Backflow Prevention Testing
What is backflow, and why does it matter?
"Backflow" is when contaminated water flows backward into the municipal supply — for example, irrigation water (which has been sitting in pipes, in the dirt, mixed with whatever fertilizer or pesticide is on your lawn) being sucked back into the city's drinking water when there's a pressure drop in the main. A backflow prevention assembly is a one-way valve that physically blocks this from happening. South Carolina state law and most municipal water utilities require annual testing of these assemblies on:
- Lawn irrigation systems
- Fire-suppression sprinkler systems
- Commercial properties with boilers, dishwashers, or chemical injection
- Properties with auxiliary water supplies (wells in addition to city water)
- Multi-family buildings (apartments, condos)
Annual testing
If you got a letter from Abbeville Water, Greenwood Commissioners of Public Works, Anderson Joint Regional Water System, or Laurens Commission of Public Works asking for proof of annual backflow testing, that's us. The test takes 20–30 minutes per assembly and consists of measuring pressure differentials across the check valves to confirm they hold. We submit the paperwork to your utility within 5 business days; you get a copy for your records.
Repair and replacement
Backflow assemblies that fail testing usually need a rubber check kit or relief valve replacement ($199–$349). If the body is corroded or the assembly is more than 20 years old, full replacement is often more cost-effective ($399–$599 for standard residential RPZ or DCVA). We carry common Watts, Wilkins, Apollo, and Febco parts on the truck.
New installations
If you're adding an irrigation system, fire sprinkler, or commercial-use water connection, your project will likely require a backflow assembly. We install in-line or above-ground assemblies to municipal code, schedule the required initial test, and submit paperwork.
What's included with every test
- Test of every required check valve and relief valve in the assembly
- Written report with measurements (pass/fail and pressure readings)
- Submission of the report to your municipal water utility
- Sticker on the assembly showing date of last test
- Reminder one year out for next test