Who Can Perform Backflow Testing? Plumber vs. Certified Backflow Tester
If your backflow test is due, your first instinct may be to call a plumber. But backflow compliance is more specialized than a typical plumbing service call.
Some plumbers are qualified to perform backflow testing. Others are not. Some certified backflow testers can inspect, test, and repair an assembly but may not be licensed to perform a full replacement or modify the surrounding plumbing.
The rules can also change depending on where the property is located.
That matters whether you manage:
An apartment or multifamily community
An HOA
A retail location
An office or industrial facility
Several properties across multiple cities
A home with an irrigation system
A property with a fire suppression system
The professional you need in Denver may be subject to different requirements than one working in Durango, Las Vegas, Henderson, Utah, Arizona, or Southern California.
The short answer: Backflow compliance testing generally needs to be performed by a certified backflow tester who meets the requirements of the applicable state or local water authority. A plumber can perform the test when they also hold the required backflow certification or authorization.
This guide explains when you need a certified backflow tester, when a licensed plumber may be required, and how to choose a provider that can manage testing, repairs, replacement, retesting, and compliance documentation correctly.
Who Can Perform Backflow Testing?
Backflow testing generally must be performed by a certified backflow tester who meets the requirements of the state, city, or local water authority responsible for the property.
A plumber may also perform backflow testing, but only when they hold the certification or authorization required by that jurisdiction.
A general plumbing license does not automatically mean someone is approved to complete a required backflow compliance test.
Depending on the location, the tester may need to:
Hold a recognized backflow tester certification
Be registered or authorized by the local water authority
Use approved and properly maintained testing equipment
Follow specific testing procedures
Complete required test forms
Submit results directly to the water authority
Retest an assembly after a failed test or repair
For example, Denver Water requires assemblies to be tested after installation and annually thereafter by a certified backflow prevention assembly tester. Durango requires backflow preventers to be tested after installation, after repair, and annually, with reports submitted to the city’s Cross Connection Control Program. Henderson requires annual testing by a City-authorized tester.
For compliance testing, hire a certified backflow tester recognized by your local water authority. For installation, replacement, or broader plumbing modifications, a licensed plumber or other appropriately licensed contractor may also be required.
Want to learn more about backflow testing by state and region? Check out our 2026 guide.
What Is a Certified Backflow Tester?
A certified backflow tester is a professional who has completed specialized training and testing to verify that backflow prevention assemblies are operating correctly.
This work is different from a general visual plumbing inspection.
A certified tester is typically trained to:
Identify the type of backflow prevention assembly
Inspect its condition
Perform the required field test
Connect and use specialized testing equipment
Evaluate pressure and valve performance
Record pass or fail results
Identify problems with the assembly
Retest the device after repairs
Complete compliance documentation
Follow applicable cross-connection control requirements
The certification matters because backflow preventers contain internal components that can wear, become damaged, collect debris, or stop sealing correctly even when the assembly looks normal from the outside.
A test verifies whether those internal components are actually preventing reverse water flow as designed.
That is also why many water authorities require recurring testing rather than relying on a one-time installation inspection.
Want to learn more about backflow testing, what it is, and what’s required? Check out our full guide here.
Can a Regular Plumber Perform Backflow Testing?
A regular plumber can perform backflow testing only if they also hold the certification or authorization required by the applicable jurisdiction.
A plumbing license and a backflow tester certification demonstrate different qualifications.
A plumber may have expertise in:
Water lines
Pipe repairs
Fixture installation
Plumbing-system modifications
Replacements
Mechanical systems
New installations
A certified backflow tester has specialized qualifications related to:
Backflow prevention assemblies
Cross-connection control
Field testing procedures
Test gauges and equipment
Pass/fail criteria
Compliance documentation
Local reporting procedures
This is not a question of whether plumbers are qualified professionals.
It is a question of whether the person performing the test holds the specific certification or authorization required for a compliance test.
In some cases, the easiest option is a provider with both certified backflow testers and licensed plumbing capabilities so the same company can handle the test and any repairs that follow.
What Is the Difference Between a Plumber and a Certified Backflow Tester?
A plumber is trained and licensed to perform plumbing work. A certified backflow tester is specifically trained and credentialed to test backflow prevention assemblies for compliance.
Some professionals hold both qualifications.
Task
Certified Backflow Tester
Licensed Plumber
Provider With Both Capabilities
Annual compliance testing
Usually qualified if recognized locally
Only if required tester certification is also held
Usually qualified
Test-result documentation
Usually included
Only if certified and familiar with reporting
Usually included
Retesting after repair
Usually qualified
Only if certified
Usually included
Minor assembly repair
Depends on local rules and credentials
Often qualified, subject to local rules
Often included
Full replacement
May require additional licensure
Often qualified, subject to local rules
Often included
New installation
May require additional licensure
Often qualified, subject to local rules
Often included
Pipe modifications
Not automatically qualified
Typically within plumbing scope
Often included
Fire suppression device work
May involve specialized rules
May involve specialized licensing or coordination
Confirm capabilities first
The key distinction is the work being performed.
Annual testing is primarily a compliance and cross-connection-control function. Installation, replacement, and pipe modification can involve broader plumbing codes and licensing requirements.
Do You Need a Plumber for Backflow Preventer Repair?
Whether you need a licensed plumber for backflow preventer repair depends on the jurisdiction, device type, and extent of the repair.
Some certified testers are authorized to perform repairs. More extensive work may require a licensed plumber or another appropriately licensed professional.
A repair might involve:
Replacing seals
Replacing springs
Cleaning debris from internal components
Repairing check valves
Correcting relief-valve problems
Rebuilding internal components
Retesting the assembly after the repair
More extensive work may involve:
Changing pipework
Relocating the assembly
Replacing the complete device
Installing a new assembly
Modifying service lines
Working on specialized systems
Colorado provides a useful example of why these distinctions matter.
In 2025, Colorado enacted HB25-1077. Denver Water explains that certified backflow assembly testers may now test, inspect, and repair backflow assemblies without holding a plumbing license. Denver Water specifically states that domestic and irrigation assemblies may be tested, inspected, and repaired by certified testers holding ABPA or ASSE certification.
That does not mean every type of installation or replacement is automatically covered by the same rule.
If your device fails, confirm that your provider is qualified for the specific repair required, not just the original compliance test.
For more information, see 5 Signs Your Backflow Preventer Needs Repair Before You Fail Inspection.
Do You Need a Plumber for Backflow Replacement or Installation?
Backflow replacement or installation may require a licensed plumber or other appropriately licensed contractor depending on the jurisdiction, device, plumbing system, and scope of work.
Replacing a backflow preventer can be more involved than testing or repairing the existing assembly.
The work may require:
Removing the existing assembly
Installing new fittings
Modifying the surrounding piping
Selecting the correct replacement device
Meeting clearance and orientation requirements
Following plumbing-code requirements
Testing the newly installed assembly
Submitting updated compliance documentation
Denver Water, for example, states that customers are responsible for hiring a licensed installer to install a required backflow prevention assembly. The newly installed assembly must then be tested by a certified tester.
Because replacement and installation rules vary, confirm that your provider has the licensing and local qualifications required for the specific work.
What About Fire Suppression Backflow Testing?
Fire suppression systems may require backflow prevention because stagnant or non-potable water inside the fire system must be kept separate from the clean drinking-water supply.
These systems deserve special attention because fire-line testing, repairs, and replacement may involve requirements that differ from standard irrigation or domestic-water backflow work.
Property managers should confirm that a provider has experience with the specific fire-system assembly before scheduling service.
Fire suppression backflow work may involve:
Specialized assembly types
Large commercial devices
Separate testing procedures
Fire-protection contractors
Different repair or replacement requirements
Coordination with local water or fire authorities
Not every company that tests residential irrigation devices is equipped to service a commercial fire line.
Durango specifically lists fire suppression systems among the potential cross-connections that may require backflow protection. Denver Water likewise requires approved assemblies on fire-line services within its system.
If your property has a fire suppression system, ask about that capability specifically rather than assuming it is included.
Who Can Perform Backflow Testing in Denver and Colorado?
In the Denver Water service area, required backflow prevention assemblies must be tested after installation and annually thereafter by a certified backflow prevention assembly tester.
Denver Water also states that:
Commercial, industrial, domestic, irrigation, and fire-line services may require approved backflow protection.
Testing is required upon installation and annually afterward.
Customers are responsible for hiring a certified tester.
Annual test reports must be submitted to Denver Water.
Domestic and irrigation assemblies can be inspected, tested, and repaired by certified testers with qualifying ABPA or ASSE credentials under Colorado’s updated rules.
Installation should be evaluated separately.
Denver Water states that installation of a required assembly must be performed by a licensed installer, followed by testing by a certified tester.
That makes the distinction between testing and repair versus installation and replacement particularly important when choosing a Denver-area provider.
Who Can Perform Backflow Testing in Durango?
Backflow prevention assemblies within the City of Durango water system must be tested by a certified backflow tester.
Durango requires testing:
Upon installation
After repairs to the assembly
Once annually
The city also requires test reports to be submitted to its Cross Connection Control Program within five days of the test, and property owners must retain test reports for three years.
Durango identifies a range of systems that may create cross-connections, including:
Irrigation
Fire suppression
In-floor heating
Beverage dispensers
Food-production facilities
Medical and dental facilities
Commercial and industrial processes
If your property is in Durango, use a qualified provider familiar with the city’s testing and reporting process rather than assuming any plumber can complete the compliance requirement.
Who Can Perform Backflow Testing in Las Vegas and Henderson?
Backflow requirements in Southern Nevada depend on the water authority and type of assembly.
Henderson
The City of Henderson requires backflow testing to be performed by a City-authorized tester.
To become authorized, testers must meet Henderson’s certification and licensing requirements and be approved by the city’s Cross-Connection Control program. Henderson currently requires approved testers to hold certification through organizations such as the American Water Works Association or American Backflow Prevention Association, along with applicable business licensing and other qualifications.
The city requires assemblies to be tested annually and when they are installed, repaired, or replaced.
Henderson also makes an important point for property owners: the customer remains responsible for ensuring that the testing company submits the required report to the city.
Las Vegas Valley
Properties within the Las Vegas Valley Water District should first determine which backflow assembly is being serviced and who owns it.
LVVWD states that backflow assemblies at the meter within its system are tested and maintained by the Water District. Privately owned assemblies are subject to Nevada requirements for tester qualifications.
LVVWD's cross-connection program covers hazards including commercial properties, irrigation systems, fire services, and other property uses that could allow water to move back toward the public supply.
For Las Vegas-area properties, confirm the applicable water authority and whether the device is utility-owned or privately owned before scheduling testing.
Who Can Perform Backflow Testing in Utah, Arizona, and Southern California?
Testing rules differ across states, but one principle is consistent: required backflow testing should be performed by someone holding the certification recognized by the applicable program.
Utah
Utah requires individuals to hold a Utah Backflow Assembly Tester certification to test backflow prevention assemblies in the state.
The Utah Division of Drinking Water says the certification applies to people who have completed training and examination and are qualified to test backflow assemblies.
Utah also explicitly warns that additional licensing may be required if the professional intends to repair or install assemblies.
That makes Utah a clear example of the distinction between being qualified to test an assembly and being licensed to perform every type of plumbing work associated with it.
Arizona
Arizona requires all applicable backflow prevention assemblies to be tested at least annually by a certified backflow tester.
The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality states that General Backflow Tester certifications must come through an ADEQ-approved certifying authority.
Required assemblies are also tested after installation, relocation, or repair.
Local water systems may have additional reporting, submission, or program requirements, so property owners should verify both the tester’s certification and the rules of their local utility.
Southern California
California operates under its statewide Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook, which establishes requirements for public water systems and cross-connection control programs.
The handbook took effect July 1, 2024, and the State Water Resources Control Board adopted revisions in April 2026.
Local public water systems still play an important role in implementing cross-connection control requirements.
For a Southern California property, that means a provider should understand both the statewide framework and the procedures used by the local water supplier.
Before booking, confirm:
Which certification the water system recognizes
Whether the tester needs local registration
How reports are submitted
Whether additional licensing is needed for repair or installation
Whether specialized systems require additional coordination
Why Local Authorization Matters for Cross-Connection Compliance
Local authorization matters because backflow testing is part of a broader cross-connection control program.
The goal is not simply to put a gauge on a device and generate a test result. The test has to satisfy the requirements of the authority responsible for protecting the local drinking-water system.
Depending on the jurisdiction, a provider may need to know:
Which water authority oversees the property
Whether the city has an approved tester list
Which certifications are recognized
Which forms must be used
Where test results are submitted
How quickly results must be filed
What happens after a failed test
Whether repairs require a second report
Whether retesting is required
Whether fire suppression work has different rules
That is why choosing the cheapest or closest plumber is not necessarily the best way to handle a compliance deadline.
The right provider is not simply the closest person with plumbing tools. It is the provider who understands the cross-connection rules attached to your property and can complete the required work without leaving compliance gaps.
Can One Company Handle Testing, Repairs, Replacement, and Reporting?
Yes. Many property owners benefit from working with one backflow company that can coordinate certified testing, repairs, replacement, retesting, and compliance reporting.
An end-to-end provider can reduce:
Vendor handoffs
Scheduling delays
Communication problems
Missing paperwork
Unclear responsibility after a failed test
Separate invoices
Repeated site visits
This is especially useful for:
Apartment complexes
HOAs
Retail properties
Warehouses
Office buildings
Hospitality properties
Industrial facilities
Multi-location portfolios
The important distinction is that one company can provide these services without every individual technician holding every possible credential.
An end-to-end provider may use certified testers, licensed plumbers, and specialized technicians as needed while giving the property owner one point of contact.
Integrity Backflow, for example, provides certified annual backflow testing, compliance reporting, water-authority submission, automated reminders, and licensed backflow repair and plumbing in-house.
For property managers, the advantage is simple: if an assembly fails, you do not have to start searching for another contractor before the deadline.
What Should You Ask Before Hiring a Backflow Testing Provider?
Before booking, ask whether the tester is certified for your jurisdiction, whether the company can handle repairs and replacement, and whether it submits compliance documentation.
A useful checklist includes:
Are you certified or authorized to test in my city?
Which backflow certifications do your testers hold?
Are you familiar with my local water authority?
Do you submit test reports directly?
Is reporting included in the price?
Do you repair devices that fail?
Can you retest the device after repairs?
Can you replace or install an assembly if necessary?
Do you have licensed plumbers available when required?
Can you service fire suppression backflow devices?
Do you work with HOAs, apartments, and commercial properties?
Can you coordinate service across multiple locations?
What is included in the quoted price?
Do you track annual testing deadlines?
For larger properties, also ask whether the company can maintain records for multiple assemblies and coordinate testing across several buildings.
A provider that can perform the test but leaves the property owner responsible for finding a repair company, arranging a retest, and figuring out where to submit the paperwork may not actually simplify the compliance process.
For more guidance, read Backflow Testing Near Me: What to Look for Before You Book.
How to Find a Certified Backflow Tester Near You
To find a certified backflow tester near you, begin with the water authority responsible for your property.
Then:
Identify your local water authority.
Requirements are often tied to the water provider rather than simply the city or state.Check for an approved tester list.
Some jurisdictions publish lists of authorized or certified providers.Verify the tester’s certification.
Do not assume a plumbing license automatically satisfies the testing requirement.Ask about report submission.
Confirm who sends the completed test report to the water authority.Confirm repair capabilities.
Ask what happens if the assembly fails.Ask about replacement and installation.
Determine whether appropriately licensed professionals are available if more extensive work is needed.Confirm specialized capabilities.
Fire suppression, commercial, or large-device testing may require different experience.Compare total service, not just the test price.
Reporting, submission, repairs, retesting, and recurring reminders can matter just as much as the initial appointment.Plan for next year.
A provider that tracks annual deadlines can make recurring compliance much easier.
The goal is not simply to find a backflow testing company nearby.
It is to find one qualified to handle the specific compliance requirements attached to your property.
The Right Backflow Provider Depends on the Work You Need
A plumber and a certified backflow tester are not always interchangeable.
If you need an annual compliance test, you need someone who holds the certification or local authorization required to perform that test.
If the device fails, the repair may require different credentials.
If the assembly needs to be replaced, relocated, or newly installed, licensed plumbing support or other specialized licensing may be required.
And if the device serves a fire suppression system, the work may involve another layer of coordination.
The safest approach is to choose a provider that understands the cross-connection requirements for your property and can coordinate every step from testing through compliance submission.
Need help figuring out who should test, repair, or replace your backflow preventer? Request a quote or schedule service with Integrity Backflow today.
Common Questions About Certified Backflow Testers
Can any plumber perform a backflow test?
No. A plumber can perform a required backflow compliance test only if they also hold the certification or authorization required by the applicable water authority. A general plumbing license alone does not necessarily qualify someone to perform the test.
What certification does a backflow tester need?
The required certification depends on the state and local jurisdiction. Some water authorities recognize certifications from specific organizations, while others maintain their own authorization or approved-tester process.
Do I need a certified backflow tester or a plumber?
Use a certified backflow tester for the required compliance test. A licensed plumber or other appropriately licensed professional may also be needed for installation, replacement, pipe modifications, or certain repairs depending on local rules.
Can a certified backflow tester repair a failed device?
In some jurisdictions, yes. Repair permissions vary by state, city, assembly type, and scope of work. More extensive plumbing work may require a licensed plumber.
Who can replace a backflow preventer?
Backflow preventer replacement may require a licensed plumber or another appropriately licensed contractor, depending on local requirements and the system involved. Confirm the provider’s qualifications before scheduling the work.
Does a repaired backflow preventer need to be retested?
Yes. A repaired backflow prevention assembly generally needs to be retested to confirm that it is functioning correctly and to complete the compliance process.
Who submits the backflow test report?
The certified tester or service company may submit the report directly, but practices vary by jurisdiction. Property owners should confirm reporting responsibilities before scheduling service.
Can the same company test and repair a backflow preventer?
Often, yes. An end-to-end backflow provider may coordinate certified testers, repair technicians, licensed plumbers, and compliance reporting through one company.
Do fire suppression backflow devices need specialized testing?
Fire suppression systems may have additional testing, repair, or licensing requirements. Confirm that the provider has experience with fire-line backflow assemblies and the appropriate credentials for the work.
How do I find an authorized backflow tester in my city?
Start with your local water authority’s website or approved-tester list when one is available. Then confirm the provider’s certification, repair capabilities, reporting process, and experience with your property type before booking.
