Does Virginia require annual backflow testing?

Yes. The Virginia Residential Code calls for backflow assemblies to be tested when installed, after repairs or relocation, and every year after that, and Fairfax and Chesterfield counties both require an annual test. The details of who tests, who files the report and what the local fees are come from your county, city or water utility, so ask it once and note the date.

What the code says

Fairfax County publishes the Virginia Residential Code (2021) text on its backflow page: reduced pressure principle, double check, double check detector and pressure vacuum breaker backflow preventer assemblies shall be tested at the time of installation, immediately after repairs or relocation and every year thereafter.^[1] It also points to the building code's property maintenance rules, which require testing of RPZ assemblies, double check valve assemblies, double check detector backflow assemblies, and pressure vacuum breaker assemblies after initial installation, immediately after repairs or relocation, and annually thereafter.^[1] Put simply, Fairfax says backflow prevention assemblies are required by the building code to be tested annually by a certified tester.^[1]

Chesterfield County says the same in its irrigation guide: "Must be tested upon installation, after repair, when relocated, and annually as a minimum."^[2] The county utility adds that the annual testing is required by the Virginia Department of Health.^[3]

Who this applies to

Anyone with a testable assembly, and that most often means a lawn sprinkler system. Prince William County states that all lawn irrigation systems require a cross connection device to prevent the backflow of water from the lawn irrigation system into the structure.^[4] Fire sprinklers can have one too: Fairfax County says a Plumbing Permit is also required for the installation of a Testable Backflow Prevention Assembly on Water Based Fire Suppression Systems.^[1] Read what a backflow preventer is and how it is tested if you are not sure what yours is.

A simple one-way device that is not testable is a different thing from a testable assembly, and your tester or building department can tell you which you have.

Who may test

State law keeps the certification voluntary but leaves room for local rules: the program for backflow prevention device workers is voluntary, so long as any requirements of the applicable local governing body's programs relating to backflow prevention device workers are met.^[5] The same section adds that all local governing bodies shall accept certification by the Board of backflow prevention device workers as proof of experience and training without requiring additional examination.^[5]

Local rules can be stricter. Chesterfield County says individuals who perform tests on backflow prevention assemblies must hold a valid Tradesman Certificate as a Backflow Prevention Device Worker issued by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.^[2] Check a tester's certification on DPOR's License Lookup before you book.^[6]

Reports, failures and what to ask your locality

The test only counts once it is filed the way your locality wants. Fairfax County will NOT accept partial or incomplete Backflow Assembly Test Reports.^[1] If an assembly fails, it must be repaired or replaced, and re-tested before a Backflow Assembly Test Report can be submitted by the vendor.^[1]

When you call your building department or water utility, ask:

• Is an annual test required for my address, and when is it due?
• Does the tester file the report, or do I?
• Is there a list of approved or authorized testers?
• Does a repair or replacement need a plumbing permit?

Then see what a test costs before you hire.

When to call a licensed pro

For the test itself, and any repair or replacement. Call a certified Backflow Prevention Device Worker when your annual test is due, when you have never had the assembly tested, when it leaks or was damaged, or when you receive a notice from your county or water utility. If your sprinkler system has no testable assembly, ask a licensed irrigation or plumbing contractor to add one, and read the permit and backflow rules for a lawn sprinkler system.

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