Backflow testing is the certified annual inspection of a backflow prevention assembly. Required by Florida code for any cross-connection between potable water and a non-potable use such as irrigation, fire suppression, or chemical injection. And reported to the local water authority.
If you have an irrigation system, a pool with auto-fill, a commercial building, or a fire sprinkler, you have a backflow prevention assembly somewhere on your property and Florida code requires it be tested every year by a certified tester. The test itself is short. The paperwork is the part most homeowners forget about, because the water authority will send a notice and eventually shut off your meter if the test isn't filed. We test, file the report, and keep your records on hand if the authority asks.
Every utility in Greater Orlando requires annual backflow testing on devices with a few small variations in how reports are filed. Orlando Utilities Commission, Orange County Utilities, Toho Water Authority, and the City of Sanford each have their own filing portals and renewal schedules. We track which utility serves which address and submit the certified test report directly so you don't have to. Irrigation backflow assemblies are the most common test we run. Most residential homes with sprinklers have a Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) on the side of the house. Commercial properties run Reduced-Pressure Zone (RPZ) assemblies on the main service or on individual hazards, and those test annually too.
Most homes with sprinklers have a Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) installed at the irrigation tie-in, usually outside near the front yard or at the side of the house. The annual test takes about 15 minutes per device and we file the report with your utility the same day. If the PVB fails, we replace the bonnet kit or the full assembly and re-test.
Reduced-Pressure Zone assemblies are required for higher-hazard applications: commercial irrigation with fertilizer injection, restaurants, medical buildings, manufacturing. Testing takes 20 to 30 minutes per device and the test results are submitted through the utility's commercial portal. We carry the right gauges for RPZ, DC, and PVB testing and run them all under the same visit.
If the assembly fails, we rebuild or replace it. Common failures are worn check seats on the upstream check, a stuck relief valve on an RPZ, or weather-cracked vent caps on PVBs. Repair or replacement is done same-day where possible, and we re-test and file the passing report before leaving.
| PVB (Pressure Vacuum Breaker) | DCV (Double-Check Valve) | RPZ (Reduced-Pressure Zone) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical use | Residential irrigation | Fire suppression (low hazard) | Commercial, medical, chemical |
| Hazard level | Low to moderate | Low | High |
| Install location | Above ground, exterior | Above ground, often interior | Above ground with floor drain |
| Test annually | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Relative cost (assembly) | $ | $$ | $$$ |
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Residential backflow test (one device) | $75–$150 |
| Commercial backflow test (per device) | $95–$195 |
| Backflow repair kit (PVB bonnet rebuild) | $175–$350 |
| Full PVB assembly replacement | $350–$650 |
| Full RPZ assembly replacement | $650–$1,400 |
Ballpark Orlando-area ranges. Your exact price depends on the job, and we give a firm, free quote before any work starts.
Florida code requires annual backflow assembly testing under FBC-P 608 (Protection of Potable Water Supply) and FAC 62-555 (FDEP cross-connection rules). Orange County Utilities, OUC, and most municipal systems require a certified tester (FDEP-licensed) to submit results within 10 days of the test.
Annual single-assembly test runs $75 to $150 in 2026 for the Orlando metro, with $95 being the typical residential median for a 3/4" or 1" RP or DC assembly. Replacement of a failed 3/4" assembly is $250 to $600 including parts.
The actual test takes 30 to 60 minutes per assembly. The certified report is filed with your water utility within 5 business days; you receive a copy and your utility records the pass for your annual compliance.
We test and service Watts 909 / 957 series, Wilkins 975XL / 350, Febco 825Y / 860, and Apollo 40-200 series RP and DC assemblies.
Commercial and irrigation-heavy ZIPs see the most annual-test demand: 32801, 32803, 32806, 32819, and 32839 in Orange County, plus 32789 in Winter Park where older estate properties typically have multiple irrigation backflow assemblies.
Test fees by assembly type and size for the Orlando metro 2026: 3/4" residential RP $75-$95 (median $85); 1" residential $95-$135 (median $115); 1-1/2" commercial $125-$185; 2" commercial $185-$285. Annual test cycle runs January through December, with most utilities sending compliance notices 60 days before the anniversary. Common ZIPs requiring annual testing include 32801, 32803, 32804, 32805, 32806, 32811, 32819, 32822, 32839, and 32789. Service area covers ZIPs 32789, 32792, 32801, 32803, 32804, 32806, 32814, 32819, 32825, and 32828.
Don't let the meter get pulled. Call (407) 964-8940 for fast scheduling. Most residential tests are done in under 30 minutes and filed the same day.
Backflow work pairs with irrigation leak detection when the system is also losing pressure, and with gas line work on commercial properties with both utilities. Common in country-club homes in Windermere and Doctor Phillips.
Once a year, every year, for every backflow prevention assembly in Florida. The exact due date depends on when your device was installed and which utility serves your property. The water authority sends a notice 30 to 60 days before the test is due.
$75 to $150 for a standard residential PVB test including the certified report submission. Commercial RPZ testing runs $95 to $195 per device. If multiple devices are on one property we can usually offer a multi-device rate.
The water authority will eventually issue a final notice and then turn off your water meter until the test is filed. The exact timeline varies by utility. Orlando Utilities Commission gives 60 days from the first notice; some others move faster. It's cheaper to test on time than to deal with a meter shutoff.
Only a Florida-certified backflow tester. The certification is issued through the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and requires both a written exam and a practical demonstration on calibrated test gauges. Our testers carry the certification and the test equipment is recalibrated annually.
Yes. We file the certified test report electronically with whichever utility serves your address (OUC, Orange County Utilities, Toho Water, the City of Sanford, etc.). You get a copy of the report by email for your records.
We rebuild or replace it. Most PVB failures are bonnet-kit replacements done in 20 minutes; RPZ failures sometimes need a full assembly replacement. We re-test and file the passing report once the repair is done, usually the same visit.
Because the potable supply can be contaminated by what's downstream of your meter if pressure ever drops or reverses. Irrigation systems are sprayed with fertilizer and herbicide; if a water main breaks and pressure reverses, that water flows backward into the city supply unless an assembly is there to stop it. The assembly protects the public water system.
For irrigation, usually outside near the front of the house, mounted vertically on a 1-inch supply line. For fire systems, inside in a mechanical room or near the fire riser. For commercial applications, often outside on the main service line. If you don't know where yours is, we'll find it on the first visit.
No. Only a certified tester with calibrated test gauges can perform a backflow test that the utility will accept. Self-tests are not recognized by any Florida water authority.
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We work across eight regions of Greater Orlando. Reasons the service matters change by neighborhood, county, and home era.
Most inner-ring historic homes don't have irrigation systems, but condos with shared landscape irrigation in Thornton Park and Downtown Orlando have backflow assemblies that need annual testing. OUC files the reports.
Downtown Orlando, Thornton Park, College Park, Audubon Park, Baldwin Park, Delaney Park, Parramore, and Fairview Shores
Lake Nona's master-plan irrigation has extensive backflow assemblies throughout the community. Older Conway and Belle Isle lakefront homes with sprinkler systems need annual PVB testing.
Lake Nona, Waterford Lakes, Avalon Park, Alafaya, Azalea Park, Rio Pinar, Union Park, Conway, Belle Isle, Pine Castle, Sky Lake, Hunters Creek, Meadow Woods, Williamsburg, and Lake Buena Vista
Doctor Phillips and Windermere upscale gated communities have heavy irrigation infrastructure. Country-club irrigation, residential PVBs on every property with sprinklers. Annual testing is the routine.
Pine Hills, MetroWest, Doctor Phillips, Windermere, and Goldenrod
Apopka, Ocoee, and Winter Garden suburban homes with sprinkler systems all need annual PVB testing. Orange County Utilities or the city utility (depending on jurisdiction) files the report.
Apopka, Maitland, Winter Park, Ocoee, Winter Garden, Oakland, Gotha, Zellwood, Clarcona, Bithlo, Wedgefield, and Christmas
Heathrow and Lake Mary country-club communities have extensive backflow infrastructure on irrigation systems. Sanford, Lake Mary, and Altamonte Springs utilities all require annual testing.
Sanford, Lake Mary, Heathrow, Longwood, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Fern Park, Forest City, Wekiwa Springs, Winter Springs, Oviedo, Geneva, and Lake Monroe (community)
DeBary and Deltona homes with irrigation systems have PVBs requiring annual testing. Volusia utility districts file the reports through their own portals.
DeBary, Deltona, Orange City, Enterprise, Osteen, DeLand, and Cassadaga
Mount Dora, Eustis, and Clermont homes with sprinkler systems need annual PVB testing. Lake County utility districts each have their own reporting.
Eustis, Tavares, Mount Dora, Sorrento, Montverde, and Clermont
Celebration's heavy irrigation infrastructure runs through multiple backflow assemblies. Vacation rental communities in Davenport and Reunion all need annual testing. Toho Water Authority handles most filings for Kissimmee and St. Cloud properties.
Kissimmee, Saint Cloud, Buenaventura Lakes, Poinciana, Intercession City, Davenport, Four Corners, Reunion, and Celebration
A few of the communities we serve. View all →