Testing an assembly means hooking a calibrated gauge to its test cocks and measuring pressure across each check valve. On an RP we also find the point where the relief valve opens. The readings go straight onto your district's report form.
- Price$105 flat
- TimeUnder an hour
- SchedulingSame week
- FilingIncluded
Pricing
| Backflow size | Flat fee per backflow |
|---|---|
| Under 4" | $105 |
| 4" and larger | $175 |
Includes the test and filing with your water district. No hidden fees.
Ready to book? Same-week appointments.
What we check
- Check valves hold above the minimum
- No visible leaks or damage
- Both shutoffs seal
- Vacuum breaker air inlet works
- RP relief valve opens on time
Calibrated equipment, accurate readings
The tool at the center of every assembly test is a differential pressure gauge. It reads small pressure differences across the checks and relief valve, and those readings are what the district looks at.
Accuracy matters. A gauge that drifts can give a false pass or a false fail, so districts require gauges to be verified on a schedule. Ours are kept in calibration and the details go on every report.
Districts also only accept tests from certified testers. Certification means the tester has been trained on the procedures for each device type and passed an exam. It's the reason you can't simply test your own device, even if you own a gauge.
Step by step through an assembly test
The test starts with a quick look at the assembly: is it the right type, is anything cracked or leaking, are the test cocks in good shape. The tester flushes each test cock so grit doesn't skew the readings.
Then the downstream shutoff is closed and the gauge is connected. The tester checks the first check valve, then the second. On an RP the relief valve opening point is checked as well. Vacuum breakers get an air inlet test and a check valve test.
After the readings, the valves are reopened, the caps go back on and the tester looks for leaks. Most assemblies take between 20 and 45 minutes. Bigger devices or tight spots can add a little time.
Why assemblies fail
The most common reason a test fails is debris. Sand, rust flakes and bits of pipe sealant travel down the water main and get caught on a check valve seat, keeping it from closing all the way. A cleaning often fixes it.
Worn rubber is next. Check discs and o-rings harden and crack with age, heat and chlorine in the water. Rebuild kits replace those parts for a fraction of the cost of a new device.
Less often, a spring has weakened, a relief valve diaphragm has torn, or the body is cracked from freezing or impact. Springs and diaphragms are repairable. A cracked body usually means replacement. Whatever the cause, we show you the reading and explain it before any work starts.
The report your district receives
Your water district judges compliance by the report, not the visit. The report shows the address, the device make, model, size and serial number, its location, and every reading taken.
It also carries the tester's certification and gauge details, plus the result: pass, fail, or pass after repair, with any replaced parts listed.
Districts don't all use the same form, and many have deadlines for submitting reports after a test. We take care of that part and send you a copy. Keep it somewhere easy to find, since escrow companies, landlords and city inspectors sometimes ask for it.
The parts the test depends on
Every assembly has test cocks, the small fittings the gauge attaches to, and a shutoff valve at each end. Both have to work for the test to be valid.
The tester checks them first. A clogged test cock can usually be cleared right away. A shutoff that won't close all the way may need repair before an accurate test is possible, and we'll tell you if so.
Other times an assembly is tested
Annual tests aren't the only ones. After any repair, the assembly must be retested. When a device is relocated or reinstalled, it's tested again. New devices get a startup test.
The procedure is the same each time, and each produces a report for the district. If we did the work, that follow-up test is part of the job.
If a reading is off
We show you which reading failed and quote the repair. More on assembly repair.
Questions
Will I see the readings?
Yes. They're on your copy of the report, and the tester can walk you through them on site.
Do you need to shut my water off?
Only for a few minutes during the test. We'll let you know before we close the valves.
Can a device pass one year and fail the next?
Yes. Debris and wear build up over time, which is exactly why the test is yearly.
Who gets the test results?
Your water district gets the report, and you get a copy too.
Is the gauge calibrated?
Yes. Districts require test gauges to be calibrated on a schedule, and ours are.
How long does an assembly test take?
Most take 20 to 45 minutes per device, depending on size and access.
How we handle backflow assembly testing in Redlands
Our approach is simple. Show up when we say we will, do the work right, and handle the paperwork so you don't have to. Every tester is certified, every gauge is kept in calibration, and filing with your water district is included.
Pricing is clear. Tests are a flat $105 for devices under 4 inches and $175 for 4 inches and larger, and anything beyond the test is quoted before we start. We're available seven days a week from 6am to 12pm, with emergency calls answered 24/7. Most Redlands appointments are within the same week, and you'll have a copy of your report by email when we're done.
Backflow Assembly Testing near Redlands
We offer backflow Assembly Testing throughout Redlands and nearby cities, including Loma Linda, Mentone, Calimesa, Highland and Yucaipa. Most appointments are available within the week, and you can call or book online.