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

“I purchased a home and closed last week and was super distraught to find out I had some major plumbing issues not even 48 hours after moving into my new home. Some we were not aware of and some that the seller was supposed to have fixed- but didn’t. It was a good amount of work. Starting from the first call to the office the representatives and dispatchers were very kind and responsive. Then, these guys came out to my home and did a thorough check up and diagnosis of my problems and gave me options to choose from to fix the problems. They took the time to answer all of my questions and eased my anxiety over the entire situation. They did a fantastic job doing the repairs and installations. After the initial job was completed the next day we were having an appliance delivered and I came to find yet another issue in a different area of my home which prevented the washing machine from being installed. I called American Mechanical back again and they sent a plumber out right away! Again I was given options and again I felt secure in knowing when they come out to do the work it will be done just as well as they did the couple of days before! I was so impressed with the service I received that I purchased their maintenance package. Highly recommend this company! Excellent service from the first call. Courteous repairs from specialists who are master experts in their field and no run around. They are honest and dependable. Five stars all the way!” - J. Ewan
“We are so impressed with the service we received from Matthew and Dominique over the three days they were here. Not only were they professional, they were also polite, kind and knowledgeable. They kept us completely in the loop the entire time they were in our home. They always arrived on time and put in the long hours to get our new HVAC system in place and running. We did run into an issue with the system that was not identified when we purchased and American Mechanical took total responsibility for it and made things right by doing the additional work and not charging us for it. World class service! I highly recommend this company! We felt like Matthew and Dominique were family by the time they left! I will be requesting them any time I need service!” - M. Jaskowiak
“Today Jon V. came to do my yearly maintenance on my GENERAC generator. He called me when he was on the way for my service call and he gave me an estimated time of arrival. Jon was very professional and answered all of my questions and then some. I just signed up for their five year maintenance plan because I know they will take good care of my generator. I know American Mechanical will be here when I need them.” - Fawn B.
“I was surprised when Taylor called and told me a woman technician would be servicing my HVAC systems today. Very impressed with my services provided by Kristin. Would love to have her for all future maintenances!” - L. Rose
“Kristin was our technician for this preventative maintenance check on our new system ductwork and electrostatic air cleaner. She was very thorough in her work and even went the extra mile to clean and dilute any cleaning chemicals that had pooled on the concrete pad. Kristin is very friendly and knowledgeable of our product. We appreciate her hard work in the extremely hot weather! Would definitely recommend her for your HVAC needs.” - Mike B.
“My review of American Mechanical is 20 stars. The company is exceptional! Beginning with the time frame. Our air conditioner died at the beginning of summer. We needed to speak with someone ASAP! We spoke with Kim who sent Tim H., the sales person, out immediately. She kept in touch, letting us know about every step. Pretty excellent considering all of the delays due to the virus. Thanks Kim! My husband although very intelligent, admits he knows nothing about heating and air conditioning. He needed to talk to someone that knows what they are talking about. Tim is very knowledgeable and pretty much knows everything about heating and cooling and so he told us exactly what we needed for a replacement. He gave us the best price, warranty and financing ever. Thank you Tim! Our installers were Matt M. and Mason B.. What an awesome job they did! Everything needed to be replaced in a 30 plus year old home. They had to do a lot of destruction, but you would never know they were here. Their vacuum cleaner ran way more than mine does. Smart, friendly guys with professional personalities. Thanks Matt and Mason! We are now cool as cucumbers. I highly recommend American Mechanical. We used these guys before due to a main water line break at Christmas. This is a very good company!” - Richard and Nancy L.
“I recently had a complete removal and reinstallation of my HVAC system, including duct work in the attic and crawl space. Given the significant expense of the job I expected quality work. While I rarely write letters of thanks and recognition for work done on my home, in this case I would be remiss if I did not extend my appreciation for the effort put forth by your team. Led by Dillon, the team was professional, knowledgeable and hardworking. Dillon did an outstanding job leading the effort and ensuring all of our questions and concerns were addressed. He was very knowledgeable and an outstanding representative of your company. His teammates were just as responsive and hard working. At the end of each day they ensured we were happy with the work and did an excellent job cleaning up. The team went above and beyond towards the end to get us air conditioning in the upstairs a day early to support unexpected visitors. Very impressed! I will not hesitate to recommend American Mechanical and look forward to working with them in the future.” - Joseph E.
“American Mechanical was able to schedule an appointment the same day I called for a quote on Quest piping replacement. I have previously worked with American Mechanical to repair several leaks from said Quest pipes and the work is always done professionally and quickly. Most recently, I worked with Sean M. to get a quote on replacing the pipes. Sean was awesome to talk to, very courteous and knowledgeable, which is what I have experienced with other American Mechanical professionals. You are in good hands if you go with this company for your repairs!” - B. Annett
“Unfortunately, our air conditioning just went out. The good news is it went out before the hot summer months. My husband and I contacted several HVAC companies but American Mechanical is the one that stood out to us! The first impression with Brittany (office administration) was professional, friendly, helpful and organized. We called other companies and they answered the phone with no introduction, just a hello. I know most people don’t care about that but I take stuff like that into consideration. It’s the first impression of the company and if they are not professional from the beginning they are not going to be professional with you during or after doing business. Anyway, American Mechanical was professional in that regards. Second interaction was with Tim, the comfort specialist. He came out to give us an estimate. Tim was thorough, professional and detailed. He was the only specialist that actually took measurements of our home to make sure he was giving us the best information for the size of our home. My third interaction with American Mechanical was the follow up call and email I received from James, he is the inside sales guy. No other company followed up with us after giving us an estimate. Replacing an HVAC unit is not cheap, it is a pretty big investment…wouldn’t you want a company to follow up with you to see if you had any questions? The answer should be yes! As I mentioned American Mechanical followed up and that speaks volumes to me as well because they obviously want my business and want to answer questions. Needless to say we decided to go with American Mechanical for several reasons. To be honest they weren’t the cheapest but was not the highest price either. They were right in the middle for where the budget needed to be and worked with us as well. They haven’t done the work yet but based on all my interactions with the company, I’m confident the job will exceed my expectations. Sorry for the long review I just wanted to make sure I was detailed with my explanation.” - Kristen L.

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.”