What to Expect During a Backflow Preventer Inspection

Backflow is bad news. Any form of non-potable water streaming back into the usable water supply is a serious potential health crisis situation. Pressure changes such as pipes freezing, water main bursts or multiple fire hydrants being opened at once all pose a risk of creating a flow reversal in plumbing systems.

A backflow prevention device uses a series of valves to keep water flowing in one direction and prevent contaminants from entering your local water supply. If your property has backflow preventers, they need to be inspected regularly, in most cases annually, by a licensed plumber. What should you expect during a backflow preventer inspection? Read on for a quick rundown of what every property owner should know.

Types of Backflow Prevention Devices

Backflow preventers come in two basic types: a reduced pressure principle device or double check valves. Here’s how each one works:

• Reduced pressure principle devices provide high-level protection against backflow. They’re most common in commercial and industrial settings. They use two check valves to ensure that water flows in only one direction, plus a relief valve that discharges contaminated water in a backflow scenario.
• Double-check valve devices deliver reliable backflow protection for residential and smaller commercial applications. These devices have two check valves that prevent backflow, but lack the relief valve of RPP devices.

Either type of backflow prevention device can experience problems such as leaking or stuck valves. If your backflow preventer is experiencing these issues, it might not be functioning correctly. That puts your entire water system at risk of contamination — so it’s crucial to have regular inspections from a plumbing service licensed to work on backflow preventers.

What to Expect During a Backflow Prevention Device Inspection with Roto-Rooter

In most US metros, businesses and multi-unit buildings are legally required to have their backflow preventers regularly tested by a licensed plumber, usually once a year. Here’s how a typical backflow preventer inspection will proceed:

1. Initial Assessment:
• Shut-Off Valve Check: The plumber turns off the downstream shut-off valve before beginning the inspection.
• Visual Inspection: The plumber visually inspects the backflow preventer and the area around it to check for any obvious signs of wear, damage, or leaks.
2. Pressure Testing:
• Test Kit Setup: The plumber hooks up test kit hoses to the backflow preventer using small nozzles built into the preventer called test cocks.
• Pressure Measurement: Using specialized equipment, the plumber measures the pressure at various points in the system. This helps verify that the pressure differential between the valves is correct.
• Data Analysis: The plumber analyzes the pressure data to spot any inconsistencies that could indicate a malfunction.
3. Functional Testing:
• Valve Operation: The plumber uses a test kit to apply pressure to the system and verifies that the check valves allow one-way flow and that they block reverse flow effectively.
• Relief Valve Check: If you have a reduced pressure principle device, the plumber will test the relief valve to confirm it operates correctly under backflow conditions. 
4. Report and Recommendations:
• Inspection Report: After completing the tests, the plumber provides a detailed inspection report. If they haven’t found any problems, they’ll issue you a certification verifying that your backflow preventer is in good working order that must be submitted to your municipal water authority.
• Maintenance Recommendations: If the plumber finds any issues with your backflow preventer, they’ll recommend any necessary repairs or replacements. 

Backflow Preventer Inspection Certification and Requirements

In most jurisdictions, only a licensed plumber can inspect, certify, or install a backflow preventer. Often, that plumber will also need a special license or certification for backflow work. It can be a challenge to find a plumber with the right qualifications for backflow inspection in your area — but fortunately, Roto-Rooter has you covered.  

Roto-Rooter employs expert plumbers who are certified to conduct backflow preventer inspections. We set your mind at ease and keep your backflow preventers in compliance. Plus, if your backflow preventer needs repair or replacement, we offer a comprehensive lineup of backflow preventer repair services, too. 

It’s easy to schedule a backflow preventer inspection with the Roto-Rooter team — just use our online scheduling form to set up an inspection at your convenience, or call our 24/7 service line at 800-768-6911. 

How Much Does a Backflow Preventer Inspection Cost?

The cost of inspecting your backflow preventer varies according to a lot of different factors, including the complexity of your plumbing, the type of backflow preventer, and local rates for plumbing services. Roto-Rooter offers easy financing options for all kinds of plumbing jobs to ensure you can afford essential plumbing services like backflow inspection. What’s more, our transparent and up-front pricing ensures there are no surprises when you see the final bill. 

For more information about our backflow preventer inspection services and to learn why backflow prevention devices are critical for public health, contact your local plumbing experts at Roto-Rooter today — or check out our guide to backflow preventers.