What backflow testing is and why it's required
A backflow preventer is a valve assembly that stops water from flowing backward out of a building's plumbing into the public water supply. Without one, a pressure drop on the street, like a water main break or a fire hydrant opening, could pull irrigation water, boiler chemicals or other contaminants into the drinking water.
New Jersey's cross-connection control rules require testable assemblies to be tested at least once a year by a certified tester, and again after any repair or replacement. Your water purveyor, which in Clifton is the Passaic Valley Water Commission (PVWC), tracks those devices, sends the reminders and requires the passing results to be filed.
Who needs it in Clifton
Our location on Main Avenue at Route 3 puts us next to many of the buildings that carry these devices:
- Office buildings and medical offices along Route 3 and Main Avenue
- Restaurants and retail with soda machines, dishwashers or chemical dispensers
- Multi-family buildings with a boiler fill, fire line or irrigation
- Light industrial and warehouse buildings off Kingsland Avenue and Allwood Road
- Homes with in-ground lawn irrigation or a boiler with a chemical feed
If you received a notice from PVWC with a due date, your annual test is coming due.
Device types we test
| Device | Where you see it | Hazard level |
|---|---|---|
| RPZ (reduced pressure zone) | Commercial kitchens, boilers with chemicals, medical, industrial | High hazard |
| DCVA (double check valve assembly) | Fire lines, many commercial services | Lower hazard |
| PVB (pressure vacuum breaker) | Lawn irrigation | Lower hazard, outdoor |
What a test visit includes
- We test each assembly with calibrated test equipment and record the readings.
- If a device passes, we file the results with the water purveyor and give you a copy.
- If it fails, we explain why, which is usually a worn check valve or relief valve, and quote the repair.
- When the parts are on the van, we rebuild and re-test on the same visit, so you don't pay for a second trip.
- We keep your device on our reminder list for next year.
Installation and replacement
We install new backflow preventers when a building changes use, adds irrigation or a boiler feed, or when an old device is beyond repair. Installations need a plumbing permit and the device must be accessible for future tests, so placement matters. We size and place it right the first time.
Frequently asked questions
How often does backflow testing have to be done in New Jersey?
Testable backflow assemblies in New Jersey must be tested at least once a year by a certified tester, and again after any repair or replacement. The results are filed with your water purveyor, which in Clifton is the Passaic Valley Water Commission.
How much does a backflow test cost?
Annual testing is typically priced per device, with a flat fee for an accessible assembly. Repairs and rebuild kits are quoted separately if a device fails. Multi-device buildings usually get a combined price. Call (908) 376-9159 for a quote.
What happens if my backflow device fails the test?
We tell you which part failed, quote the repair, and in many cases rebuild and re-test it on the same visit. Once it passes, we file the results so your compliance record is complete.
Do homes in Clifton need backflow testing?
Most single-family homes don't have testable assemblies. Homes with lawn irrigation, a boiler with a chemical feed, or a fire sprinkler line often do. If you received a test notice from your water purveyor, you have one.
Do you file the paperwork with the water company?
Yes. We submit the test results to your water purveyor and send you a copy for your records.
Can you test multiple buildings on one visit?
Yes. Property managers along Route 3 and Main Avenue often have us test all their devices on one schedule. We keep a reminder list so next year's tests are booked before the deadline.
Is a dripping backflow preventer a problem?
A brief discharge from an RPZ during a pressure change is normal. Constant dripping or a steady stream usually means a check valve or relief valve needs service, and the device may fail its next test.