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Backflow Preventer Testing

by | Dec 7, 2013 | Annapolis Plumber, Parole Plumber, Silver Spring Plumber, Takoma Park Plumber

WSSC Backflow Testing & Compliance

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 #71643 Pipeline Institute Certified Technician #23-0210 Registered for WSSC CCTR Electronic Submission Serving Maryland since 2008
📞 Call (301) 270-6663 Request Service Online
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?

🏢
Commercial & IndustrialAll commercial buildings on WSSC water service require annual testing.
🌿
Irrigation SystemsResidential or commercial properties with lawn sprinkler or drip systems.
🔥
Fire SuppressionProperties with sprinkler or fire suppression lines connected to WSSC service.
🍽️
Restaurants & Food ServiceAll food service establishments with auxiliary water connections.
🏥
Medical & Dental OfficesClinics and labs with specialized plumbing or chemical treatment systems.
🌡️
Boilers & HVACAny system using chemically treated water connected to the water service line.
🏊
Pools & Cooling TowersPools, water features, and cooling towers with WSSC line connections.
🏘️
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

  1. 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.

  2. On-Site Testing with Calibrated Equipment

    Our technician arrives with WSSC-required calibrated test gauges and performs the physical inspection on each assembly.

  3. Pass / Fail Results on the Spot

    You know the outcome before we leave. No waiting for a report in the mail.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

📞 Call (301) 270-6663 Request Service Online

Monday – Friday  |  8:00 AM – 5:00 PM  |  Kirk@DurancePlumbing.com

Related Services

Schedule a Whole Home Plumbing Inspection

by | Dec 7, 2013 | Annapolis Plumber, Parole Plumber, Silver Spring Plumber, Takoma Park Plumber

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.

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How to Choose a Plumbing Company

by | Jun 20, 2013 | Annapolis Plumber, Parole Plumber, Plumbing Tips, Silver Spring Plumber, Takoma Park Plumber

Not all plumbing companies are created equally, and before you choose a plumbing company for your next project you should read this:

There are basically two types of plumbing companies: small-scale family-owned plumbing companies, and larger-scale oriented corporations.

The large companies are usually well known because of their catchy radio ad jingles, tv commercials and newspaper and direct mail advertisements. This is one of the primary reasons they are generally more expensive than the smaller mom and pop plumbing company.

Corporate plumbing companies tend to be more expensive also because their plumbers and technicians work on commission — and that encourages them to oversell you on goods and services that you may not actually need. In essence, many corporate plumbers are salesmen whose first priority isn’t fixing your clogged drain for the lowest price possible — it’s improving their employer’s bottom line.

Many times when you’re gathering estimates for a particular project their prices will be twice the price of a smaller company. They may even show you their price book, to show you that they aren’t overcharging you!
Don’t be fooled. A plumber’s price book only tells you what his company charges; every company’s book is different.

Commission-based sales aren’t the only reason larger corporate plumbers are more expensive. They also have to deal with overhead issues that smaller family-run businesses don’t, like maintaining large truck fleets and paying for worker’s comp insurance.

The next time you’re looking to find the right plumber at the right price, be sure to follow these tips:

1.When possible, get references. Nothing beats a word-of-mouth recommendation. Before getting any contractor estimates, make sure to ask your friends and neighbors if they have a preferred plumber.
2. Get a minimum of three estimates. Knowledge is power, so always get at least three estimates before agreeing to have any work done. Otherwise, you may end up paying a lot more than you need to.
3. Avoid plumbers who advertise on radio and television. Those ads cost big money. That means higher prices for you. Speaking of ads:
Beware of misleading ads. Larger plumbing corporations often use website and phone book ads featuring a random family photo to give the impression that their company is a small family-owned business.
Focus on small family-owned plumbing businesses. Smaller family-owned businesses have lower overhead, and they usually pass the savings on to their customers. They also don’t work on commission — so you’re less likely to be oversold on services you don’t need. Typically smaller advertising budgets also make self-employed plumbers more dependent on repeat business and word-of-mouth, so customer satisfaction is paramount.
4. Ensure your plumber has a contractor’s license. Licensed contractors are required to complete work in compliance with state mandated procedures that are designed to protect us from shoddy workmanship and potential serious health issues resulting from improper plumbing practices.
5. Check out your state contractor’s web site to verify the status of any licensed plumbing company, including any registered complaints and ownership details.
6. Get an itemized parts estimate and then comparison shop. Plumbers usually get their parts from wholesale outlets not open to the general public. The parts are usually comparable in price — but sometimes they’re not.
7. Coupons and discounts don’t guarantee competitive prices. Plumbers will often try to lure you in with coupons or the promise of a price discount.
8. Schedule work on weekdays. Plumbers charge a premium for working weekends, holidays, and after hours, so avoid those times if you can.
9. Be certain that you’re getting a licensed plumber for your project some larger companies use Apprentices and/or technicians and charge you as if they’re licensed and certified professional plumbers.
10. Check out the Washington Suburban Sanitation Commission’s website for a list of plumbers in your area that are licensed and certified to perform plumbing services in our area. http://www.wssc.com
Just remember, no matter when you schedule your plumber, tell him to keep his price book in the truck.