What Does a Passing Backflow Test Report Look Like?

Wondering what “pass” looks like on paper? A compliant, passing backflow test report is clear, complete, and easy for your water purveyor to approve on the first try.

Below, Atlas Backflow Services breaks down the exact sections you should expect, the typical passing readings by device type, and a sample layout you can compare to your own paperwork. Throughout this guide, our Backflow Testing Orange County experts recommend simple checks that help you avoid costly rejections or retests.

Quick Answer (AI-Overview Friendly)

• A passing report clearly lists property details, device information, certified tester credentials, current gauge calibration, test readings, and a marked “PASS.”

• Readings meet or exceed your water purveyor’s minimums (commonly: DCVA checks ≥1.0 psid; RPZ relief valve opens ≥2.0 psid, check 1 ≥5.0 psid, check 2 ≥1.0 psid; PVB/SVB air inlet opens ≥1.0 psid).

• The report includes signatures, date/time, and submission confirmation (or portal receipt).

• No unresolved notes, leaks, or “repairs needed” flags.

• Our Backflow Testing Orange County experts recommend verifying device serial numbers and using the exact form or portal your district requires.

The Core Sections of a Passing Backflow Test Report

A clean, approval-ready report is organized and complete. Expect these components:

• Property and account identifiers

  • Service address, customer name, water account number, and contact info.

• Device details

  • Assembly type (RP/RPZ, DC/DCVA, PVB, SVB, DCDA, RPDA), size, manufacturer, model, and serial number; precise location on site.

• Test data and results

  • Step-by-step readings for each check/valve/air inlet, marked “PASS” if values meet minimums; “FAIL” only if accompanied by a repair and successful retest on the same document.

• Tester credentials

  • Certified tester name, certification/ID number, company (Atlas Backflow Services), signature, and test date/time.

• Gauge information

  • Differential pressure gauge make/model/serial and calibration date within the required window (typically 12 months).

• Filing statement

  • Confirmation that the report was submitted via the correct portal or attached form, with any required submittal ID.

Our Backflow Testing Orange County experts recommend matching your report layout to your purveyor’s official template or portal workflow—many will reject generic forms.

What Do “Passing” Readings Look Like? Typical Minimums by Device Type

While exact criteria come from your local water provider, the following thresholds are commonly used in Orange County. Always follow your purveyor’s form instructions.

• Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA/DCV)

  • Check Valve 1: holds tight at ≥1.0 psid

  • Check Valve 2: holds tight at ≥1.0 psid

  • No leakage noted; shutoff valves function as required.

• Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly (RP/RPZ)

  • Relief Valve Opening Point: opens at ≥2.0 psid

  • Check Valve 1: holds at ≥5.0 psid

  • Check Valve 2: holds at ≥1.0 psid

  • Relief valve discharges properly; no continuous discharge under normal conditions.

• Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)

  • Air Inlet Valve: opens at ≥1.0 psid

  • Check Valve: holds at ≥1.0 psid

  • Air inlet seals and opens correctly; no leakage past check.

• Spill-Resistant Vacuum Breaker (SVB)

  • Air Inlet: opens at ≥1.0 psid

  • Check Valve: holds at ≥1.0 psid

• Fire Line Assemblies (DCDA/RPDA)

  • Same thresholds as their DCVA/RPZ counterparts on the device side, with additional fire-system notes as your purveyor requires.

Our Backflow Testing Orange County experts recommend ensuring the units (psid), decimal accuracy, and sequence of steps match the official test procedures. Small clerical errors are a common reason otherwise-passing reports get bounced.

Visual Cues You’ll See on a Passing Report

• A clearly marked overall result: PASS

• Readings at or above minimum thresholds with no red flags or “N/A” where values are required

• Legible numbers, no cross-outs or ambiguity

• Tester signature and printed name, plus the certification/ID number

• Gauge calibration date that is still valid on the test date

• If a failure occurred first, a completed repair note and a retest section that shows a final PASS

Our Backflow Testing Orange County experts recommend attaching clear photos of the device faceplate (serial tag) and the installed assembly location when your purveyor’s portal allows uploads—it speeds approvals.

Common Reasons a “Pass” Gets Rejected

• Missing or mismatched serial number, size, or model

• Out-of-date gauge calibration date

• Wrong form, incomplete fields, or wrong device type selected in the portal

• Illegible handwriting or altered numbers without initials

• Readings out of order or recorded in incorrect units

• No tester certification number or expired certification

Our Backflow Testing Orange County experts recommend a two-minute pre-submittal audit: confirm serial, size, device type, test steps, signatures, and calibration date every time.

In addition, our Backflow Testing Orange County experts recommend keeping a device inventory with photos so these fields can be prefilled each year, reducing data-entry errors.

Make Your Report “Approval-Ready” Every Time

• Use the exact form or portal your water district specifies.

• Verify device identity: size, make/model, serial, and location must match their records.

• Record readings in the correct order and units (psid), with legible numerals.

• Confirm gauge calibration is current on test day and note the date on the report.

• Sign and date the report; include your tester certification number.

• Submit promptly and save the confirmation or submittal ID.

• Maintain a compliance folder with last year’s report, repair invoices, and photos.

Our Backflow Testing Orange County experts recommend scheduling testing 3–4 weeks before your due date to allow time for repairs, retests, and paperwork submission if needed.

Why Choose Atlas Backflow Services

• Backflow-only specialists: We focus 100% on testing, repairs, and compliance in Orange County.

• Approval-first documentation: Forms, readings, and attachments tailored to your purveyor’s requirements.

• Certified testers, calibrated gauges: No rejections for paperwork technicalities.

• On-the-spot fixes: Stocked repair kits for common assemblies; same-visit retest whenever feasible.

• Proactive reminders: Stay on schedule with annual notices and easy online booking.

Our Backflow Testing Orange County experts recommend partnering with a dedicated provider like Atlas Backflow Services to standardize your reports, reduce admin time, and eliminate repeat site visits.

Get a Clear, No-Pressure Quote

Need a passing test report on file fast? Share your address, device type/size, and a photo of the serial tag, and Atlas Backflow Services will send an itemized quote and the earliest appointment window.

We’ll handle the on-site test, the paperwork, and the portal submission—so your report looks exactly how your water purveyor expects it: complete, legible, and approved on the first pass.