Your Yearly Backflow Maintenance Checklist

It's easy to overlook things throughout the course of a year when you're running a business (or simply just managing a home), but if there's one thing to keep in mind as the new year begins, it's backflow testing.

According to San Diego's 2024 Annual Drinking Water Quality Report, the State Water Board identified over 11,500 properties needing backflow protection devices that have not yet been installed. That being said, the city is actively working to bring these properties into compliance, so now is the perfect time to ensure your own system meets current standards. 

This checklist walks you through everything you need to know. You'll learn how to prepare for your test, what happens during the inspection, and how to maintain your system year-round.

I. Pre-Test Preparations: What to Do Before the Technician Arrives

A little preparation before your appointment helps your technician complete the test quickly and accurately. Taking a few minutes to set things up ensures you get the most reliable results possible. 

Here's a quick rundown of what you need to do:

✔ Disconnect Hoses

Remove all hoses from outdoor faucets and spigots. Hoses left connected can create false pressure readings, which may lead to inaccurate results. Check all outdoor water connections around your property.

✔ Clear Access

Make sure your backflow preventer and main water shut-off valve are easy to reach. Move any storage boxes, landscaping equipment, or debris that might block the area. Clear access allows the technician to work safely and also helps them spot any visible issues with the device.

✔ Note Any Issues

If you have noticed anything unusual with your plumbing, let your technician know before they begin. This includes pressure drops, recent leaks, or strange sounds near valves. Sharing this information helps them focus on potential problem areas and catch issues that might otherwise go unnoticed.

II. Professional Inspection and Testing: What the Technician Checks

Certified testing is the foundation of every annual backflow maintenance routine. During the inspection, your technician performs several checks to confirm that your device meets local standards and protects your water supply. Keep in mind that requirements differ depending on your property type. 

✔ Visual Inspection

The technician starts by examining the outside of the assembly for signs of leaks, rust, corrosion, or visible damage. Even small cracks or discoloration can point to problems that may not show up during pressure testing alone.

This initial check catches physical damage early and prevents bigger problems down the road. Catching issues now means fewer surprises later.

✔ Pressure Differential Test

Using specialized gauges, the technician measures how well the device holds pressure. This test confirms that the internal valves seal properly and maintain the pressure needed to prevent backflow.

A device that fails this test may allow contaminated water to enter your supply during pressure drops. The pressure test is the most critical part of the annual inspection.

✔ Component Check

Internal parts like check valves, springs, seals, and relief valves get inspected for wear. The technician verifies that check valves open and close correctly, test cocks do not leak, and relief valves activate as intended.

These components work together to keep your system protected. Any worn parts found during inspection can be replaced before they cause a complete failure.

✔ Cleaning

Debris and sediment can build up inside the assembly over time, affecting valve movement and performance. The technician flushes out this buildup to restore smooth operation and prevent minor blockages from turning into bigger problems.

III. Post-Test Steps and Ongoing Maintenance

Once testing is complete, a few follow-up steps help restore normal water flow. The work does not end when the technician leaves. Ongoing awareness throughout the year makes a real difference in how well your system performs. Do a check of these things:

✔ Reconnect Hoses

Reattach any hoses you removed before the appointment, as mentioned in the pre-test section. Double-check that connections are secure to avoid leaks.

✔ Run Faucets

Let your faucets run for several minutes to clear any air that may have entered the lines during testing. This is normal after maintenance and helps restore steady water flow.

✔ Monitor Pressure

Pay attention to water pressure over the following days. If you notice sudden drops or changes that were not present before, contact your technician right away.

✔ Replace Worn Parts

If testing reveals worn seals, springs, or O-rings, have them replaced right away. Staying proactive with part replacement keeps your system reliable between annual tests. Most replacement parts are affordable and quick to install.

Behold, Your Simple Yearly Backflow Maintenance Checklist

Now here's a quick checklist summary of everything from start to finish: 

• Remove all hoses from outdoor spigots

• Clear access around the backflow preventer and main shut-off valve

• Note any recent plumbing issues or pressure changes

• Confirm your appointment with a certified tester

• Ensure the technician performs a full visual inspection

• Verify completion of the pressure differential test

• Confirm that internal parts like check valves, seals, springs, and relief valves were inspected

• Have the assembly cleaned to remove sediment or debris

• Reconnect hoses after testing

• Run faucets to clear air pockets

• Monitor water pressure for any unusual changes

• Replace worn parts as soon as they are identified

• Watch for early warning signs such as leaks, strange noises, or cloudy water 

• Schedule next year’s test ahead of time to stay compliant

Common Signs Your Backflow Preventer Needs Attention Sooner

Between annual tests, certain warning signs can indicate that your device may need professional attention sooner. Catching these symptoms early protects your water quality and prevents larger problems.

Watch for these common indicators:

• Frequent pressure drops or fluctuations

• Leaks or pooling water around the assembly

• Hissing or gurgling noises near valves

• Cloudy or discolored tap water

• A missed annual test on record

Do not wait for these problems to get worse. Scheduling an inspection sooner protects your water supply and gives you peace of mind. Early action is always easier than emergency repairs. 

Stay Ahead of the Schedule, Work with San Diego Backflow Testing

Annual backflow testing is both a compliance requirement and a safeguard for your water supply. With San Diego actively working to bring thousands of properties into compliance through stricter mandates, staying ahead of the schedule has never been more important.

Ready to get started? Call 877-363-8378 or email TEST@sandiegobackflowtesting.com to schedule your yearly backflow maintenance with San Diego Backflow Testing today. You may also send us your test form here.