What Paperwork Needs to Be Submitted After the Backflow Test?

Wondering exactly what you or your tester must file after your backflow prevention assembly is tested? In Greater LA, submitting the correct paperwork is just as important as performing the test itself.

Miss a required field, attach the wrong certificate, or use the wrong form—and your report can be rejected, risking fines or even service interruptions. Below is a clear, local guide from Atlas Backflow Services.

Where it helps, our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend simple, proven steps to keep your filing fast, accurate, and accepted the first time.

Quick Answer:

• You must submit an official backflow test report to your water purveyor (city/utility) after each test.

• Most agencies require supporting documentation, such as the tester’s certification number and a current gauge calibration certificate.

• Submission methods vary: online portals, email, or PDF uploads—depending on the jurisdiction.

• Deadlines matter: reports are generally due by your compliance date or within a set window after testing.

• To avoid rejections, our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend using the utility’s latest form, ensuring legible readings, and attaching proof of gauge calibration.

The Core Paperwork: Your Official Test Report

Every Los Angeles–area purveyor requires a standardized test report for each device. While layouts vary, the same key data points are almost always required:

• Property and account information: Site address, account number (if applicable), contact name/phone/email.

• Device details: Assembly type (DCVA, PVB/SVB, RPZ), size, manufacturer, model, and serial number, plus the exact location on site (e.g., south wall near meter, irrigation enclosure, mechanical room, vault).

• Hazard classification: Domestic, irrigation, fireline, or high hazard.

• Test results: Initial readings, pass/fail status, and any observed defects.

• Repairs (if any): Parts replaced, adjustments made, and who performed the work.

• Re-test results: Final passing readings after repairs, if required.

• Shutoff valve checks: Confirmation that shutoffs hold as required.

• Tester credentials: Certified tester’s name, certification number/agency, company, contact details, signature, and test date.

• Gauge information: Make/model/serial and calibration date.

Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend confirming the device serial numbers and taking clear photos of the nameplates before the visit. This reduces typos and serial mismatches—two top reasons reports get kicked back.

Supporting Documents You May Need

Beyond the report itself, some jurisdictions ask for attachments:

• Gauge calibration certificate: Must be current (commonly calibrated annually).

• Tester certification: Certification number and expiration date; some agencies may request a copy upon registration or audit.

• Repair documentation: Invoices or parts list if the test failed and repairs were required before passing.

• Permit or program IDs: Certain utilities use program IDs or device IDs that must be referenced.

Because requirements differ city to city, our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend letting your tester know which utility serves your property (LADWP, Burbank Water & Power, Glendale Water & Power, Pasadena Water & Power, Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, LA County–managed systems, and others).

How and Where to Submit in Los Angeles

Submission pathways vary:

• Online portals: Many agencies now use an online portal for direct entry and digital uploads.

• Email or PDF upload: Some accept the official form via a designated email or upload link.

• Paper forms: Less common in LA, but a few jurisdictions still accept scanned copies of signed originals.

Atlas Backflow Services files through your purveyor’s preferred channel and provides a digital copy for your records. When portals require contractor registration, we maintain active accounts so your report moves through faster.

Deadlines and Proof of Compliance

• Due dates: Usually aligned with your annual test date or a specific compliance notice. Some require filing within 10–30 days of testing; others require on or before the stated deadline.

• Confirmation: After submission, you may receive an automated confirmation, acceptance email, or portal status update.

• Recordkeeping: Keep copies of your report, gauge certificate, and acceptance confirmation. Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend maintaining a digital folder for each property and device.

Common Reasons Reports Get Rejected

Avoid these pitfalls to save time and prevent penalties:

• Wrong or outdated form for your utility

• Missing serial numbers or mismatched device details

• Illegible readings or incomplete fields (especially shutoff valve checks)

• Expired gauge calibration date or missing calibration certificate

• No re-test section after documented repairs

• Missing tester credentials or signature/date

• Incorrect submission channel (emailed when portal entry is required)

To minimize risk, our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend sending nameplate photos in advance and confirming the portal or form your utility requires before scheduling.

Step-by-Step: From Test to Accepted Filing

1. Before the appointment:

   • Share your utility name (e.g., LADWP, Glendale, Pasadena).

   • Provide device count, type/size, and location notes.

   • Send nameplate photos.

   • Confirm your due date and any special access needs.

2. During the visit:

   • We perform the test with a calibrated gauge, document readings, and verify shutoff valve performance.

   • If the assembly fails, we review repair options. With approval, we perform minor repairs, then re-test.

3. After the test:

   • We complete the official report, attach the gauge calibration certificate, and include repair/re-test details (if applicable).

   • We submit through your utility’s required channel and provide you a digital copy.

4. Confirmation:

   • We monitor for acceptance and share confirmation.

   • Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend setting an annual reminder so you never miss future deadlines.

What If You Have Multiple Devices or Sites?

• One report per device: Each assembly requires its own test report.

• Multiple properties: File per-property using the correct account or service address.

• Fireline devices: May involve coordination with fire authorities; paperwork requirements can be slightly different.

• To streamline, our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend bundling testing across devices and locations on route-based schedules for efficiency and cost savings.

Fees You Might See

• Per-device filing fees: Some jurisdictions add a $0–$35 per device administrative fee.

• Late/notice fees: If deadlines are missed, administrative penalties can apply.

• Rush processing: Expedited visits or after-hours testing, when needed, may carry additional charges.

Atlas Backflow Services quotes clearly and will identify any expected fees up front so you can approve with confidence.

FAQs

• Do I still need to file if my device passed with no repairs?

  
  

  Yes. A passing test report still must be submitted and accepted by your utility.

• If my device failed, do I submit both the fail and pass reports?

  
  

  Many agencies only want the final passing report with repair details; some request the full sequence. We follow your utility’s rule set.

• Can I submit the paperwork myself?

  
  

  Often yes, but our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend having your certified tester submit—it reduces errors and accelerates acceptance.

• How long should I keep records?

  
  

  Keep digital copies for your files; many programs advise maintaining records for at least several years. We maintain history for reminders and renewals.

Why Choose Atlas Backflow Services

• Local compliance expertise: We test and file across Los Angeles and surrounding cities, aligning with each utility’s exact paperwork standards.

• End-to-end service: Testing, repairs, re-tests, and official filing—managed for you.

• Zero-guesswork documentation: Correct forms, current gauge certificates, and clear, legible readings.

• Proactive reminders: Annual notifications so you never miss a deadline again.

If you want your test done right—and your paperwork accepted the first time—our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend getting on the calendar now. Contact Atlas Backflow Services with your utility name, device details, and due date.

We’ll test, complete the official report, submit it through the proper channel, and send you confirmations so your compliance is locked in.