Services
Residential Backflow Testing – $65
Annual backflow testing is required by state law to protect your drinking water. Failure to comply may result in fines or service shutoff. Our certified technicians handle the entire process—performing the test and submitting results directly to your local water purveyor. We also provide you with a copy of the report for your records. If your assembly fails, we may be able to clean or repair it and retest during the same visit. Each test is billed separately, and additional charges may apply for cleaning or repairs. Your system remains out of compliance until it passes testing. You do not need to be home for service. We leave everything as we found it. Extra fees may apply for rush service, flooded or buried assemblies, specialized jurisdictional filing, or assemblies that require specialty equipment (e.g., confined spaces or stuck valves).
Rush Backflow Test – Additional $20
Fee for expedited, same-week service. This covers additional travel time and fuel costs, as the job cannot be grouped with other nearby appointments. Applies when service is requested sooner than our standard route-based scheduling allows.
Join the Auto-Pilot Plan today and say goodbye to backflow worries
What Is Backflow?
Backflow occurs when water flows in the opposite direction of its intended path, allowing contaminated water, chemicals, or other substances to enter your clean drinking water supply.
In simple terms, it’s the reverse flow of water from your home or business back into the public water system.
There are two main types of backflow:
- Backsiphonage: Caused by a sudden drop in water pressure that creates a vacuum, pulling water backward.
- Backpressure: Caused when a pump or elevation change forces water to flow in the opposite direction.
Depending on the substance involved, backflow can be harmless or extremely dangerous, potentially introducing fertilizers, chemicals, or bacteria into the water you use every day.
What Is a Cross Connection?
A cross connection is any physical point where the public water supply could come into contact with a non-potable or contaminated source. Common examples include garden hoses, sprinkler systems, boilers, and fire protection systems.
Without proper protection, these points can allow pollutants to enter your water system.
What Is a Backflow Prevention Assembly?
A backflow prevention assembly is a mechanical device installed at cross-connection points to stop contaminated water from reversing into the clean water line.
These devices vary by size and complexity, depending on the level of hazard, and must be tested annually by a certified backflow tester to ensure they’re working properly.
Why Backflow Testing Is Required
The Washington State Department of Health (WAC 246-290-490) and local water purveyors require all backflow prevention devices to be tested at least once per year. This ensures ongoing compliance with state regulations and helps protect the public water system from contamination.
Testing is not just a legal requirement — it’s a community safety measure. Unchecked backflow can introduce harmful substances like fertilizers, industrial chemicals, and bacteria into Gig Harbor’s shared water supply.
What Happens If You Don’t Test?
If your backflow preventer isn’t tested annually:
- Your water purveyor may issue late fees or compliance notices
- Continued neglect can result in water service interruption
- Unchecked contamination could affect your property and community health
Staying current with your backflow testing is the best way to protect your home, your neighbors, and your city’s water system.
Recognizing Signs of Backflow
If you notice any of the following, contact Gig Harbor Backflow immediately:
- Discolored or cloudy water
- Unusual taste or odor
- Visible particles or debris
- Slow drainage or sputtering faucets
These can all be signs of backflow contamination or a failed backflow preventer.
Your Partner in Water Protection
At Gig Harbor Backflow, we provide certified testing, and maintenance for all types of backflow assemblies. We also handle all compliance reporting directly with your city to make the process simple and worry-free.
Protect your property. Protect your community.