What happens during a backflow test

Who may test

Portland separates testing from repair: most repairs by a licensed plumber; irrigation assemblies may be repaired by a licensed landscaper.

Oregon Landscape Contractors Board licensed landscapers may repair irrigation backflow assemblies; no notice to Water Bureau before repairs.

Washington DOH defines a backflow assembly tester as a person holding a valid BAT certificate under chapter 246-292 WAC.

Washington rule: a cross-connection control specialist (CCS) inspects installations, while a BAT tests assemblies for proper operation.

Boulder: testers must hold a current certification from the American Backflow Prevention Association or American Society of Sanitary Engineers.

CSU Extension: testing must be done by a contract backflow technician whose certification is current; ask your water supplier for a list.

Ohio EPA manual recommends an Ohio Department of Commerce certified tester for containment assembly testing.

Sources: Oregon: test by a state-certified backflow assembly tester (Portland); Washington: backflow assembly tester (BAT) certificate; Colorado (Boulder): tester holds ABPA or ASSE certification; Colorado extension: tester must hold current certification; Ohio: Dept of Commerce certified tester recommended for containment assemblies

The test

EPA: all testing is done under no-flow conditions, so the owner must know water will be temporarily shut off during the test.

Portland: the tester uses a test gauge and may turn the water off for several minutes during the test. Only duration stated in the sources.

EPA: field testing of RP and double check assemblies uses a differential pressure test gauge with a 0 to 15 psi range.

EPA RP test: the tester connects the high pressure hose to test cock 2 and the low pressure hose to test cock 3, then opens the test cocks.

EPA: the RP test confirms the first check holds at least 5 psi differential, the second check is tight against backpressure and the relief valve opens at least 2 psi below inlet pressure.

EPA RP test step 1 tests that the first check valve is tight and maintains a minimum 5 psi differential pressure.

EPA: field testing a PVB tests the internal spring-loaded check valve and the spring-loaded air inlet valve.

Boulder: certified testers use gauges to add or relieve pressure and record results on a test report for each assembly.

Sources: Water is shut off during the test (EPA manual); Test shuts off water for several minutes (Portland Water Bureau); Testers use gauges to add or relieve pressure (City of Boulder)

If the assembly fails

City of Boulder: the program must be notified within 24 hours of a failing test through the online portal.

City of Boulder: failed assemblies are to be repaired or replaced as soon as possible; if not fixed within 30 days a compliance plan is needed.

Boulder lists a $59 hangtag fee and $113 shut-off fee (plus $250 to $1,500 penalties) for backflow non-compliance.

Portland: assemblies must be tested again after repairs.

Portland: owner is responsible for arranging repairs after the tester reports.

Portland: replacement of an assembly requires prior approval from the Water Bureau.

Ohio EPA manual (double check assemblies): if leakage through the valves is detected during testing the assembly must be dismantled, inspected and repaired immediately.

Ohio EPA manual: repaired or replacement RP units must pass the standard test before they are placed in service.

Sources: Boulder: report a failing test within 24 hours; Portland: retest after repairs; Ohio EPA: leaking valves must be dismantled and repaired immediately