Backflow Testing Appointment
What to Expect
1. Arrival
Most often times, the CBI inspector arriving to your site is familiar with your location or has documentation of the locations of your devices. If not, he/she may need to be directed to your pump room or meter room upon arrival.
2. Visual Inspection
The inspector first looks at the device for any obvious damage, leaks, or incorrect installation, ensuring it meets codes.
3. Test Kit Setup
The inspector will connect hoses from a specialized backflow test kit to the small ports (test cocks) on the device.
4. Isolation & Pressure Testing
• The inspector will close the valve downstream (after the device) to isolate it from the main system.
• Using the test kit, they manipulate valves and measure water pressure changes at different points.
• This simulates a backflow event (like a pressure drop) to see if the device’s internal check valves automatically close and hold pressure.
• Component Check: They test each check valve individually to ensure they hold pressure and stop water flow correctly.
5. Documentation
The inspector records all pressure readings, noting if the device passes or fails based on pressure differentials.
6. Post-Test
The inspector carefully releases the pressure and slowly turns the water back on to avoid water hammer, then removes the test kit. If the backflow device is on the fire sprinkler system, the CBI inspector will first call out the fire alarm panel, using the contact information for your monitoring company that should be displayed on the panel. When testing is completed, the fire alarm will be placed back online. If the backflow device is on the domestic water supply, a common question is – Will this affect our domestic water usage during our testing appointment? Yes, the water is turned off for a short period. During this time period, there should be no flushing of toilets or running of a sink. If the water were to be off for an extended period, we would schedule a shutdown during non-operating hours.
