Backflow Testing Requirements: Annual Tests and Utility Rules

What to look at

A backflow assembly protects the public water main from the water in your fire line. Inspection is a visual check between yearly tests. Look for leaks from the relief valve port, closed or unsupervised valves, damage and anything stored in the way of the assembly.

• Confirm both shutoff valves are open and sealed or supervised.
• Look for water dripping from the relief valve port on reduced pressure assemblies.
• Check the assembly is accessible and not buried, flooded or blocked.
• Check the tag or label for the date of the last test.
• Confirm the assembly type matches what your utility approved for fire service.

The annual test and the forward flow test

Plumbing codes cited by the City of Phoenix require backflow devices to be tested at installation, repair or relocation and at least annually after that, or more often when the authority having jurisdiction requires. New Jersey and Washington State also require annual testing. The tester must hold a recognized certification, and Phoenix requires a gauge calibrated within the prior 12 months.

Fire lines add a forward flow test. New Jersey’s state bulletin says its annual certificate satisfies the NFPA 25 backflow annual test for dedicated fire lines. Some places split the work: Phoenix says testing downstream of a fire line backflow preventer is the Fire Department’s job.

• Hire a tester who is certified and on your utility's approved list, if it keeps one.
• Schedule the test with your fire sprinkler contractor so the line is shut and restored once.
• Warn your monitoring company and tell the building before the line is shut off.
• Ask for a forward flow test on fire lines where your fire marshal requires it.
• Ask the tester for the gauge calibration date.
• Repair or replace any failed assembly and retest.

Repair and replacement

If an assembly fails, repair or replace it. New Jersey says replacements on fire services must be approved for fire protection use and must not weaken the system, and that a permit is required. Treat any shutoff of the fire line as an impairment: notify the fire department and your insurer.

• Repair or replace a failed assembly before the due date on the utility notice.
• Use only assemblies approved for fire service by your utility and fire marshal.
• Get a permit where your jurisdiction requires one for replacement.
• Retest after every repair.
• Keep a spare test schedule so the test never lapses.

Test reports and deadlines

The owner usually has to file the tester’s report. Phoenix requires an original certified test report on its approved form, submitted by the due date on the work order, with records kept at least 3 years. Incomplete reports are rejected. New Jersey’s sample form lists the assembly type, location, model, serial number, test readings and the tester’s signature.

• File the report with your water utility by the due date on the notice.
• Make sure the report shows assembly type, location, serial number, readings and tester certification.
• Keep copies for at least the period your utility sets (3 years in Phoenix).
• Send a copy to the fire marshal if your jurisdiction asks for it.
• Calendar next year's test when you receive the report.