Backflow prevention is one of those things that stays invisible until something goes wrong, and by then it's a health issue, not just a plumbing one. A backflow assembly keeps contaminated water from reversing course and pushing back into the clean supply. For a lot of commercial properties, irrigation systems, and facilities, testing that assembly on a schedule isn't optional; it's required. FoCo Plumbing, powered by Top Notch Plumbing, is certified for backflow testing and works with businesses across Northern Colorado.
Why Backflow Testing Matters
Your water system relies on pressure moving in one direction. When that pressure drops or reverses, from a main break, heavy demand, or a cross-connection, water can flow backward. If there's an irrigation system, a boiler, or any chemical or process water on the line, that backflow can carry contaminants into drinking water. A working backflow preventer stops that. Testing confirms it actually works.
Here's the catch with backflow assemblies: they have internal parts that wear, stick, and fail over time, and there's no obvious sign from the outside when they stop protecting you. The device can look fine and still be letting water pass the wrong way. The only way to know it's doing its job is to test it. That's why the requirement exists and why skipping it is a real risk, not just a paperwork problem.
Who Needs It
Commercial buildings, restaurants, medical and dental offices, irrigation systems, apartment complexes, and industrial facilities commonly have backflow assemblies that require periodic testing. Many local water authorities mandate annual testing and want documentation. If you own or manage a property with an irrigation system or a dedicated water line for equipment, you likely fall into this category.
Restaurants are a good example of why this matters beyond compliance. A commercial kitchen has grease traps, dishwashers, and equipment that can create cross-connections with the potable supply. Irrigation systems are another common one, because fertilizers and standing water in the lines are exactly what you don't want backing up into drinking water. A working, tested assembly is the barrier that keeps those two worlds apart.
Our Testing and Repair
Our certified team tests your backflow assembly, documents the results, and lets you know exactly where you stand. If the device passes, you get the paperwork you need. If it fails, we can talk through repair or replacement so you get back into compliance without a lot of back and forth. We handle the whole thing, testing through repair, so you're not chasing two different vendors.
There's a real advantage to hiring a full-service plumbing company for backflow work instead of a testing-only outfit. When a device fails, a testing-only vendor hands you a report and sends you looking for someone to fix it. We can test, diagnose, and repair or replace the assembly, which keeps the whole thing on one timeline and one point of contact. For property managers juggling multiple sites, that simplicity is worth a lot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often does backflow testing need to be done?
Most local water authorities require annual testing for commercial and irrigation backflow assemblies. Your specific requirement depends on your jurisdiction and the type of property. If you're not sure of your schedule, we can help you figure out where you stand.
What happens if my backflow device fails the test?
A failed test means the assembly isn't reliably preventing backflow and needs repair or replacement. We can handle that repair and retest so you get back into compliance. It's better to catch it during a scheduled test than after a contamination event.
Do you provide documentation for compliance?
Yes. When we test, we document the results so you have what you need for your water authority. Keeping that paperwork current is part of staying compliant, and we make sure you leave the appointment with it in hand.
Can you test irrigation backflow assemblies too?
Yes. Irrigation systems are one of the most common places a backflow assembly is required, and they're a frequent source of cross-connection risk. We test irrigation assemblies along with the ones on your building's main systems.
Need your backflow assembly tested or repaired? Call FoCo Plumbing at (970) 999-1398 and we'll get you sorted.