Backflow Services licensed certified

Licensed and Certified

Master Plumbing is the Pro Backflow Experts in the bay area! We are AWWA licensed and certified to test, repair, and replace backflow devices. Whether large or small, domestic, recycled, or fire lines. We take care of submitting all your annual paperwork to your administrative authority. In addition, we will remind you when you are due for your yearly test.

When a backflow does not pass the test, we can rebuild or replace it, no matter the size.

Backflow Testing

Once a year, you will receive a Backflow test notice and Test Report from your local administrative authority. A licensed and trained professional is required. There is a timeframe for completing the testing and submitting compliance paperwork. Call us for an appointment right away. For example, during a pressure differential test, there might be a temporary interruption to the structure’s water supply. Master Plumbing will submit your completed test paperwork to the authority, and you are current for another year.

Rebuild Rubber Kit

If your backflow device fails the annual test, we can repair interior rubber gaskets with a rebuild kit. A rebuild is a fraction of the cost of a replacement backflow device. Although this usually solves the problem, there’s no guarantee that the device will pass testing.

Replacement

If your backflow fails its test and a rebuild kit does not bring it to AWWA test standards, it is time to replace it. There are many requirements for replacing a backflow by your local administrative authority. Our knowledge of local authority requirements and what you need to comply with will streamline the process. Our licensed professionals can tell you what they believe will be the best action for your particular situation. We will answer your questions about backflow replacement and include a free quote. Master Plumbing’s team of professionals can replace any backflows required.

Backflow FAQs

What is a Backflow Preventer?

A backflow preventer is a device designed to allow all incoming water supply to flow in only one direction keeping contaminants from “flowing back” into the municipal water supply. There are over 10,000 reported cases of backflow contamination each year, some of which are fatal. It is located after the water meter but before the home, complex, commercial unit, or irrigation water systems. The device requires an annual inspection and testing by an American Water Works Association (AWWA) licensed professional to ensure it is installed and functioning properly.

What if my backflow is compliant but it has a small drip or leak?

Give us a call right away. Do not let a leak on a backflow device persist. You will be wasting water and your device may cease to function correctly which means you could be fined for contamination violations.

Depending on the age of the device we may do any of the following to get you back into compliance:

A cleaning may be an option. This requires shutting the water off, taking the device apart, cleaning it, re-assembly, and testing to be sure it is still operating up to the standards set by the AWWA.

However,

If the re-test fails, we would then do a rubber kit rebuild under certain circumstances in which the age and operating condition of the device is a factor.

We may recommend going straight to a replacement of the device based on our evaluation of the device’s condition and the costs involved.

What if the administrative authority sends me a notice that my backflow has failed?

Several cities and other water authorities do the testing themselves in their jurisdiction. They will then send you a notice if your backflow has failed their test. Most often we are able to rebuild the rubber kit, retest and certify the device to AWWA standards. However, some devices simply need to be replaced. We will assess the options for you and recommend the path to take.

TIPS OF THE TRADE

Did you know…

Backflow tags (when required) are located on the device to indicate by color the year the device was last tested. These tags change color yearly; just like your car, registration must remain up to date.