How to Prepare for Your Residential Backflow Test
If you’ve scheduled your annual backflow test, you may be wondering if there’s anything you need to do before your appointment. The good news is that preparing for a residential backflow test is usually quick and easy.
At Twin Cities Backflow Testing, most residential appointments take less than 20 minutes. A few simple steps can help ensure the testing process goes smoothly and efficiently.
Locate Your Backflow Preventer
Take a few minutes to locate your backflow prevention device before your appointment. The letter you receive from the city may have important information about the location of your device on it.
In many Minnesota homes, backflow preventers are located:
- Near an underground sprinkler system connection
- Outside the home near the foundation
- In a utility room or mechanical room
- In a basement near the water service line
Clear Access to the Device
Please make sure the area around the backflow preventer is accessible.
This may include:
- Moving patio furniture
- Trimming back vegetation if the device is outdoors
- Removing storage items if the device is located indoors
- Unlocking any gates that provide access
A clear workspace helps us complete your test safely and efficiently.
Make Sure Water Service Is Turned On
Your home’s water service should be active during the appointment so the device can be tested properly.
If you recently winterized your irrigation system or have shut off water to the device, please let us know when scheduling your appointment.
Make Sure Test Cock Caps Are Installed
Most backflow prevention devices have small protective caps covering the test cocks used during annual testing.
If these caps are missing, dirt, insects, and moisture can enter the fittings and potentially cause problems over time. Missing caps may also require replacement before testing can be completed.
If you know your device is missing one or more caps, please let us know when scheduling your appointment. We can discuss replacement options and any associated costs. If we notice that these caps are missing during your appointment, you may incur additional costs.
Secure Pets
We love meeting your pets, but for everyone’s safety and convenience, we recommend keeping dogs and other pets indoors or secured during the appointment.
This is especially helpful if the backflow preventer assembly is located in your yard.
Have Your Testing Notice Available
If your city or water provider sent you a backflow testing notice, having it available can be helpful. While it isn’t always required, the notice may contain information about deadlines or reporting requirements.
Plan for a Short Water Interruption
During testing, there may be a brief interruption to water service. Most homeowners barely notice the interruption, and testing is completed quickly.
Our goal is to complete the test with as little disruption as possible.
What Happens During the Test?
When we arrive, we will:
- Locate and inspect the backflow prevention device
- Perform the required certification testing
- Verify the device is functioning properly
- Document the test results
- Submit required paperwork when accepted by your municipality
Do I need to Be Home?
No—most of the time you don’t need to be home. As long as your backflow device is accessible, the water is turned on, and the test cap is in place, we can complete the test while you’re away.
Most residential backflow tests are completed in less than 20 minutes.
We just ask that payment is taken care of ahead of time or left at your home before your appointment.
Schedule Your Residential Backflow Test
Whether you’ve received a notice from your city or simply need your annual certification completed, Twin Cities Backflow Testing is here to help.
We proudly serve homeowners throughout the Twin Cities metro area, including Apple Valley, Lakeville, Burnsville, Savage, Shakopee, Prior Lake, Farmington, Rosemount, and Eagan.
Request your backflow test today and let us help make the process quick, easy, and stress-free.
