We hold the Oklahoma Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester certification and maintain properly-calibrated test equipment (recalibrated annually as required). This is required by state code — only certified testers can submit legally-valid backflow reports to water utilities.
What backflow is and why it matters
Backflow is the reverse flow of water — when contaminated water from your property flows backward into the municipal water supply. It happens when:
- Back-siphonage — the pressure in the municipal system drops below the pressure on your property (fire department pumping from a hydrant, water main break, high demand elsewhere on the system). Water is essentially "sucked" backward from your property into the supply.
- Back-pressure — pressure on your property exceeds the municipal supply pressure (a boiler, a pump, elevation differences). Water is pushed backward.
Why this is dangerous
Contaminants that can end up in drinking water via backflow include:
- Pesticides and fertilizers from irrigation systems
- Chemicals from boilers, water treatment equipment, and cooling towers
- Bacteria and pathogens from pool water and hot tubs
- Non-potable water from wells and cisterns cross-connected with city water
- Sewage in worst-case cross-connection scenarios
Historic backflow incidents have contaminated drinking water for entire neighborhoods and hospitalized people. Backflow prevention is one of those unsexy areas of code that exists because bad things have happened.
Who needs backflow prevention
Residential properties
- Irrigation systems — required in every Oklahoma municipality. Usually a pressure vacuum breaker (PVB) or reduced pressure zone (RPZ) device at the irrigation supply
- Pool and hot tub auto-fill systems — cross-connection between potable water and pool water requires a backflow preventer
- Boilers with chemical treatment
- Any hose bib connected to a fixed sprayer, herbicide dispenser, or similar
- Fire sprinkler systems in homes
Commercial and industrial properties
Nearly all commercial buildings need testable backflow prevention. Common installations:
- Building main service
- Fire sprinkler systems
- Food service equipment (dishwashers, ice machines, dipper wells)
- Medical facility equipment
- Cooling towers and HVAC systems
- Boiler feed water
- Cleaning equipment (chemical injectors, pressure washers)
- Laboratory and manufacturing processes
Annual testing — what to expect
Why annual testing
Backflow preventers contain rubber seals, springs, and moving parts that wear over time. A device that passed last year might fail this year. Oklahoma code requires annual testing to verify continued function.
What the test involves
- We arrive at the scheduled time with calibrated test gauges
- Locate the backflow preventer (usually near the water meter, at irrigation supply, or in a mechanical room)
- Notify anyone using the water that service will be interrupted for 15-30 minutes
- Connect calibrated test cocks to the device's test ports
- Close and open valves in specific sequence per the device type
- Measure pressure differentials to verify each internal check valve is functioning properly
- Record test results on the manufacturer's test form
- Submit passing report to your water utility via their required method (mail, portal, or email)
- Give you a copy for your records
Testing timing
Water utilities send annual test notices 30-60 days in advance of the due date. Don't wait until the last minute — if you fail the test, you need time for repair and retest before the deadline. We recommend scheduling testing 4-6 weeks before your deadline.
Backflow device types we test and install
Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)
Common on residential irrigation systems. Simple, reliable, testable. Must be installed at least 12 inches above the highest downstream outlet.
Double Check Valve Assembly (DCV or DCVA)
Two spring-loaded check valves in series. Used for low-hazard applications like fire sprinkler systems.
Reduced Pressure Zone Device (RPZ or RP)
The gold standard for high-hazard applications. Two check valves plus a relief valve between them. If either check valve fails, the relief valve dumps water to prevent backflow. Required for commercial food service, chemical connections, and other high-hazard installations.
Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB)
Simplest device — not testable but reliable when installed correctly. Common on hose bibs and simple irrigation zones.
When repair is needed
If your backflow preventer fails the test, common issues:
- Worn rubber seals — most common failure. Available in rebuild kits for the standard brands (Watts, Wilkins, Febco, Ames).
- Fouled or damaged springs — corrosion or debris in the check valves
- Relief valve issues on RPZ devices — leaks or won't close
- Damaged or corroded body — often means replacement rather than repair
We stock rebuild kits for the most common devices and can do many repairs on the spot. Larger repairs may require a return visit but we handle everything through certification.
Installation
New backflow preventer installations happen for several reasons: new irrigation system, new fire sprinkler, new commercial equipment, or replacement of an unrepairable existing device. We handle:
- Sizing the correct device for the application and code requirements
- Pulling permits with your municipality (required in most cases)
- Installing the device with proper isolation valves
- Initial testing and certification
- Submitting installation notification to your water utility
- Scheduling for the ongoing annual testing cycle
Common questions
Backflow is when contaminated water reverses direction and flows into your clean water supply. This can happen when there's a pressure drop in the municipal system (like during firefighting or a main break) or when your system has higher pressure than the city supply. The danger: pesticides from irrigation, chemicals from boilers, sewage from cross-connections — all can end up in drinking water. Backflow preventers are the required safeguard.
Most single-family residential homes without irrigation systems don't need testable backflow preventers. But if you have an irrigation system, a boiler, a fire sprinkler system, a pool auto-fill, or certain commercial-grade equipment, you likely do. All commercial buildings in most Oklahoma municipalities need them. If you're not sure, we can assess during a visit.
Annually — in every Oklahoma municipality we know of. This isn't optional; it's required by state and local plumbing code, and your water utility tracks compliance. Failure to test and submit results can result in your water being shut off. We handle the test, submit the report to the appropriate authority, and give you a copy for your records.
We connect specialized gauges to test ports on the backflow preventer, close specific valves in sequence, and measure pressure differentials across the internal check valves. The test takes 15-30 minutes depending on the device type. We provide the passing or failing report along with any needed repair recommendations.
Common failure points: worn rubber seals, corroded check valve springs, or damaged relief valves. Most parts are replaceable — we carry rebuild kits for the common devices (Watts, Wilkins, Febco). Full replacement is usually only necessary if the device body is damaged or the model is discontinued. We'll retest after repair to certify passing.
No — testing requires a state-issued Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester certification, and the tester must maintain calibrated gauges (recalibrated annually). Only certified testers can submit legally-valid reports to your water utility. We hold the certification and maintain properly-calibrated equipment.
Call the family
Backflow testing is required — and it's not something to procrastinate on. We make it easy: scheduling, testing, reporting, and any repairs all under one call. Certified, calibrated, done right.