Virginia Beach Backflow Testing

Keeping Water Supplies Clean & Safe

Essentially, because backflow assemblies are mechanical devices and subject to potential failure, all backflow devices must be tested on at least an annual basis. New assemblies, as well as repaired or relocated devices, must also be tested. This requirement originates from the Virginia Maintenance Code, the International Plumbing Code, and also from standards maintained by the EPA Cross Connection Control Manual. We are certified to perform these and have decades of experience in them.

Why is Backflow Testing Important?

Testing your backflow prevention device is crucial in ensuring that they are functioning properly and not in imminent danger of failing or causing a problem in the connecting water system. Backflow assemblies also reduce the chances of contamination by hazardous waste produced by irrigation systems; these include fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and fecal matter.

Many residential users do not know how to test their system, nor do they hold the certification required by local and state law, so it is to their benefit to have a Virginia Beach plumber take care of testing and certification for them to avoid costly problems, citations, or loss of water service.

What Happens During the Testing Process?

Customers who have backflow assemblies installed on their property will be informed by their local water system via letter, telling them when their annual testing report is due. In general, only residents with irrigation and/or sprinkler systems, boilers, geothermal heating, or medical equipment tied into the public water system have backflow devices that require testing and certification.

Prior to the due date, homeowners should have testing completed by a certified inspector from a list of approved vendors. Homeowners are required to send a copy of the testing report to the Department of Public Utilities within thirty days of the testing date.

What Causes Backflow?

Backflow appears in two ways: backpressure and back-siphonage. Both are undesirable in terms of their effect on water quality and public health and safety.

In general, backflow, refers to the reverse flow of non-potable water or other liquids into the pipes of public or consumers’ potable water systems. This often occurs through a cross-connection. Backflow must be controlled to prevent contamination between drinking water and non-drinking or used water. Precautions must be taken to protect public water systems against potential backflow events.

How Can American Mechanical Help?

Our certified and experienced team provides annual testing services. We will prepare and submit the required reports to the Department of Public Utilities for you, thereby fulfilling your testing and certification requirement for the year.

If your assembly does not pass the test, our technicians will replace or repair the assembly as required. We will also retest the system within the 15-day allotted time period.

Call our Virginia Beach plumbing experts today at (757) 347-8549 for top-notch service and inspection at competitive rates!

Rave Reviews From Happy Customers

“American Mechanical responded quickly to my request for a detailed estimate on a needed service. The office staff was polite and professional as well as kind and courteous! Prior to the visit I received a text message telling me who to expect –including a picture- as well as personal information about the individual that helped me feel less anxious about inviting a stranger into my home. Rodney W. arrived exactly when he said he would and was clearly knowledgeable about the service and equipment involved. He explained everything in ways I could understand and was patient with my questions! I was impressed with this company and everyone there. It was so nice to talk to people who genuinely seem to like their jobs and were so helpful!” - Lynette B.
“This company is by far the best company that I have had the honor of working with. The whole crew from the administrative side to the installation crew are a pleasure to work with! Everyone is authentic and knows their stuff. Along with the generator I had an electrical panel upgrade. The panel is so neat and tidy inside that the panel cover should be made of glass so people can see the beautiful work these guys do! A++ rating from me.” - Michael A.
“I am in the market for a whole house stand-by generator and called American Mechanical for an estimate. They sent an electrician, Rodney W., who was extremely knowledgeable, courteous and likeable. He answered all my questions and gave me a complete proposal for a turnkey installation while he was at my house. The next day I had some more questions about the proposal. He answered them promptly and courteously. Nothing could have been better about this experience! If the installers exhibit the same qualities of customer service that Rodney does many American Mechanical customers will be very pleased.” - Tom C.
“We called about a gas leak and American Mechanical sent someone out promptly. Ed called when he was on the way and arrived on time. Off to a good start. He introduced himself and gave me his card. While I was taking him to the attic, he said he read the notes. He read the notes people! If you want your customers to feel like they matter, send a service person that recognizes you as a customer and knows your history. Kudos to Ed! He also fixed our problem, explained the problem, and gave us options to avoid the problem in the future.” - Sharon D.
“Wow! Ed S. at American Mechanical is one of the best professionals I have ever encountered. Ed is very patient, kind, and answers all questions – even from a worry wart like myself who may ask them multiple times. I had a new tankless hot water heater installed and was stressed when a few steps were needed to complete the project. Ed was always available to answer questions and he clearly has a ton of knowledge about plumbing and natural gas services. Thank you Ed at American Mechanical for providing quality service and doing the job right. Special shout out to Angela in the dispatch office for being so kind and understanding when I called – especially during these trying times kindness goes a long, long way.” - Heather F.
“Ed at American Mechanical fixed a plumbing issue that had been plaguing us for over a year! He was the best repair guy we have ever had! He was on time, professional and thorough. He shared his knowledge with our family about exactly what the issue was and stayed to make sure that everything was fixed. Ed was everything and more than anyone could want from a repair service. And, the women in the office of American Mechanical were so receptive and helpful! They were kind and seemed genuinely happy to answer the telephone, listen to me and they wanted to help me. American Mechanical is my best find this year! And, as an Operations Manager in my work life, I will be calling them for their expertise no only at home- but at work as well.” - Tania K
“My wife and I decided to go with American Mechanical to install our new GENERAC stand by generator unit. A team came to the house to install the preliminary work such as gas line preparation and installation of a transfer switch (to include wiring into the main panel). Trey, John, Chris and Noah were just amazing! They worked well together, orchestrated perfectly. As a handy man myself I can appreciate the extra care taken with everything they did. They were meticulous – and they actually use a leveler to make sure their panel and platform were level. You may laugh, but small attention to detail is what separates the professionals and the amateurs. We were very pleased with their work and they represent American Mechanical well. Staff like these men are the ones who are a valuable asset to their company!” - Raoul W.
“Rodney W. from American Mechanical repaired an electrical issue I recently had at my home. He displayed stellar customer service skills and the professionalism and knowledge of a seasoned electrician. Rodney patiently listened as I described the issue to him. He knew right away where the problem was and had the issue resolved within a short period of time! Rodney was very kind to Max, our dog who has absolutely no concept of his size but yet wants to “help”. Rodney and the American Mechanical staff made the entire experience pleasantly an easy one. He is definitely an asset to American Mechanical and truly appreciated by me. Many thanks to all!” - Kathryn B
“This is the third time Rich P. has come to my house for plumbing issues. Each time he has been very knowledgeable as well as pleasant. Rich also allowed me to watch him while he did the work and taught me as he performed the repairs. I have learned a lot about plumbing as a new homeowner all thanks to Rich. Thank you so much!” - K. Terry

What Sets American Mechanical Apart

Emergency Services & Same Day Service Available
Master Licensed Contractors
NATE Certified Technicians
Clean, Uniformed, & Highly-Trained Technicians
We Get the Job Done Right the First Time
We Guarantee Professional, Quality Service and Workmanship

More Reasons to Choose Us

“My name is John, and I've always been good at fixing things. In 1994 I decided to open an honest HVAC company, and American Mechanical was born. I've been in the HVAC industry for over 40 years now, and honesty, quality and fairness are still my number one priorities. Our mission every day is to provide professional, quality service and workmanship to our customers - and that's a guarantee.”