Backflow Testing & Certification
State certified annual backflow prevention assembly testing, including RPZs, for homes and businesses. We test, tag, and file the report with your city so you stay compliant.
Schedule a TestText (612) 388‑0698Plus Minnesota Master Plumber #PM807037 and Contractor #PC150325. Licensed, insured, and local.
What Is Backflow Testing?
Backflow happens when water pressure drops and dirty water gets pulled backward into the clean drinking water supply. That can mean fertilizer from a lawn sprinkler, boiler chemicals, or soda syrup from a restaurant line ending up in the water you drink.
A backflow prevention assembly is a valve that stops that from happening. Over time the springs, checks, and seals inside wear out, so Minnesota requires testable assemblies to be checked by a certified tester to make sure they still work.
Minnesota Requirements
- Testable assemblies must be tested at installation, after any repair or relocation, and at least once a year after that
- Testing must be done by a certified backflow tester
- The tester tags the device with the date, signature, and certification number
- Results go to your city or water utility, typically within 30 days
- The property owner is responsible for getting it done
Do You Have a Backflow Device?
If you got a notice from your city, the answer is yes. Here's where testable backflow assemblies usually show up.
Lawn Irrigation Systems
Almost every sprinkler system has a pressure vacuum breaker, usually mounted outside above the highest sprinkler head. It's the most common testable device on Minnesota homes.
Commercial Buildings
Many cities require containment backflow protection after the water meter on commercial, industrial, and multifamily buildings.
Restaurants & Coffee Shops
Soda carbonators, espresso machines, dishwashers, and chemical dispensers often need backflow protection that has to be tested every year.
Boilers
Hot water and steam boilers with chemical treatment are commonly protected by a testable double check or RPZ on the fill line.
Apartments & Multifamily
Buildings with shared laundry, boilers, or irrigation often have one or more assemblies that fall under the annual testing rule.
Process & Equipment Lines
Medical, lab, manufacturing, and other equipment connected to the water supply typically needs high hazard protection that gets tested yearly.
Backflow Assemblies We Test
Pressure Vacuum Breaker
The standard device on residential and commercial irrigation systems.
Spill Resistant Vacuum Breaker
Similar to a PVB, designed to reduce spitting water. Often used indoors.
Double Check Valve Assembly
Two independent check valves. Used for low hazard applications like some boilers and fill lines.
Reduced Pressure Zone
The highest level of protection, required for high hazard connections in commercial buildings and some irrigation setups.
How a Backflow Test Works
Most tests take well under an hour. Here's what to expect.
Schedule
Text or call with your address and the type of device, or a photo of it. Got a city notice? Send that too.
Test
We hook up calibrated test gauges and check each valve and relief point to confirm it's holding the way it should.
Tag & File
We tag the device and submit the test report to your city or water utility, including Minneapolis's online reporting system.
If It Fails
We'll explain what failed and what it needs, then quote the fix. Once it's corrected, we retest and file the passing report.
Backflow Testing Across the Twin Cities
Based in South Minneapolis and serving homes and businesses within about 25 miles, including:
Backflow Testing FAQ
How often does my backflow device need to be tested?
I got a notice from the city. What do I do?
Do I have to test the backflow on my sprinkler system?
Can I test it myself?
What happens if my device fails?
Do you file the paperwork with the city?
Need a Backflow Test?
Text a photo of your device or city notice to (612) 388‑0698 and we'll get you on the schedule. Certified, licensed, and local.
Schedule a TestText Us