Understand Your Backflow Test Report

Key Items Shown on Your Backflow Test Report

Every backflow test report includes several required items. Reviewing these helps ensure your tester files the report correctly with your water provider.

• Service Address: This must match your property’s official water service address. If the address is incorrect or incomplete, your water provider may reject the report.

• Backflow Assembly Type & Serial Number: This identifies your device. The serial number on the report should match the serial number physically stamped on your assembly.

• Test Date: The date the certified tester performed the inspection.

• Tester’s Certification Number: Verifies the tester is licensed to perform the test.

• Gauge Calibration Date: The tester’s differential pressure gauge must be calibrated annually. You may see two dates: the test date and the gauge calibration date — both are normal and required.

• Test Results (PSI readings): These readings determine whether your device passed or failed. Each assembly type has specific required minimum values.

• Pass/Fail Status: This indicates whether your device is currently protecting your drinking water as required.

Filing Accuracy Matters

Incorrect or incomplete reports can delay your compliance with the water provider. A few things you can double-check:

• Correct Service Address: If the address does not match the water provider’s records, the submission may be rejected.

• Device Location: If your property has multiple assemblies, make sure each report lists the correct location (e.g., “Irrigation Backflow,” “Domestic RPZ,” “Fire Line Assembly”).

• Tester’s Filing Confirmation: Many water providers use online systems such as SC Tracking, SwiftComply, AquaBackflow, Veolia, or in-house portals. Ask your tester to confirm the submission was successful.

• Annual Recordkeeping: Keeping your reports year-to-year helps you spot declining performance before a failure happens.

Why Accuracy Is Important

A properly completed report ensures:

• Your device is recorded as compliant for the year.

• The water provider receives all data needed to verify the test.

• No re-tests are required because of missing or incorrect information.

• Repairs, if needed, are documented correctly for future reference.

Understanding the Readings

Your backflow report contains several key readings that determine whether your device is protecting your drinking water. Each assembly type has different test criteria.

• Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ): Look for “relief valve opening point” and “check valve #1 / #2 readings.” An RPZ must discharge water if pressure conditions are unsafe.

• Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA): You will see two check valve readings. Both must hold the minimum required pressure to be considered passing.

• Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB): You will see two parts: the air inlet valve opening point and the check valve. Both must meet minimum requirements.

• Spill-Resistant Vacuum Breaker (SVB): Similar to a PVB, but with additional internal components designed not to spill.

The readings aren’t random they indicate physical performance inside your assembly. Any reading below the minimum threshold means the device cannot prevent backflow.

What “Pass” or “Fail” Really Means

A “Pass” means your assembly met all performance requirements during the test.

A “Fail” means one or more internal parts did not hold pressure, seal properly, or open/close as required. A failure does not mean contamination has occurred, but it does mean your assembly is no longer providing proper protection.

Common failure causes include:

• Worn check valve springs
• Debris inside the assembly
• Cracked or warped rubber discs
• Stuck relief valves
• Improper seating of internal components

If your tester marks the device as failed, repairs or rebuilds are required before the report can be filed as compliant.

Why You May See Two Dates

Many homeowners notice two separate dates on the report:

• Test Date: When the tester actually performed the inspection.

• Gauge Calibration Date: When the tester’s differential pressure gauge was last calibrated.

Both dates are required. The calibration date must be within the past 12 months for the report to be valid.

Checking Year-to-Year Trends

Saving your annual reports helps you identify performance changes over time.

If you notice your readings slowly decreasing year after year, it may signal that your device needs maintenance before it eventually fails.

Gradual decline is common internal components age and wear. Tracking trends helps you avoid emergency repairs.

Example #1 — Low Reading on a Check Valve

If your report shows a check valve reading below the minimum requirement, it means the internal spring or disc is not sealing properly.

Example:

• Required minimum: 1.0 PSI

• Your reading: 0.5 PSI

This would be marked as a failure. The issue is often caused by debris, a worn spring, or a rubber disc that needs replacement.

Example #2 — Relief Valve Opening Too Late (RPZ)

On an RPZ, the relief valve must open at or above the minimum opening point.

Example:

• Minimum opening point: 2.0 PSI

• Your reading: 1.4 PSI

This indicates the relief valve is reacting too late. The device will be marked as failed until the relief valve is cleaned, rebuilt, or replaced.

Example #3 — Air Inlet Valve Not Opening (PVB / SVB)

The air inlet on a PVB or SVB must open at the required level to allow air into the system.

Example:

• Required opening point: 1.0 PSI

• Your reading: Did not open

This is an automatic fail. The air inlet valve may be stuck, obstructed, or the internal float may be worn out.

Example #4 — Report Has the Wrong Address

A very common mistake is an incorrect service address listed on the report.

If the wrong address is submitted to your Public Water System, the test may not be accepted, even if the device passed.

Always confirm:

• Your physical property address is correct
• Your unit, suite, or building number (if applicable) is correct
• The tester filed the updated report if an error was found

Example #5 — Report Not Filed with the PWS

If your Public Water System uses an online filing system, you should always verify that the tester successfully submitted your test results.

After your test:

• Ask your tester for confirmation of submission
• Some systems provide a submission ID or timestamp
• If no record appears after several days, the test may not have been filed

Unfiled reports can lead to fines or compliance notices, even if your device passed.

Step 1 — Confirm All Information Is Correct

Before anything else, review the basic details on your report:

• Service address
• Device location
• Device type and serial number
• Tester’s license number
• Gauge calibration date

Incorrect information can delay approval with your Public Water System. If you notice an error, ask your tester to correct and re-submit the report.

Step 2 — Make Sure the Report Was Filed

If your PWS requires online submission, always confirm that your tester successfully filed your test results.

Most homeowners assume filing is automatic, but it is not guaranteed.

You can:

• Request a confirmation email or submission ID
• Check your PWS customer portal (if available)
• Contact the PWS to verify they received the results

Unsubmitted reports are one of the most common reasons for compliance notices.

Step 3 — If Your Device Passed

If everything looks good and your device passed:

• Save a digital copy of your report
• Keep a printed copy with your home records
• Set a reminder for next year’s test

Your backflow assembly protects your drinking water storing your annual reports helps you monitor performance trends over time.

Step 4 — If Your Device Failed

A failed test means repairs or a rebuild are required before the report can be filed as compliant.

Standard next steps:

• Ask your tester for a repair or rebuild quote
• Request photos or explanations of what failed
• Confirm whether parts need cleaning or replacement
• After repairs, the device must be retested

Most failures are minor and can be fixed the same day.

Step 5 — Keep Your Records Organized

Homeowners who save their reports each year benefit from:

• Identifying performance decline early
• Avoiding unexpected failures
• Easier compliance tracking
• Clear documentation for property sales

Your backflow report is more than a form it’s part of your property’s safety record.

What Happens When a Backflow Test Fails

If your backflow report shows a failed reading, it usually means one or more components inside the device did not meet minimum performance requirements during testing.

Failures are common and often caused by worn internal parts, debris caught in the check assemblies, or pressure fluctuations within the plumbing system. Most failed devices are fully repairable with minor service or a rebuild.

If you want a deeper explanation of failure types, causes, and recommended repair steps, explore our full breakdown covering this topic further.

Learn About Your Backflow Device

If the terminology inside your report feels unfamiliar, you’re not alone. Understanding the type of backflow device you have and how it protects your water supply—makes your yearly test results much easier to read.

We explain device types, assemblies, common components, and how they function in real-world conditions.

Learn More

Why Backflow Testing Is Required

Backflow testing isn’t just a recommendation it’s a requirement enforced by your local Public Water System and state Cross-Connection Control Program.

Understanding the compliance side helps you read your report with context, especially when reviewing annual due dates, pass/fail status, and device history.

Learn Why