Backflow Questions & Answers

A backflow preventer (also called a backflow prevention assembly) is a set of valves installed on a water line that lets water flow only one way. It stops dirty or contaminated water from flowing backward into the clean public drinking water supply. Backflow Plumbing Solutions tests, repairs and installs backflow preventers throughout Fresno and Tulare Counties.

Backflow is when water flows the wrong direction in a plumbing system, from a building, irrigation system or equipment back into the public water lines. It can happen when water pressure drops (back-siphonage) or when pressure on the customer side is higher than the supply (back-pressure).

Backflow can pull fertilizers, chemicals, bacteria or other contaminants into the drinking water that your neighbors use. Backflow preventers and annual testing are how California protects public water.

California regulations require water suppliers to run a cross-connection control program. Most water purveyors require backflow prevention assemblies to be tested when installed and at least once a year after that, to confirm they still work. Your water district will usually mail a notice when your test is due.

If your water district sent you a test notice, or your property has a backflow assembly (common on commercial buildings, irrigation, fire lines, and some homes), you most likely need an annual test. Call Backflow Plumbing Solutions at 559-480-5538 and we can tell you what you need.

The test is done at your property, right where the assembly is installed. You don't take anything anywhere. In the Fresno, Clovis, Visalia and Tulare County area, call Backflow Plumbing Solutions at 559-480-5538 and a certified tester comes to you.

Backflow Plumbing Solutions offers same-day backflow testing in Fresno, Clovis and nearby areas, when the schedule allows. Call 559-480-5538 early in the day for the best chance of a same-day appointment.

Backflow Plumbing Solutions also offers same-day testing in Visalia, Tulare and across Tulare County, when the schedule allows. Call or text 559-480-5538.

Backflow tests must be done by a certified backflow prevention assembly tester accepted by your water purveyor. Fernando Mendez of Backflow Plumbing Solutions is an ABPA-certified backflow tester and Cross-Connection Control Specialist.

Yes. Backflow Plumbing Solutions is a California C-36 plumbing contractor, so we can repair and install assemblies, not just test them.

Most standard tests take about 20 to 45 minutes per assembly, depending on the type, its condition and access. Repairs, if needed, take longer.

Yes, briefly. The water passing through the assembly has to be shut off for a short time during the test. We'll let you know before we start so you can plan around it.

Not always. If the assembly is outside and easy to reach, we can often test it without you there. Let us know about gates, locks or pets when you call.

The tester connects a calibrated test kit to the assembly's test cocks, then checks that each check valve and relief valve opens and closes at the correct pressures. The results are written on a test report.

A failed assembly needs to be repaired or replaced and then retested. Because Backflow Plumbing Solutions is a C-36 licensed plumbing contractor, we can usually repair it, retest it and file the passing report for you.

Common causes are worn rubber parts, debris stuck in the valves, damaged springs, freeze damage, or age. Regular testing catches these problems early.

The tester completes the test report. Backflow Plumbing Solutions files the results with your local water purveyor for you, so you don't have to.

Check the notice from your water district. It usually lists a due date. Testing is typically required once a year, and after a new installation or repair.

Water districts may send reminders, charge fees, or in some cases shut off water service until the test is done. If you're past due, call 559-480-5538 and ask about same-day testing.

An RP is the highest-protection backflow assembly. It has two check valves and a relief valve that dumps water if something goes wrong. It's used where the risk to drinking water is high, like commercial buildings, medical offices and chemical use.

A DC has two independent check valves in a row. It's used for lower-risk situations, such as many fire sprinkler lines and some commercial water lines.

A PVB is common on landscape irrigation systems. It protects against back-siphonage and must be installed above the highest sprinkler head. It's not designed for back-pressure.

RPs give the most protection for high hazards, DCs protect against lower hazards, and PVBs are mainly for irrigation back-siphonage. Your water district decides which type your property needs. We test and repair all three.

A cross-connection is any point where drinking water piping could connect to a non-drinking water source, like an irrigation system, boiler, hose in a bucket, or equipment. Backflow preventers protect these points.

A survey is an inspection of a property's plumbing to find cross-connections and decide what backflow protection is needed. Backflow Plumbing Solutions provides cross-connection surveys led by a Cross-Connection Control Specialist.

Some do. Homes with certain irrigation systems, wells, pools, or fire sprinklers may have an assembly the water district requires to be tested. If you received a notice, yes.

Yes. As a C-36 plumbing contractor, Backflow Plumbing Solutions installs new assemblies, replaces old ones, and tests them after installation.

Yes. We repair RPs, DCs, PVBs and other assemblies, then retest them so they pass.

We test many types of backflow assemblies. Call 559-480-5538 to describe your system and we'll confirm.

Yes. We work with homeowners, businesses, property managers, HOAs, schools and farms across the San Joaquin Valley.

Backflow Plumbing Solutions serves the greater San Joaquin Valley in Fresno and Tulare Counties, including Fresno, Clovis, Visalia, Reedley, Dinuba, Sanger, Selma, Kingsburg, Tulare and surrounding towns.

Pricing depends on the number and type of assemblies and the location. Call or text 559-480-5538 for a quote.

Yes. Backflow Plumbing Solutions is owned by Fernando Mendez, MPH, a U.S. Army veteran.

If you're in Fresno or Tulare County, Backflow Plumbing Solutions offers same-day backflow testing when the schedule allows in Fresno, Clovis, Visalia, Tulare, Reedley, Dinuba, Sanger, Selma, Kingsburg and nearby towns. Call or text 559-480-5538.

Yes. Backflow Plumbing Solutions is veteran-owned by Fernando Mendez, MPH, a U.S. Army veteran and ABPA-certified backflow tester serving Fresno, Clovis and the surrounding area. Call 559-480-5538.

Your water district may keep a list of accepted testers. Backflow Plumbing Solutions is an ABPA-certified tester and CA C-36 licensed plumbing contractor (Lic. #1145421) serving Visalia, Tulare, Dinuba and the rest of Tulare County. Call or text 559-480-5538.

Call or text 559-480-5538, or email backflow559@gmail.com. Have your water district notice handy if you have one.