“Protect Your Water Supply with Backflow Inspections”
Backflow inspections are essential for ensuring the safety and quality of the public water supply. Backflow occurs when water flows in the opposite direction it is intended to, potentially contaminating the water supply with harmful substances. That’s why it’s crucial for commercial, industrial, and multi-family properties to have backflow prevention assemblies installed and tested annually.
At Durance Plumbing, we offer comprehensive backflow inspection services in Anne Arundel County, WSSC, and Washington D.C. Our certified technicians use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to perform accurate and reliable backflow tests. Whether you’re a business owner or a property manager, our backflow inspections will help you stay in compliance with local regulations and protect your water supply from potential contamination.
Don’t wait – schedule your backflow inspection with Durance Plumbing today and enjoy peace of mind knowing your water supply is protected!
Backflow preventer valves are crucial components in a plumbing system as they protect the clean water supply from any potential contamination. It is important to have these valves tested regularly to ensure they are working effectively. Here are some reasons why you should consider hiring a plumber to test your backflow preventer valve:
Expertise: Plumbers have the necessary training and experience to properly test backflow preventer valves. They have the right tools and equipment to diagnose any problems and make necessary repairs.
Safety: Testing backflow preventer valves requires working with water and electrical connections. A professional plumber has the knowledge and skills to perform these tasks safely, minimizing the risk of injury or damage to your property.
Compliance: In many areas, local codes require regular testing of backflow preventer valves. Hiring a plumber helps ensure that you are meeting these requirements and avoiding potential penalties.
Accuracy: A professional plumber will perform a thorough test of your backflow preventer valve to ensure that it is functioning correctly. They will be able to accurately identify any issues and provide recommendations for repair or replacement if necessary.
Peace of Mind: Knowing that your backflow preventer valve is working correctly gives you peace of mind that your clean water supply is protected. Hiring a plumber to test it regularly ensures that it is functioning effectively and that you are doing your part to keep your water supply safe.
In conclusion, regular testing of backflow preventer valves is important to ensure they are functioning effectively and protecting your clean water supply. Hiring a professional plumber is the best way to ensure accurate testing, safe and efficient repairs, and compliance with local codes.
Backflow Preventer Testing: What it is and Why it is Important
Backflow preventer testing is the process of checking a backflow prevention device to ensure it is working properly. A backflow prevention device is a critical component in a plumbing system that helps to prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the main water supply. The device works by using check valves to stop water from flowing in the wrong direction.
Backflow preventer testing is required by law in many states and is an important step in maintaining safe drinking water. It is also necessary to ensure that the backflow prevention device is functioning properly and is able to protect the public from potentially dangerous water contamination.
Here are the steps involved in backflow preventer testing:
Inspection: The first step is to inspect the backflow preventer for any signs of damage or wear. Check for leaks, cracks, or other signs of damage that may indicate the device is not working properly.
Disassembly: If necessary, the backflow preventer will need to be disassembled so that all of its components can be checked.
Testing: The next step is to test the backflow preventer to ensure that it is functioning properly. This may involve running water through the device and checking the check valves to see if they are opening and closing properly.
Repair or Replacement: If the backflow preventer is not functioning properly, it will need to be repaired or replaced.
Certification: Finally, a certificate of compliance will be issued to indicate that the backflow preventer has been tested and is functioning properly. This certificate is required by law in many states.
In conclusion, backflow preventer testing is a critical step in maintaining safe drinking water and is required by law in many states. It is important to have a backflow preventer tested regularly to ensure that it is functioning properly and is able to protect the public from potentially dangerous water contamination.
If you live or work in or around the Silver Spring, MD and need to have a hot water heater installer to replace or repair an old or defective water heater. Look no further than Durance Plumbing. We offer complete water heater repair, replacement, and installation services. We specialize in residential, commercial and tankless water heater repair and replacement services in Montgomery, Howard and Prince Georges counties.
We will remove and dispose of your old heater in an environmentally responsible way and install your new one in accordance to all state and local codes. Our services are done in a professional and timely manner all at a reasonable rate.
Adam spent the morning at our house testing our water heater. After many hours, including Kirk coming by to consult, they left without charging me at all! Adam is so friendly and helpful. I highly recommend Durance Plumbing!
Just completed our hot water heater replacement. The job was tough due to a tight space and older plumbing, but they cranked through and did a great job. Thanks!
LOOK NO FURTHER!!! This is the plumber to hire, if you want the job done correctly and for a great price! I called them after I was disappointed by the empty promises that I received from another company. I called and learned that this is a two-man show. I described the problem and felt very comfortable with the on-the-phone diagnosis. My partially clogged basement drain was snaked and opened. The cost was discussed over the phone and there were NO HIDDEN COST. Now, the icing on the cake, the plumber was neat, polite and extremely personable. Hire, them, you will be glad you did!
If it’s time to repair or replace your current hot water heater call, text or email us for an estimate today!
If you live in Columbia,MD and have tried tried various do-it-yourself drain cleaning methods and still aren’t satisfied with the results. Call Durance Plumbing… we provide professional drain cleaning services in Columbia,Md and the surrounding Howard county area.
Professional drain cleaning equipment used by Durance Plumbing to clear stubborn clogs in Silver Spring and Montgomery County
A clogged drain can quickly turn from a minor annoyance into a major headache. Whether it’s a slow-draining sink, a blocked shower, or a completely stopped sewer line, clogged drain repair requires the right tools, experience, and local knowledge to fix it right the first time. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the causes, signs, and solutions — plus why Silver Spring and Montgomery County homeowners trust Durance Plumbing for fast, dependable service.
At Durance Plumbing, we offer same-day service for clogged drain repair in Silver Spring, MD and Montgomery County. Our approach includes:
Camera inspection to locate deep clogs
Hydro-jetting to flush tough blockages
Sewer line clearing
Preventative maintenance plans
What Causes a Clogged Drain?
Clogs happen for many reasons, and knowing the cause helps you prevent future problems:
Hair and soap buildup in bathroom drains
Food particles & grease in kitchen sinks
Foreign objects flushed down toilets
Mineral buildup from hard water
Tree roots in sewer lines requiring professional removal
Signs You Need Professional Drain Repair
Look out for these telltale signs:
Water draining slowly or not at all
Foul odors coming from drains
Gurgling sounds when water flows
Recurring clogs in the same drain
Water backing up into other fixtures
When homeowners notice these issues, it’s often time to call a licensed plumber rather than rely on store-bought drain cleaners.
Need Help with a Clogged Drain?
Call Durance Plumbing at (301) 270-6663 for fast, professional clogged drain repair in Silver Spring and throughout Montgomery County.
We perform the WSSC mandated Backflow preventer test and Backflow assembly installation in Bethesda, Rockville, Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Chevy Chase and other cities and towns in Montgomery county, Maryland. The WSSC states that backflow preventer assemblies have to be inspected and tested for proper operation yearly. The inspection and test can only be performed by WSSC certified plumbers. When it’s time for your backflow preventer test and inspection be it commercial or residential…Give us a call at (301)-270-6663 for quick service.
WSSC-certified annual backflow testing, repair, and electronic CCTR filing for residential and commercial properties throughout Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties, Maryland.
WSSC Master Plumber License #71643Pipeline Institute Certified Technician #23-0210Registered for WSSC CCTR Electronic SubmissionServing Maryland since 2008
Got a WSSC letter? Annual testing deadlines fill up fast. Same-week appointments are available throughout Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Anne Arundel counties. Call (301) 270-6663 or request service online to get on the schedule today.
What Is WSSC Backflow Testing and Why Is It Required?
A backflow preventer is a mechanical valve assembly installed on your property’s water service line. Its job is to stop water from flowing backward — from your plumbing system back into WSSC’s public drinking water supply. Backflow can happen any time there is a sudden drop in water pressure: a water main break, a hydrant flush, heavy fire flow demand, or plumbing work nearby. When that pressure drop occurs, water from an irrigation system, boiler, fire suppression line, pool fill connection, or other auxiliary source can be siphoned back into the main — carrying contaminants with it.
WSSC Water (the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission) requires annual testing of any backflow prevention assembly on a property where cross-contamination is a documented risk. The test confirms the device still seals correctly under pressure. Under WSSC regulations, the test must be performed by a certified tester and the results submitted electronically to the WSSC Cross-Connection Test Report (CCTR) database within 30 business days — by a registered Principal Master Plumber, not the property owner.
Who Needs WSSC Backflow Testing?
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Commercial & IndustrialAll commercial buildings on WSSC water service require annual testing.
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Irrigation SystemsResidential or commercial properties with lawn sprinkler or drip systems.
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Fire SuppressionProperties with sprinkler or fire suppression lines connected to WSSC service.
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Restaurants & Food ServiceAll food service establishments with auxiliary water connections.
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Medical & Dental OfficesClinics and labs with specialized plumbing or chemical treatment systems.
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Boilers & HVACAny system using chemically treated water connected to the water service line.
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Pools & Cooling TowersPools, water features, and cooling towers with WSSC line connections.
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Multi-Family & HOAApartment buildings, condominiums, and HOA-managed common areas.
Most standard single-family homes without any of the above connections are exempt. If you received a WSSC letter, you are not exempt — call (301) 270-6663 and we’ll confirm what’s required at your address.
Our WSSC Backflow Testing Services
Annual Compliance Testing
Certified technicians with calibrated gauges perform the required WSSC test procedure on each assembly and submit your passing CCTR electronically within the required 30-business-day window. You receive a copy for your records.
Repair & Replacement
If your assembly fails, we repair or replace it on the spot and re-test in a single visit. Because Durance is a licensed Master Plumber — not just a tester — you don’t need a second company or a second trip.
New Installation
Adding an irrigation system, fire suppression line, or boiler? We size and install the correct device, pull the WSSC permit, and submit the initial test report so your installation is compliant from day one.
Non-Compliance Response
Received a WSSC non-compliance notice or final warning? We can typically be on-site within 24–48 hours and restore compliance the same day, including same-day CCTR submission when the assembly passes.
Types of Backflow Preventers We Test & Service
Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Assemblies — The highest-protection device, required on commercial water service and high-hazard installations including irrigation, boiler, and fire suppression lines.
Double Check Valve (DCV) Assemblies — Commonly required on fire suppression lines and lower-hazard commercial connections.
Pressure Vacuum Breakers (PVB) — The most common device on residential and commercial irrigation systems.
Spill-Resistant Vacuum Breakers (SVB) — Used in indoor locations where a standard PVB would discharge water.
Atmospheric Vacuum Breakers (AVB) — Generally not testable as an assembly; we advise on WSSC-required upgrades when applicable.
The WSSC Backflow Testing Process — Step by Step
Call or Request Online
Tell us your address and, if available, the type and number of backflow assemblies. We confirm your service area and schedule an appointment — usually same-week.
On-Site Testing with Calibrated Equipment
Our technician arrives with WSSC-required calibrated test gauges and performs the physical inspection on each assembly.
Pass / Fail Results on the Spot
You know the outcome before we leave. No waiting for a report in the mail.
Same-Visit Repair or Replacement if Needed
If a device fails, we provide an immediate estimate. In most cases we complete the repair or replacement the same visit — common parts and assemblies are stocked on our trucks.
Electronic CCTR Submission
We submit the passing results directly to the WSSC Cross-Connection Test Report database as a registered Principal Master Plumber — within the required 30-business-day window.
You Receive a Copy
A copy of the filed CCTR goes to you for your own records, insurance documentation, or property management files.
Durance Plumbing Credentials: WSSC Master Plumber License #71643 · Pipeline Institute Certified Backflow Prevention Technician #23-0210 · Registered Principal Master Plumber for WSSC CCTR Electronic Submission · BBB Accredited · Serving Maryland since 2008
Why Property Owners and Managers Choose Durance
One Company, Start to Finish
Test, repair or replace if needed, re-test, and CCTR submission — all by the same certified crew in the same visit when possible. No coordinating between a tester and a separate plumber.
Registered for CCTR Submission
WSSC requires electronic CCTR filing by a registered Principal Master Plumber. We’re registered and submit directly to the WSSC database. Results don’t sit on a desk waiting for paperwork.
We Track Your Renewal Date
We log the next due date for every assembly we test and reach out before the deadline. You stay in continuous compliance without having to remember it yourself.
Calibrated Gauges & Current Certification
WSSC requires annual gauge calibration and current tester certification. Both stay current — we’ll show you the calibration sticker if you ask.
Master Plumber, Not Just a Tester
Many backflow testers can only test — not repair or pull permits. Durance holds WSSC Master Plumber License #71643. If something needs replacing, we do it ourselves.
15+ Years of WSSC Compliance
We know how WSSC wants CCTRs formatted, what they flag for rejection, and what turnaround looks like.That’s the difference between a one-visit job and a multi-week compliance headache.
WSSC Backflow Testing Service Areas
Montgomery County, MD
Silver Spring
Takoma Park
Rockville
Gaithersburg
Germantown
Bethesda
Wheaton
Kensington
Olney
Potomac
Prince George’s County, MD
Bowie
Laurel
College Park
Greenbelt
Hyattsville
Bladensburg
New Carrollton
Beltsville
Largo
Upper Marlboro
Anne Arundel County, MD
Annapolis area
Glen Burnie
Severn
Pasadena
Odenton
Not sure if you’re in our service area? Call (301) 270-6663 — we’ll confirm in under a minute.
Also serving DC & Rockville: In addition to WSSC jurisdiction, Durance is certified for DC Water backflow testing and City of Rockville backflow compliance. Properties inside Rockville city limits use a separate water authority from WSSC — call us if you’re unsure which applies to you.
Frequently Asked Questions About WSSC Backflow Testing
How often does WSSC require backflow testing?
WSSC Water requires annual backflow preventer testing for all commercial properties and any residential property with a high-risk auxiliary system — including lawn irrigation, fire suppression, boilers, or pools. Results must be submitted to WSSC within 30 business days of the test date.
Can I submit my own WSSC Cross-Connection Test Report (CCTR)?
No. WSSC regulations prohibit property owners from self-submitting test results. The CCTR must be submitted electronically through the official WSSC database by a registered Principal Master Plumber within 30 business days. Durance is registered and handles all CCTR submissions directly on your behalf.
What happens if I miss my WSSC 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. If you’ve already missed a deadline, call (301) 270-6663 — we can typically be on-site within 24–48 hours and restore compliance the same day.
What happens if my backflow preventer fails the WSSC test?
If the assembly fails, WSSC requires it to be repaired or replaced and then re-tested before a passing CCTR can be filed. Because Durance is a licensed Master Plumber — not just a tester — we can rebuild or replace the device and re-test in the same visit. We provide an itemized estimate before any repair work begins.
Do I need a backflow test for a residential property?
Most standard single-family homes on WSSC water service do not require backflow testing. Testing is required when a residence has an auxiliary system that creates cross-connection risk: a lawn irrigation system, fire suppression line, pool fill connection, boiler with chemical treatment, or similar. If you received a letter from WSSC, you need a test — call us and we’ll confirm what applies to your property.
How much does WSSC backflow testing cost?
Pricing depends on the assembly type, the number of devices on the property, and location. Most residential single-device tests are flat-rate. Commercial and multi-device properties receive a per-device quote. Call (301) 270-6663 for a same-day price specific to your address. All estimates are provided upfront — no surprises on the bill.
How long does a WSSC backflow test take?
A standard single-device test typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on device size, condition, and site access. If a repair or replacement is needed, that adds time — but most failures are resolved in the same visit. We’ll give you a realistic time estimate when you call.
What is a WSSC CCTR and why does it matter?
CCTR stands for Cross-Connection Test Report. It is the official form WSSC requires to document a backflow preventer test result. It must be submitted electronically by a registered Principal Master Plumber within 30 business days of the test. A properly filed CCTR is your documented proof of compliance — without it, your property is non-compliant regardless of whether the physical test was performed.
Does Durance also handle DC Water and City of Rockville backflow testing?
Yes. In addition to WSSC jurisdiction, Durance is certified for DC Water backflow testing in the District of Columbia and for City of Rockville backflow compliance. Properties in Rockville city limits are on a separate water authority from WSSC — if you’re unsure which jurisdiction applies to you, call us and we’ll confirm in under a minute.
What types of commercial properties does Durance serve?
We serve the full range: retail and restaurants, medical and dental offices, multi-family residential buildings, HOA-managed properties, industrial facilities, and properties with irrigation systems, fire suppression lines, cooling towers, and boilers. We also work with property managers overseeing multi-site portfolios — handling bulk scheduling, proactive deadline tracking, and compliance documentation across multiple jurisdictions. See our commercial backflow compliance page for details.
What Our Customers Say
WSSC sent us a notice that our irrigation backflow preventer needed testing and we were already past the deadline. Durance came out the next morning, the valve actually failed, but they had the replacement on the truck. Installed it, tested it, and had the CCTR filed with WSSC before they left. One visit, one bill, back in compliance.
— Commercial property manager, Silver Spring
Called Kirk on a Wednesday about a WSSC backflow notice we’d been sitting on. He had us tested and registered by Friday. Same person on the phone, same person on the truck. Couldn’t be easier.
— Property owner, Silver Spring
Schedule Your WSSC Backflow Test Today
Annual testing deadlines fill up fast. Same-week appointments available throughout Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Anne Arundel counties. Call now or request service online — we respond within one business day.
It’s the most wonderful time of the year-NOT!!!… if you’re dealing with clogged drains and leaky pipes or a faulty hot water heater!!The holiday season is no time to have a plumbing failure..but it happens frequently during this time of year. The drastic changes in temperature can cause pipes to expand and/or contract too quickly which can cause them to fail. Additional guests in the home can place additional stress on older hot water heater elements and it won’t be able to keep up with the hot water demand. But it doesn’t have to happen to you this season..simply call Durance Plumbing today and set an appointment for a whole home plumbing inspection and a water heater maintenance package.This service package includes: The plumbing inspection includes an examination of the water heater, exposed pipes and drains, faucet and toilet adjustments. We’ll also:
Clean and flush the water heater
Test temperature and pressure relief valve
Inspect and test emergency shut off valves for gas lines and water lines
Valve tag all home main emergency shut offs
Perform hardness and chlorine test on the water in the home
Die test all toilet tanks for leaks
Test all faucets for proper operation
Test water temperature for customer safety
Inspect all drains for proper operation
If the licensed, bonded, and insured plumbers at Durance Plumbing know two things, it’s that a bratwurst makes a terrible wrench and that a good customer relationship is based on trust. That’s why we back up all of services with a money back satisfaction guarantee.
When Durance Plumbing’s customers have questions or concerns, they can go straight to Kirk Durance—the company’s president. This type of access is what Kirk takes pride in, as he strives to continue the customer service that has earned his company praise throughout the local community.
Durance Plumbing has offices in these Maryland cities – Takoma Park, Laurel and Annapolis-Parole, to serve you quickly and efficiently. So don’t wait for an emergency to happen contact Durance Plumbing today to schedule your “Whole Home Plumbing Inspection”. If you’re near Takoma Park or Laurel, MD call (301) 270-6663 or in Annapolis-Parole,MD phone (410) 923-2279.
Did you know? Indoor plumbing first became available in more developed areas of this country during the end of the 19th century. The water closet and drainage system used to create this was oddly enough created by Thomas Crapper. That is where the slang for the word bathroom comes from.Can you imagine how our daily lives would be affected in the Washington-Baltimore corridor area without modern toilets and plumbing systems? We’d have Out houses in the back yard…btw – it’s a matter of fact, that some still can be found in the southern Maryland area? How often would we need to move and fill them. I don’t think apartment buildings or condos would be allowed, because of the possible waste water and sewage disposal and contamination issues. And lets not forget the lack of hot running water. There would be no modern appliances like washing machines, hot water heaters and dishwashers. I don’t think we as a people could have become so advanced without modern plumbing, do you? And lets not forget about the piping for gas, that we use to heat our homes, cook our food and heat our water. Today we should remember and be thankful for Mr. Thomas Crapper, the modern day plumbing system and all the plumbers and technicians who maintain and care for it.
