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
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
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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.
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On-Site Testing with Calibrated Equipment
Our technician arrives with WSSC-required calibrated test gauges and performs the physical inspection on each assembly.
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Pass / Fail Results on the Spot
You know the outcome before we leave. No waiting for a report in the mail.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
Monday – Friday | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Kirk@DurancePlumbing.com
