What Is a Backflow Preventer?
A backflow preventer is a mechanical assembly installed on your plumbing system to stop contaminated water from flowing backwards into the clean municipal water supply. When water pressure drops suddenly — due to a water main break, heavy usage, or fire suppression activity — backflow can pull dirty water, chemicals, or other contaminants from your property back into the public water system. A properly functioning backflow preventer assembly is your home or business's first line of defense against water contamination.
Why Annual Testing Is Required
The City of Dallas, Fort Worth, and most municipalities in Texas require annual backflow preventer assembly testing by a state-certified tester. This ensures the device is functioning correctly and protecting the public water supply. Property owners who fail to have their backflow preventers tested on time can face fines, water service shutoffs, and liability for any contamination that occurs. Sayre Services will test your assembly, complete all required paperwork, and submit your test report directly to the water authority on your behalf.
Who Needs Backflow Testing?
Backflow preventer testing is required for a wide range of residential and commercial properties, including:
- Commercial and industrial properties with irrigation systems
- Restaurants, food service facilities, and commercial kitchens
- Apartment complexes and multi-family housing
- Car washes and automotive service centers
- Medical and dental offices
- Any property with a fire suppression (sprinkler) system
- Properties with swimming pools or decorative fountains connected to the water supply
- Homes with irrigation or lawn sprinkler systems
Not sure if your property requires testing? Call us at 214-517-8558 and we'll help you find out.
Our Backflow Testing Process
Our certified backflow testers use calibrated differential pressure gauges to test each check valve and relief valve in your assembly. We test for proper operation under both static and flow conditions. The entire process typically takes 30–60 minutes depending on the number and type of assemblies at your property. After testing, we provide you with a signed test report and file the results with your local water authority. If the assembly fails, we can repair or replace it on the spot in most cases.
Backflow Preventer Repair & Replacement
If your backflow preventer assembly fails its annual test, don't panic — most failures are caused by worn internal components like check valve seats, rubber diaphragms, or springs that are inexpensive to replace. Sayre Services carries common repair parts on our service vehicles so we can often fix a failing assembly the same day we test it. If the assembly is old, damaged beyond repair, or no longer meets current code requirements, we'll recommend and install a code-compliant replacement unit and handle all required re-testing and paperwork.
Schedule Your Annual Test Today
Don't wait until your water authority sends a notice. Proactive annual testing keeps your property compliant, your water safe, and avoids last-minute scrambles to meet deadlines. Sayre Services makes the process easy — we schedule at your convenience, handle all the paperwork, and keep records of your test history so you're never caught off guard. Call us today or fill out our contact form to schedule your backflow preventer assembly test in Dallas or Fort Worth.