A backflow preventer keeps water from your sprinkler system — which can sit stagnant for years or contain antifreeze — from flowing back into the public water supply. Because a failure could contaminate drinking water, testing is required by water utilities and by fire codes.
How often
Most Texas water utilities require backflow assemblies on fire lines to be tested at least once a year, and NFPA 25 calls for an annual forward-flow test to confirm the assembly can pass the water your system needs. Your utility will usually send a notice when the test is due.
Who can test it
Tests must be performed by a backflow prevention assembly tester licensed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ). The tester submits the results to your water utility.
If it fails
- Worn check valves and relief valve parts are the usual cause, and most failures are fixed with a rebuild kit.
- The assembly is retested after the repair and the passing result is filed with the utility.
- Replacing the whole assembly is only needed when it’s damaged or the model is obsolete.
We schedule backflow testing alongside your sprinkler inspection, so there’s one visit and every certificate lands in your customer portal.