or a different address formatting.
Meter or parcel mismatch: The device is tied to the meter or parcel ID, not the street address you’re searching.
Device replacement without notice: An RP replaced a DC, the serial changed, and the database wasn’t updated.
Multiple purveyors in a boundary area: The address is served by a different water authority than expected (city vs. county).
Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts experts recommend confirming your purveyor using your water bill or compliance notice first; Atlas Backflow Services can verify the correct agency for your parcel.
Immediate Steps to Stay Compliant (Even If There’s No Record)
Don’t wait—schedule the test. A current passing test protects you while the paperwork catches up. Authorities accept a new record with a recent test.
Capture proof on-site. Take clear photos of the device nameplate, size, orientation, shutoff valves, and surroundings (vault, meter room, riser).
Document device specifics. Type (PVB, DC, RP, DCDA/RPDA), size, manufacturer, model, serial number, service (domestic, irrigation, fire).
Submit a registration + test report together. Create the record and attach the official test report with tester credentials and gauge calibration date.
Ask for a courtesy extension if you have a deadline. Most cross-connection programs will note your in-progress registration when they see proof of action.
Keep a copy of everything. Save PDFs, portal receipts, and timestamped emails.
Atlas Backflow Services expedites this process: we test, document, register, submit, and send you confirmation—exactly what Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts experts recommend for clean compliance.
How Registration Works in Los Angeles
Portal-based programs: Many agencies (including LADWP-managed sites and nearby cities) use BSI Online or SwiftComply. We submit an “Add Device” or “New Assembly” request with your test results.
Email/PDF submittals: Some cities and Los Angeles County Public Works accept their proprietary test form via email upload.
Hard-copy exceptions: A few jurisdictions still require original, wet-signed forms; we provide those when needed.
Typical workflow:
Field verification and test
Complete the purveyor-specific form
Attach photos and calibration info
Submit via the correct channel
Receive a new assembly ID and confirmation
Update the device tag with the assigned ID
What Information You’ll Need to Register Successfully
Have these details handy for the smoothest approval:
Property identifiers: Service address, water account or premise number (if available), parcel/APN helps.
Device specifics: Type, size (e.g., 1”, 2”, 4”), manufacturer, model, serial number, service (domestic, irrigation, fire).
Location description: “East side yard near meter,” “Garage meter room,” “Below-grade vault at northwest corner,” or “Fire riser room level P1.”
Test data: Pass/fail values, repairs made, and final passing results.
Tester credentials: Certified tester’s name, certification number, expiration, company info, and gauge calibration date (within 12 months).
Photos: Nameplate close-up, wide shot in place, any repair parts replaced.
Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts experts recommend including photos because they reduce questions and prevent rejection due to data mismatches.
Special Cases That Need Extra Attention
Fire line detector assemblies (DCDA/RPDA): These are two devices in one (main + bypass). Submit results for both. Fire Prevention may also require matching documentation.
Replacements and upgrades: If you swapped a DC for an RP or changed sizes, note the old serial/model and the new one so the purveyor can update inventory accurately.
New construction/tenant improvements: Registration may tie to permit closeout or TCO/CO. Coordinate early to avoid delays.
Vaulted or roof units: Provide access notes and safety details; some programs flag hard-to-access assemblies for special scheduling.
Atlas Backflow Services is equipped for all assembly types—PVB/SVB, DC/DCVA, RP/RPZ, DCDA/RPDA—and we align with NFPA considerations for fire lines.
How to Avoid Rejections and Delays
Use the right form and the right agency. City vs. County mix-ups are common in LA’s patchwork of purveyors.
Match the device data exactly. Manufacturer, model, size, and serial must be accurate and legible.
Ensure valid credentials. Tester certification and gauge calibration can’t be expired—authorities check.
Be specific about location. “Front landscape near mailbox” beats “front yard” when inspectors audit.
Include repair details. If it failed initially, list parts replaced and document the passing retest.
Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts experts recommend digital submission with photos and same-day test reporting to minimize back-and-forth.
What If the Authority Still Can’t Create the Record?
Escalate to the cross-connection control specialist. We request a manual record creation and attach all documentation.
Provide alternate identifiers. Meter number, APN/parcel, prior owner info, and utility account numbers help locate the correct service.
Ask for a temporary exemption note. With proof of a passing test in hand, authorities commonly grant short extensions while they finalize the record.
Sample Message You Can Send to Your Water Authority
Subject: New Backflow Assembly Registration – [Property Address] – Passing Test
AttachedHello Cross-Connection Team,We discovered a backflow assembly at [address] that does not appear in your inventory. Attached are:
Completed test report (passing)
Device details (type/size/model/serial)
Photos (nameplate and installation location)
Tester certification and gauge calibration date
Please create a new assembly record and advise the assigned Assembly ID. We are happy to provide any additional information needed.Thank you, [Your Name] [Phone/Email] Atlas Backflow ServicesWe’ll send this for you—Atlas handles the communication and follows up until the record is live.
FAQs
Will I be fined if the device wasn’t on record?
Fines are typically tied to missing tests, not missing records. A prompt passing test and registration usually prevents penalties.
Can I wait to test until the record is created?
Don’t wait. Test now and use that report to seed the registration.
What if I have multiple unlisted devices?
We batch-register them and submit all passing reports at once—often with portfolio pricing for property managers and HOAs.
Why Choose Atlas Backflow Services
End-to-end handling: Field verification, testing, photos, registration, and submission—done.
Local expertise: Daily work with LADWP, Los Angeles County Public Works, and neighboring city programs means fewer delays.
Certified and calibrated: Valid tester credentials and current gauge logs safeguard your compliance.
Clear communication: We send portal receipts or timestamped confirmations for your records.
Portfolio-friendly: Volume scheduling and consolidated reporting for multi-site owners.
When the database says “no record,” we create one—fast. Contact Atlas Backflow Services, the Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts experts recommend, for swift testing, accurate registration, and on-time compliance.