Who Is Allowed To Perform a Backflow Test—Any Plumber or a Certified Tester?

If you’ve received a notice to test your backflow prevention assembly, you might be asking: can any plumber do the test, or do I need a certified tester?

The clear, compliance-safe answer is: only a certified backflow assembly tester, approved by your local water purveyor, can perform an official backflow test that Los Angeles will accept.

Many excellent plumbers are not certified for this specific task. At Atlas Backflow Services, our Backflow Testing Los Angeles is performed by certified, registered testers who file results directly with your water provider so you stay compliant.

Quick Answer

• Not just any plumber. Your annual test must be performed by a certified backflow assembly tester recognized by your water purveyor (e.g., LADWP).

• Los Angeles enforcement. Local water agencies require certified testers with calibrated gauges and current credentials; otherwise, your test can be rejected and you could face penalties.

• Atlas Backflow Services has you covered. Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles includes certified testing, repairs, and official report submission.

Why Certification Matters (And What the Codes Expect)

Backflow prevention assemblies protect the public drinking water supply from contamination. Because the stakes are high, California’s cross-connection control requirements and local programs (like LADWP’s) mandate that testing be done by qualified, certified professionals.

Certification verifies that the tester:

• Knows proper testing procedures for RP, DC, PVB, and detector assemblies (RPDA, DCDA).

• Uses annually calibrated test gauges and follows accepted standards.

• Completes and submits accurate, legally recognized test reports to your water provider.

Choosing an uncertified plumber for a required test may seem convenient, but it won’t satisfy compliance. If your water purveyor doesn’t accept the test, you could receive a failure notice, penalties, or even face water shutoff until a valid test is submitted.

What “Certified Tester” Means in Los Angeles

In practical terms, Backflow Testing Los Angeles requires a tester who is:

• Certified by a recognized body (commonly AWWA CA-NV Section or ABPA).

• Registered/approved by your water purveyor (e.g., listed with LADWP or your local LA-area agency).

• Using a calibrated gauge with a current calibration certificate (typically within 12 months).

• Knowledgeable about local submittal procedures so your report is accepted the first time.

Note: Approval lists vary by agency (LADWP, Glendale Water & Power, Burbank Water and Power, Pasadena Water and Power, LA County Waterworks). Atlas Backflow Services maintains the necessary credentials and handles the verification and submittals as part of our Backflow Testing Los Angeles.

Can Any Plumber Perform the Test?

• Yes, but only if they are also a certified backflow tester and approved by your water purveyor.

• No if they are not certified/approved. A general plumbing license does not replace the required tester certification and registration.

Many property owners assume “my plumber can test it.” Plumbers are essential for installation and repairs, but the official compliance test must be performed by a certified tester.

Atlas Backflow Services specializes in both testing and repairs, so you don’t have to coordinate multiple vendors for Backflow Testing Los Angeles.

How To Verify a Tester Before You Book

Protect yourself from rejections and delays by checking:

• Certification: Ask for current AWWA/ABPA tester card or equivalent.

• Water Purveyor Approval: Confirm they’re approved by your specific water provider (LADWP, etc.).

• Gauge Calibration: Request the latest gauge calibration certificate.

• Insurance and License: Ensure proper business licensing and liability insurance.

• Reporting Process: Confirm they submit results directly to your water provider.

Atlas Backflow Services provides these documents upon request and includes official submissions with every Backflow Testing Los Angeles appointment.

What To Expect During a Backflow Test

A standard test typically takes 20–45 minutes per device, depending on size, condition, and access. Here’s the usual flow:

1. Site check and access to the assembly with shutoff valves.

2. Lockout/Tagout safety and brief service interruption for testing.

3. Test procedures per device type:

   • RP: relief valve opening point, check valves tightness.

   • DC: closure integrity and differential pressure across checks.

   • PVB/SVB: air inlet and check valve operation.

4. Pass/Fail results documented with gauge readings.

5. Tagging and paperwork: A test tag affixed; digital report completed.

6. Submission to water purveyor by Atlas as part of Backflow Testing Los Angeles.

If a device fails, we provide repair options and retesting—often the same visit if parts and conditions allow.

What Happens If a Non-Certified Person Tests Your Device?

• Report rejection: Your water provider is likely to reject the test.

• Compliance notices and fees: You may receive violation letters, late fees, or penalties.

• Water shutoff risk: Continued non-compliance can result in service interruption.

• Liability exposure: An invalid test that misses a hazard can increase risk to occupants and the public.

Avoid the hassle by scheduling Backflow Testing Los Angeles with Atlas Backflow Services—our certified approach ensures your test is valid and accepted.

How Often Do You Need Backflow Testing?

• Annually for most assemblies in Los Angeles and throughout California.

• After installation, relocation, or repair of the assembly.

• When required by change of use (e.g., new tenant adds higher hazard processes).

• Fire systems: Annual testing applies to DCDA/RPDA as well, often in coordination with NFPA inspections.

We automate reminders and renewal scheduling as part of our Backflow Testing Los Angeles program so you never miss a deadline.

Who We Serve (Property Types)

• Commercial and industrial: Restaurants, salons, medical/dental, labs, manufacturing, warehouses.

• Multifamily and HOAs: Main domestic, irrigation sub-meters, fire services.

• Irrigation systems: With or without chemical/fertilizer injection.

• Fire protection: DCDA and RPDA across small and large systems.

• Properties with auxiliary water: Recycled, well, rain/graywater interfaces.

From RPs and DCs to PVBs and detector assemblies, Atlas Backflow Services delivers full-scope Backflow Testing Los Angeles and repairs.

Why Choose Atlas Backflow Services

• Certified and approved testers: Recognized credentials and local agency registration.

• End-to-end compliance: Testing, repairs, replacements, permits, and report submission.

• Calibrated equipment: Up-to-date gauge calibrations for accepted results.

• Fast turnaround: Rush scheduling to meet notice deadlines.

• Portfolio management: Consolidated Backflow Testing Los Angeles for property managers and multi-site owners.

• Transparent pricing and communication: No surprises; clear reports and photos.

FAQs

• Do I need a plumber before testing? Not usually. If your device is accessible and functional, we can test it directly. If repairs are needed, we can handle them.

• Can my maintenance staff test our backflow? Only if they are certified and approved by your water purveyor. Most in-house teams are not.

• How long does testing take? About 20–45 minutes per device. Large campuses or multiple meters take longer; we can bundle visits.

• Will my water be shut off? Briefly during testing. We coordinate to minimize impact and can schedule around your operations.

The Bottom Line

Official backflow testing in Los Angeles must be performed by a certified tester approved by your water provider—not just any plumber. For seamless compliance, schedule Backflow Testing Los Angeles with Atlas Backflow Services.

We certify, repair, and file your results so you stay protected, on schedule, and penalty-free.Ready to book? Contact Atlas Backflow Services today for reliable, certified Backflow Testing Los Angeles.