Backflow occurs when water flows in the reverse direction through your plumbing system, potentially contaminating your clean drinking water with wastewater, chemicals, or other pollutants. Backflow prevention devices are mechanical assemblies installed on your water lines that only allow water to flow in one direction.
Most municipalities require backflow prevention devices on commercial properties and many residential applications (irrigation systems, pools, fire sprinkler systems). Annual testing by a certified backflow tester is typically required to maintain compliance.
Got Plumbing USA connects you with licensed plumbers certified in backflow prevention testing, installation, and repair.
Backflow Prevention Services
- Annual testing — required by most municipalities. Certified testers verify the device operates correctly and submit reports to the water authority.
- Installation — new backflow prevention assemblies for irrigation systems, commercial properties, and fire sprinkler connections.
- Repair — when a device fails its annual test, repairs must be made by a certified professional and the device retested.
- Replacement — when a device is too old or damaged to repair cost-effectively.
Cost
Annual backflow testing costs $50–$200 per device. Installation of a new backflow prevention assembly runs $200–$800 depending on the type and size. Repair costs $100–$400. Failure to maintain required backflow devices can result in fines or water service disconnection from your municipality.