Backflow Testing in Plymouth County

Name: Conserva Irrigation of Cape Cod
Address: 7 Holly Ridge Drive,, Sandwich, MA, 02563
Telephone: (508) 882-6448

Protect Your Water Supply with Backflow Testing

Backflow testing evaluates whether a backflow device is working as intended to prevent reverse flow into a property’s water supply. Conserva Irrigation of Cape Cod provides Backflow Testing for residential irrigation systems throughout Plymouth County, Massachusetts. Our service area includes Duxbury, Hingham, Marshfield, Plymouth, and Scituate.

Irrigation water can come into contact with fertilizer, pesticides, animal waste, and other materials on the landscape. A properly operating backflow device is designed to keep that water from reversing direction and entering the property water supply. Our maintenance model combines backflow checks with seasonal irrigation inspections instead of relying on one-off service calls.

Call (508) 882-6448 to request residential Backflow Prevention Testing and discuss seasonal irrigation maintenance.

Choose an Annual Irrigation Maintenance Package

Annual maintenance addresses system operation before, during, and after the watering season. Our residential packages provide planned inspections at key points in that cycle, with options based on how much mid-season attention your irrigation system needs.

Our annual residential package options include:

Nice ’N Easy Package: Summerization, which includes system startup and inspection, plus Winterization for system shutdown and inspection. This package starts at $250 per year.
Full Season Package: Summerization, one Mid-Season Inspection, and Winterization. This package starts at $375 per year.

These starting prices apply to annual maintenance packages, not a per-device or per-visit backflow test price. Properly maintained, water-efficient irrigation systems may reduce irrigation water usage by 40 to 60 percent, depending on system condition, watering practices, and landscape needs.

What to Expect During Backflow Testing

Once testing is requested, we follow a documented process based on whether the device passes or fails.

The process includes:

Device Testing: Our technician tests the backflow device.
Test Documentation: We record the results on the required backflow test form.
Passing Results: When the device passes, we file the paperwork when filing is applicable.
Failed Results: When the device fails, we provide remedy options. If no action is taken, we tag the device with a failure notice and shut it off.

Schedule Backflow Testing & Irrigation Maintenance

We offer residential backflow testing and planned irrigation care throughout Plymouth County. Our contact page provides more information about requesting service and comparing package options.

Request service from Conserva Irrigation of Cape Cod by calling (508) 882-6448 or using our contact form.

Backflow Testing Requirements in Massachusetts

Backflow testing schedules depend on the type of device and the rules that apply to the property. Massachusetts Drinking Water Regulations 310 CMR 22.22 establish statewide schedules, while the Town of Plymouth has additional rules that apply specifically within that municipality.

Testing Schedules by Device Type

Different backflow devices have different testing intervals under Massachusetts regulations. Homeowners should identify the installed device and follow the applicable schedule.

State testing requirements include:

RPZ Devices: A reduced pressure zone valve (RPZ), which is a type of reduced pressure backflow preventer, must be tested semiannually. Semiannual testing means twice each year.
Double Check Valve Assemblies: These assemblies must be tested annually.
Pressure Vacuum Breakers: A pressure vacuum breaker (PVB) should be tested by the device owner at least annually.

Town of Plymouth requirements: The Town of Plymouth Water Rules and Regulations state that backflow testing is performed twice a year by the Water Division or an authorized representative. This municipal requirement shouldn’t be treated as a countywide rule, and our service information doesn’t represent authorization by the Town of Plymouth Water Division.

Massachusetts Tester & Documentation Rules

Massachusetts requires a Massachusetts Certified Backflow Prevention Device Tester to test regulated reduced pressure backflow preventers and double check valve assemblies. This certification requires the tester to pass written and practical examinations and apply to the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

Test results must be recorded on the Department-designated Inspection and Maintenance Report Form. This documentation identifies the device tested, its condition, and the reported result.

Requirements After a Failed Backflow Test

Under Massachusetts regulations, a failed or defective backflow device must be overhauled, repaired, or replaced and then retested within 14 calendar days of the failure or discovery of the defect. Repairs to a backflow device must be completed by a plumber licensed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The Town of Plymouth rules separately require repair and retesting within 10 days of installation or repair. Those rules also allow termination of water service when requirements aren’t met and prohibit improper tampering with a backflow prevention device. Because state and municipal deadlines differ, homeowners should follow the requirements that apply to their device and property.