WSSC Backflow Prevention Valve Testing
WSSC-certified annual backflow testing, repair, and electronic CCTR submission throughout Maryland — Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Anne Arundel counties.
Looking for commercial or residential testing in the District? Visit our DC Water Backflow Testing compliance page.
Durance Plumbing is a WSSC-certified backflow valve testing company serving commercial and residential properties throughout Maryland. If you’ve received a letter from WSSC Water notifying you that your annual backflow preventer valve testing is due, give us a call. We will schedule a test date that works for you, perform the physical inspection with calibrated gauges, and submit the passing results directly to WSSC through the official Cross-Connection Test Report (CCTR) database on your behalf.
We provide backflow testing and full-service plumbing in the Maryland counties of Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Anne Arundel, including Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Bowie, Gaithersburg, Rockville, Laurel, Greenbelt, College Park, and surrounding areas.
What Is a Backflow Preventer and Why Does WSSC Require Testing?
A backflow preventer is a mechanical valve assembly installed on your water service line that stops contaminated water from flowing backward into the public drinking water supply. Backflow can happen when there’s a sudden drop in water pressure — for example, a hydrant flush, a water main break, or heavy demand during a fire — and water from your irrigation system, boiler, fire sprinkler line, or other auxiliary system gets pulled back into the main.
WSSC Water, the utility that serves Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, requires annual testing of backflow assemblies on any property where cross-contamination is a documented risk. This includes nearly all commercial properties, plus residential properties with irrigation systems, fire suppression, boilers, pools, or other auxiliary connections. The annual test confirms the valve still seals correctly and protects the public water supply.
Our Backflow Testing Services
Annual Compliance Testing
Our certified technicians arrive with calibrated test gauges, perform the WSSC-required test procedure on each assembly, and document the results on the official CCTR form. If the device passes, we submit the report electronically to WSSC within the required 30-business-day window. You receive a copy of the passing report for your own records.
Repair and Replacement
If your assembly fails the test, WSSC requires repair or replacement before a passing CCTR can be filed. Because Durance is a WSSC-licensed Principal Master Plumber (not just a tester), we can repair or replace the unit on the spot, re-test, and file the passing report in the same visit. Many test-only companies have to send a separate plumber out, which doubles your downtime and your bill.
New Backflow Assembly Installation
If you’re adding an irrigation system, fire suppression line, boiler, or any other system that requires a backflow assembly, we’ll size and install the correct device, pull the WSSC permit, and submit the initial test report so your installation is compliant from day one.
WSSC Notification Response
If you’ve received a non-compliance notice or a final warning from WSSC, call us right away. We can usually get on-site within 24-48 hours and bring you back into compliance the same day, including same-day CCTR submission if the assembly passes.
Types of Backflow Preventers We Test
- Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) assemblies — the highest-protection device, common on commercial water service and high-hazard installations.
- Double Check Valve (DCV) assemblies — common on fire suppression lines and lower-hazard commercial connections.
- Pressure Vacuum Breakers (PVB) — common on residential and commercial irrigation systems.
- Spill-Resistant Vacuum Breakers (SVB) — used where a PVB would discharge water indoors.
- Atmospheric Vacuum Breakers (AVB) — generally not testable, but we can advise on replacement when required.
Why Durance for Backflow Testing
One company, start to finish. Test, repair if needed, re-test, and electronic CCTR submission — all by the same crew, in the same visit when possible. No coordinating between a tester and a separate plumber.
Registered for CCTR submission. WSSC requires test reports to be submitted electronically by a registered Principal Master Plumber. We’re registered, so your results go straight from our gauge to the WSSC database. No paperwork ends up sitting on your desk.
We track your renewal date. We log the next due date for every assembly we test and reach out before the deadline so you stay in continuous compliance without thinking about it.
Calibrated gauges, current certification. WSSC requires test gauges to be calibrated annually and testers to maintain current certification. We keep both current — and we’ll show you the calibration sticker if you ask.
Frequently Asked Questions About WSSC Backflow Testing
How often does WSSC require backflow testing?
WSSC Water requires commercial properties and residential accounts with specific high-risk plumbing systems (like lawn irrigation or fire suppression) to have their backflow preventer valves tested annually by a certified technician.
Can I submit my own WSSC Cross-Connection Test Report (CCTR)?
No. WSSC regulations state that customers cannot self-submit physical or PDF test reports. The results must be submitted electronically via the official WSSC CCTR database by a registered Principal Master Plumber within 30 business days of the physical test.
What happens if I miss my annual backflow test deadline?
Missing your annual WSSC backflow test deadline can result in non-compliance notices, fines, and in some cases water service interruption. WSSC typically sends a reminder letter, but the property owner is ultimately responsible for staying current. Durance schedules follow-up testing automatically so you never miss the deadline.
What types of backflow preventers does Durance test?
Durance is certified to test all common assemblies including Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) assemblies, Double Check Valve (DCV) assemblies, Pressure Vacuum Breakers (PVB), and Spill-Resistant Vacuum Breakers (SVB) used on irrigation systems, fire suppression lines, boilers, and commercial water service.
How much does a WSSC backflow test cost?
Pricing varies by assembly type, location, and the number of devices on the property. Most residential single-device tests are flat-rate, and commercial multi-device sites receive a per-device quote. Call (301) 270-6663 for a same-day price specific to your address.
What if my backflow preventer fails the test?
If the assembly fails, WSSC requires repair or replacement before a passing report can be submitted. Because Durance is a WSSC-licensed Principal Master Plumber, we can repair or replace the valve and re-test in the same visit, then file the passing CCTR electronically on your behalf.
Do I need a backflow test for a residential property?
Most single-family homes on standard water service do not require backflow testing. Testing is required when a residence has an auxiliary system — irrigation, fire suppression, a pool fill line, a boiler with chemical treatment, or similar — that creates cross-connection risk. If you’ve received a WSSC letter, you need a test.
— Commercial property manager, Silver Spring
Schedule Your Backflow Test Today
Call (301) 270-6663 to schedule your WSSC backflow test, or request service online. Same-week appointments available throughout Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Anne Arundel counties.