A local company called us in for a backflow test. What our technician discovered was more worrisome: a compliance gap that could have cost them thousands of dollars in fines if the local water purveyor found out.

Commercial

Certified Backflow Preventer Test

Watts LF009M2QT Backflow Preventer

Midwest Model 845 5-Valve Kit

Test Passed and Compliance Restored

Backflow preventers stop contaminated water from being pulled or pushed back into the public drinking supply. A pressure drop in the main or sudden increase in downstream pressure can siphon water backward and force it into the local drinking water supply.

Every retail agency that provides water across the Peninsula and South Bay makes it mandatory for businesses to have their backflow preventers tested at least once per year. Our Certified Testers work directly with them all every day.

The business’s main backflow preventer test was up to date, but it was also due for a recheck. Technicians always leave the date on a plastic tag attached to the unit as per regulations.

Their fire suppression system was another story: the last scheduled test was in 2023. That’s nearly three years overdue.

Fire suppression systems are high-risk because the water sits stagnant for months in the lines and often contains antifreeze or corrosion inhibitors. If the backflow preventer fails, toxic chemicals and other contaminants will end up in the drinking water supply.

2 counties · 21 agencies

Plus the California Water Service, which serves communities across all counties.

A backflow test is a precision procedure, not another box to tick off in a hurry while you hope it works fine. Caccia’s licensed professionals can handle the paperwork and testing process for you, then file the results on your behalf.

Documentation must be fully reviewed and updated during the call.

A lapsed test is a compliance concern, and it can lead to trouble with the local water purveyor because it tells them the assembly’s condition went unverified for an extended period. Flagging it on the call gave the customer the ability to correct it first.

Yearly tests are mandatory, not optional. They must be completed and filed on time by a certified tester using a calibrated gauge. If the unit fails and causes an issue, the business could be exposed to fines or even lawsuits.

The official Alameda County test-report form our Certified Testers complete and file for every assembly. Every reading, repair, and signature is recorded here.

San Francisco

Fines up to $1,000 per violation, per day; water shutoff possible.

EBMUD

$784 shutoff and restoration charge; service discontinued.

Menlo Park

$130 penalty, plus $313/hr if the city tests it for you.

Hayward

$150 meter lock + $117 restoration + $70 per visit.

Marin Water

Escalating notices ending in termination of water service.

Santa Rosa

30-day grace, then water is turned off until it passes.

*Figures reflect each agency’s published fee schedule and may change.

Watts LF009M2QT reduced pressure zone assembly before testing, with shutoff valves closed.

Before a single reading is taken, the gauge and the assembly must be prepped in a specific order.

Our technician started by confirming both bleed valves on the test gauge were fully closed so nothing was open when the hoses went on. Leaving even just one open would let water dump straight through the gauge and onto the ground.

Then, with a screwdriver, he opened the four test cocks on the backflow preventer in the sequence outlined by the American Water Works Association (AWWA) — test cock 4, then 3, then 2, then 1.

He turned each one a quarter-turn, then re-closed them in the opposite order. This flushes any grit or water out of the ports and gets liquid moving through the assembly so the relief valve is less likely to trip.

Proper setup protects your equipment.

The technician ran a series of hoses from the Midwest Model 845 five-valve differential pressure test kit to the unit next.

The gauge’s blue “low” hose went onto test cock 3 and the red “high” hose onto test cock 2. The next step was to open up the bleed line on the gauge and allow water to flow both it and the assembly onto the ground. Flushing out any grit in the lines and getting the water flowing again ensures an accurate result.

Once the needle floated back to the middle of the scale, he turned the supply of water off completely. Putting the assembly into a state of rest lets us test how well it holds pressure without any outside intervention. That’s what we’re looking for.

The Model 845 is a five-valve gauge, which is the best option for precise backflow testing. Being able to close down or open each valve one at a time allows for a more accurate reading that properly reflects the pressure inside the unit.

Midwest Model 845 test kit hoses connected to the assembly’s test cocks.

Close-up of the Midwest Model 845 differential pressure gauge showing the reading.

AP

Reading 1

9.2 psid

The first check valve held a strong differential, so the primary barrier against backflow is doing its job.

R

Reading 2

3.0 psid

The relief valve opened cleanly and on cue, so the last line of defense fires exactly when it should.

CT

Reading 3

8.7 psid

The second check valve stayed closed tight, so the backup barrier is fully intact.

✓

Reading 4

8.6 psid

A confirming re-read on the second check. A steady number on the repeat is what seals the pass.

Values transcribed from the on-site test.

Backflow preventers contain three separate valves that defend the line, and any one of them can fail without warning. You won’t notice this unless all three fail at the same time, so our certified testers always check each one individually.

This valve only lets water travel into your building, never back out of it. We checked to make sure it was still operating as expected.

This test — AP 9.2 psid

Normal range: 1.0 psid or higher

The second valve is like a safety backup that kicks in if the first one wears out. It’s just as important as the first, and will provide a second layer of protection.

This test — CT 8.7 psid

Normal range: 1.0 psid or higher

If water does start backing up inside the assembly, a third valve dumps it onto the ground before it can reach the main. Sometimes, it can fire too late or soon.

This test — R 3.0 psid

Normal range: opens at 2.0 psid or higher

All proper documentation completed and handed in to the local water purveyor on your behalf.

With all four readings logged, the technician reversed the hookup in the same deliberate order, shutting the test cocks (high, then low, then the flow cock), venting the gauge, and pulling the hoses. Only then did he turn the customer’s water back on and cap every test cock.

The assembly passed. Our technician documented the test on-site before leaving, then filed a copy with the appropriate authority on their behalf afterward.

More importantly, we were able to catch and resolve the missed compliance check on the customer’s fire suppression system at the same time. We automatically track the next due date in the system so they never need to get behind on either one again.

since the client’s last test was scheduled

short, easy visit to get back on track

and certified for another year.

Certified Backflow Tester · Caccia Home Services

There are three core goals that must be achieved on every backflow testing call.

Careful attention to every step of the process is essential for protecting the client’s compliance needs and the space itself from harm.

We only send out Certified Testers when you call so you can rest easy knowing the task is in good hands. Want to confirm? Just ask your technician for proof.

Backflow checks are an essential part of plumbing system maintenance that keeps repair costs down. With Caccia, you never need to miss another one.