What Does a Passing Backflow Test Report Look Like? A Los Angeles Guide

Keeping your property’s drinking water safe isn’t just best practice—it’s the law. A backflow prevention assembly must be tested annually, and your water purveyor needs a clear, complete, and accurate report.

Below, our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend a simple way to understand what a passing report looks like, how to read the numbers, and how to stay compliant without stress. Atlas Backflow Services is here to make it easy.

What Is a Backflow Test Report?

A backflow test report is the official record that your backflow prevention assembly (e.g., RP, DCVA, PVB) was inspected and tested by a certified technician and that it meets required performance standards at the time of testing. In Los Angeles, water purveyors and agencies expect standardized information and accurate measurements.

Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend reviewing the report right away to confirm all required fields are present before it’s submitted.

The Anatomy of a Passing Report

A passing test report should be clear, thorough, and legible. It typically includes:

• Property and contact details

  • Service address, account number (if applicable), property owner/manager contact.

• Assembly information

  • Type: RP, DCVA, PVB, or SVB

  • Manufacturer, model, size (e.g., 1", 2"), serial number, and location on site.

• Service type and hazard

  • Domestic, irrigation, fire, or process water; degree of hazard (e.g., high hazard for chemicals).

• Test date and tester credentials

  • Certified tester’s name, certification number, expiration date, company, and signature.

• Test kit information

  • Gauge model/serial and calibration date. Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend ensuring calibration within one year.

• Shut-off valves

  • Confirmation that inlet and outlet shut-off valves are tight (no leakage).

• Measured results

  • Differential pressure values and relief/air inlet opening points that meet or exceed minimum standards.

• Repairs or adjustments

  • If any minor maintenance was performed to achieve a pass, it should be noted.

• Final status

  • Clearly marked as PASS, with the tester’s signature and date.

If any of these items are missing or unclear, submissions can be rejected—even if the device actually passed. Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend requesting a PDF copy for your records and confirming your water provider received the report.

Device-Specific Pass Criteria (At a Glance)

While each water purveyor follows recognized standards (often based on USC Foundation for

Cross-Connection Control guidelines), these are common pass thresholds:

• RP (Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly)

  • Relief valve opens at ≥ 2.0 psi

  • Check valve #1: ≥ 5.0 psi

  • Check valve #2: ≥ 1.0 psi

  • Shut-off valves tight

• DCVA (Double Check Valve Assembly)

  • Check valve #1: ≥ 1.0 psi

  • Check valve #2: ≥ 1.0 psi

  • Shut-off valves tight

• PVB/SVB (Pressure Vacuum Breaker/Spill-Resistant Vacuum Breaker)

  • Air inlet opens at ≥ 1.0 psi

  • Check valve: ≥ 1.0 psi

  • Shut-off valve tight; no leakage past the check

Note: Some municipalities specify additional notes or exact formats. Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend verifying any local variations before submission—Atlas Backflow Services handles this for you.

How to Read the Numbers on a Passing Report

You’ll typically see numbers listed as “psid” (pounds per square inch differential). Here’s how to interpret them:

• “Check #1: 6.5 psid” on an RP means the first check is holding above the minimum 5.0 psid—good.

• “Relief Valve Opening Point: 3.0 psid” means the relief valve opened above the minimum 2.0 psid—good.

• “Check #2: 1.3 psid” on an RP or DCVA means you’re above the 1.0 psid threshold—good.

• For PVB/SVB, the air inlet should open at or above 1.0 psid, indicating it will introduce air to prevent siphon conditions.

If a reading is exactly at the minimum, it still passes, but our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend scheduling earlier annual testing or preventive maintenance if values trend down over time.

Example: What a Clean, Passing Report Looks Like

Below is a simplified example of the kind of clarity and detail you should expect. Formats vary by water provider, but the essentials are the same.

PROPERTY
- Address: 1234 Maple Ave, Los Angeles, CA 900XX
- Service Type: Irrigation (High Hazard)

ASSEMBLY
- Type: RP
- Manufacturer/Model/Size: Watts 009, 1.5"
- Serial: RP-123456
- Location: South wall, meter room

TESTER & EQUIPMENT
- Tester: Jane Smith, Cert #LA-01234 (Exp: 08/2026)
- Company: Atlas Backflow Services
- Test Kit: Mid-West 845, Serial #M845-78901 (Calibrated: 09/2025)

TEST RESULTS
- Shut-off Valves: Tight (Inlet/Outlet)
- Relief Valve Opening Point: 3.2 psid (Pass ≥ 2.0)
- Check #1: 6.8 psid (Pass ≥ 5.0)
- Check #2: 1.6 psid (Pass ≥ 1.0)
- Repairs/Adjustments: None

FINAL STATUS: PASS
- Date: 12/04/2025
- Signature: Jane Smith

Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend keeping both a digital and printed copy, and confirming the submission to your water purveyor’s compliance portal if applicable.

Common Reasons Good Devices Fail—and How to Avoid Them

Even reliable assemblies can fail if the test conditions aren’t ideal. Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend:

• Ensure full-access and clear shut-off valves before testing; stuck or partially closed valves skew readings.

• Keep strainers clean upstream of the assembly to avoid debris affecting differentials.

• Service RPs annually if operating near minimum thresholds—minor wear can tip a pass into a fail.

• Verify gauge calibration is current; outdated gauges can trigger report rejection.

• Protect from freezing and flooding; environmental stress shortens component life.

With proactive maintenance, most devices pass without surprise repairs. Atlas Backflow Services offers maintenance plans that align with Los Angeles testing cycles.

Los Angeles Compliance Notes

• Annual testing is required for most properties with backflow devices, and some high-hazard uses may require more frequent checks.

• Certified testers only: Los Angeles-area purveyors require recognized certification and current gauge calibration.

• Timely submission: A test isn’t complete until the report is submitted and accepted. Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend scheduling tests at least 30 days before due dates to avoid rush fees or water service notices.

If you’re unsure which portal or form your address uses, Atlas Backflow Services can identify your water provider’s requirements and submit on your behalf.

FAQs

• How long is a passing report valid?

  • Typically one year from the test date, but always follow your water purveyor’s due date. Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend testing a few weeks early.

• Can I submit an older test after repairs?

  • No. If repairs were made, the device must be retested and a new passing report submitted.

• Do I need a test for each device?

  • Yes. Each assembly requires its own test and report, including dedicated irrigation or fire line devices.

• What if my device fails?

  • You’ll receive a fail report plus repair options. After repairs, a retest is performed and a passing report submitted. Atlas Backflow Services can often repair and retest same-day.

Why Choose Atlas Backflow Services

• Local expertise: We work daily with Los Angeles water purveyors and know the exact formats they accept.

• Certified technicians and calibrated equipment: Compliance you can trust.

• End-to-end handling: Testing, repairs, and submission—done right and on time.

Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend booking early to avoid compliance crunches. Contact Atlas Backflow Services today to schedule your test or request a sample passing report template for your records.