What Does A Backflow Test Typically Involve?

If your property has a backflow prevention assembly, annual testing isn’t just a box to check—it’s how you protect safe drinking water and stay compliant with your local water authority. But what actually happens during a backflow test?

Here’s a clear, step-by-step look at the process Atlas Backflow Services follows, why it matters, and how our Backflow Maintence keeps everything on track with minimal disruption.

What is a backflow test?

A backflow test verifies that your backflow prevention assembly is working the way it was designed—blocking polluted or contaminated water from reversing course and entering the potable supply.

Certified testers use calibrated gauges and standardized procedures to measure valve performance under controlled conditions. Passing results are documented and submitted to your water purveyor to demonstrate compliance.

Which devices are tested?

Common assemblies that require periodic testing include:

• RP or RPZ: Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly

• DC or DCVA: Double Check Valve Assembly

• PVB/SVB: Pressure or Spill-Resistant Vacuum Breaker

• Fire line backflow preventers on sprinkler systems

• Irrigation backflow devices

Each device type has a specific test method, but the overall steps are similar.Step-by-step:

What your technician does on site

1. Pre-visit preparation

2. Confirm due dates, device types/sizes, and access needs (keys, mechanical rooms, valve vaults).

3. Coordinate timing to reduce downtime for tenants or operations.

4. For fire lines, coordinate with the fire alarm monitoring company if any impairments are required.

5. Arrival and safety check

6. Verify the correct device and location, review hazard level, and assess safe access.

7. Identify shutoff valves and any downstream equipment that could be affected.

8. Place signage or notify occupants if a temporary water interruption is expected.

9. Visual inspection

10. Confirm proper installation, orientation, and clearances.

11. Check for damage, leaks, missing caps, corrosion, or freeze-related cracks.

12. Verify valve handles, test cocks, and relief valve discharge piping are intact.

13. Record make, model, size, and serial number for reporting.

14. Connect calibrated test equipment

15. Attach a differential pressure gauge and hoses to the device’s test cocks.

16. Bleed air from the hoses to ensure accurate readings.

17. Confirm the test gauge is within calibration date from an accredited lab.

18. Perform device-specific tests

19. Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA): Measure the closing tightness and differential across Check Valve 1 and Check Valve 2, ensuring each holds the required minimum differential pressure (commonly 1.0 psi or greater). Verify shutoff valves are tight.

20. Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly (RP/RPZ): Verify Check Valve 1 closes properly, the relief valve opens at the required differential (commonly 2.0 psi or more), and Check Valve 2 holds. Confirm shutoff valve integrity.

21. Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB/SVB): Confirm the air inlet opens at the required differential and the check valve holds. For SVBs, also verify spill-resistance function.

22. Fire line assemblies: In addition to standard performance checks, some jurisdictions require forward flow testing to confirm adequate fire flow. Coordination with fire alarm systems may be necessary.

23. Interpret results and pass/fail criteria

24. A passing device meets minimum differential pressure requirements and shows no leakage past checks or shutoff valves.

25. A failing device might show insufficient differential pressure, leakage, a relief valve that fails to open, or damaged components. The tester documents the failure and next steps.

26. Restore service

27. Disconnect gauges, return valves to normal positions, and verify normal operations for downstream equipment.

28. Clean the area and ensure any impairment notifications are cleared (especially for fire systems).

29. Documentation and submission

30. Complete the official test report with device details, readings, pass/fail status, repairs (if any), tester certification, and gauge calibration info.

31. Tag the device with the date and results.

32. Submit the report to the water authority and provide digital copies for your records.

How long does a backflow test take? For most devices, 20–45 minutes is typical. Factors that add time include:

• Large devices (4" and above) or fire line assemblies

• Hard-to-access locations (pits, rooftops, locked mechanical rooms)

• Multiple devices across a property

• Necessary repairs after a failed test

Will my water be shut off?

For service-line RPZs and DCVAs, you’ll experience a brief interruption during testing. Irrigation and dedicated process lines can often be isolated without affecting domestic water. Fire line testing is coordinated to avoid impairing protection any longer than necessary.

Our Backflow Maintence team schedules testing around your operations to minimize downtime.What happens if the device fails?

Failure isn’t uncommon—especially after freeze events, on older assemblies, or where debris has fouled the checks.

When a device fails:

• We provide a clear diagnostic and repair options (rebuild kits, seats, springs, or full replacement if needed).

• We complete approved repairs, then retest to verify compliance.

• We submit the final passing report so violations don’t escalate.

With our Backflow Maintence, you get prioritized repairs and retesting to keep you compliant without juggling multiple vendors.How you can prepare for your test A little preparation makes the visit faster and smoother:

• Confirm access: Keys, codes, gate access, and escort requirements

• Clear space: Remove stored items blocking devices and valves

• Notify staff/tenants: Let them know about brief water interruptions

• Provide past reports: Helpful for audits and device history

• Seasonal considerations: For irrigation, ensure lines are charged during the season; for winter, consider draining or insulating exposed assemblies

What does backflow testing cost?

Pricing varies based on device quantity, size, type, access complexity, and urgency.

Consolidating devices on a single visit reduces cost. Our Backflow Maintence offers portfolio scheduling, volume pricing, and proactive reminders—an easy way to control costs and avoid late penalties.Why regular testing matters

• Compliance: Most jurisdictions mandate annual testing by certified testers and on-time submission of reports. Missing a deadline can lead to fines or even service interruptions.

• Health and safety: Backflow prevention is the last line of defense against contaminants entering the potable system.

• Asset protection: Routine testing catches small issues before they create leaks, pressure problems, or emergency outages.

• Liability reduction: Documented, passing tests and prompt repairs are your best defense if an incident triggers an investigation.

What makes Atlas Backflow Services different

Our goal is to make compliance simple, predictable, and budget-friendly:

• Certified testers and calibrated equipment

• Digital reporting and direct submission to water authorities

• Device inventory creation and mapping, so nothing gets overlooked

• Portfolio management for multi-site owners and managers

• Fast, on-hand parts and repairs after failures

• After-hours and emergency testing when needed

All of this is built into our Backflow Maintence program, which tracks due dates, sends reminders, bundles service efficiently, and keeps your documentation audit-ready.

Whether you manage a single building or a regional portfolio, our Backflow Maintence keeps your water safe and your property compliant.Frequently asked questions

• How often is testing required? Typically annually, though some high-hazard sites may require more frequent testing. We’ll align your schedule with local regulations.

• Can you test any brand? Yes—we test and service all major manufacturers and sizes.

• Do you work with property management platforms? We can share reports and schedules in your preferred format and coordinate directly with onsite teams.

• What if my device is in a pit or vault? We provide confined-space-capable crews when needed to keep safety and compliance front and center.

Get started with worry-free testing If your backflow test is coming due—or you’re not sure when it’s due—Atlas Backflow Services can help. Schedule a visit, and we’ll handle the rest: testing, repairs if needed, and submission of your passing report. Enroll in our Backflow Maintence to automate reminders, reduce costs, and eliminate compliance headaches year-round.

Contact Atlas Backflow Services to schedule your backflow test today.Optional SEO meta description: Wondering what a backflow test involves? Atlas Backflow Services explains the step-by-step process, timelines, pass/fail criteria, and how our Backflow Maintence keeps you compliant with minimal downtime.