Testing an assembly means hooking a calibrated gauge to its test cocks and measuring pressure across each check valve. On an RP we also find the point where the relief valve opens. The readings go straight onto your district's report form.
- Price$105 flat
- TimeUnder an hour
- SchedulingSame week
- FilingIncluded
Pricing
| Backflow size | Flat fee per backflow |
|---|---|
| Under 4" | $105 |
| 4" and larger | $175 |
Includes the test and filing with your water district. No hidden fees.
Need it done soon? Most tests are scheduled within a few days.
What we check
- No visible leaks or damage
- Both shutoffs seal
- Vacuum breaker air inlet works
- Check valves hold above the minimum
- RP relief valve opens on time
The test gauge and why calibration matters
Every backflow test depends on a differential pressure gauge. It measures the small pressure differences across each check valve and, on an RP, the point where the relief valve opens. Those numbers decide whether your device passes.
A gauge that reads even slightly off can pass a bad device or fail a good one. That's why water districts require test gauges to be checked for accuracy on a regular schedule, and why our gauges are kept in calibration.
It's also why a test has to be done by a certified tester. Certification means the tester has been trained on the procedures and passed an exam on them. Your district won't accept a report without a certified tester's signature and the gauge details listed.
What the tester is actually doing
First, the tester makes sure the assembly is the right type for the connection and that nothing obvious is broken. Then the test cocks are flushed to clear out debris that could throw off the readings.
Next, the downstream shutoff valve is closed. With the gauge hooked to the test cocks, the tester measures how well the first check holds, then the second. On an RP, the relief valve opening point is measured too. On a vacuum breaker, the air inlet and check are tested instead.
Finally, the tester opens the valves, checks for leaks, and puts the test cock caps back on. The whole process for a typical assembly takes 20 to 45 minutes. Larger devices and ones in tight spaces can take a bit longer.
Why assemblies fail
Debris is behind most failed tests. Grit and scale from the main lodge on a check seat and keep it from sealing. Often, cleaning it out is all it takes.
Aging rubber comes next. Discs, seats and o-rings stiffen and crack over time. A rebuild kit replaces them and usually costs far less than a new device.
Sometimes it's a tired spring, a torn relief valve diaphragm, or a body that cracked in a freeze or got hit by a mower or car. Springs and diaphragms can be replaced. A cracked body generally can't. In every case, you'll see the failed reading and hear the likely cause before we do anything.
What goes on the test report
Your water district judges compliance by the report, not the visit. The report shows the address, the device make, model, size and serial number, its location, and every reading taken.
It also carries the tester's certification and gauge details, plus the result: pass, fail, or pass after repair, with any replaced parts listed.
Districts don't all use the same form, and many have deadlines for submitting reports after a test. We take care of that part and send you a copy. Keep it somewhere easy to find, since escrow companies, landlords and city inspectors sometimes ask for it.
Test cocks and shutoff valves
An assembly has small valves called test cocks where the gauge connects, plus a shutoff valve on each end. If a test cock is clogged or a shutoff won't close fully, the test can't be done accurately.
We check these before starting. Clogged test cocks can often be cleared on the spot. A shutoff valve that won't seal may need repair before the device can be tested properly, and we'll explain it if that's the case.
Other times an assembly is tested
Annual tests aren't the only ones. After any repair, the assembly must be retested. When a device is relocated or reinstalled, it's tested again. New devices get a startup test.
The procedure is the same each time, and each produces a report for the district. If we did the work, that follow-up test is part of the job.
What if it fails?
We show you which reading failed and quote the repair. More on assembly repair.
Questions
How long does an assembly test take?
Most take 20 to 45 minutes per device, depending on size and access.
Who gets the test results?
Your water district gets the report, and you get a copy too.
Can a device pass one year and fail the next?
Yes. Debris and wear build up over time, which is exactly why the test is yearly.
Do you need to shut my water off?
Only for a few minutes during the test. We'll let you know before we close the valves.
Will I see the readings?
Yes. They're on your copy of the report, and the tester can walk you through them on site.
Is the gauge calibrated?
Yes. Districts require test gauges to be calibrated on a schedule, and ours are.
What to expect when you book backflow assembly testing
Booking takes a couple of minutes by phone or online. We confirm the address, the device and how to reach it, and we'll give you a time window that works for you. For most homes, you don't need to be there.
On the visit, a certified tester does the work with a calibrated gauge and explains anything that comes up in plain terms. If a repair is needed, you'll get the price before anything happens. When the device passes, we send the report to your water district and email you a copy. Our office is open seven days a week, 6am to 12pm, and emergency calls are answered around the clock.
Backflow Assembly Testing near Riverside
We offer backflow Assembly Testing throughout Riverside and nearby cities, including Jurupa Valley, Grand Terrace, Colton, Loma Linda and Moreno Valley. Most appointments are available within the week, and you can call or book online.