Backflow Testing in Virginia Beach

Name: Conserva Irrigation of Hampton Roads
Address: 4011 Seaboard Ct, Ste 4A, Portsmouth, VA, 23701
Telephone: (757) 702-5170

Annual Compliance Testing for Residential & Commercial Irrigation Systems

Every irrigation system connected to a potable water supply is required to have a backflow preventer, and Virginia Beach Public Utilities requires that device to be tested annually. The backflow preventer, also called a pressure vacuum breaker (PVB) or reduced pressure zone valve (RPZ), is the barrier that keeps pesticides, animal waste, fertilizer, and other landscape contaminants from reversing into your drinking water. Our technicians hold the additional irrigation license required to perform this work legally under Commonwealth of Virginia DPOR Backflow Prevention Device Worker certification standards.

Because we’re already at your property each spring to activate your irrigation system, backflow testing fits naturally into that same visit. No separate appointment to coordinate.

Ready to schedule backflow testing in Virginia Beach? Call us at (757) 702-5170 and we can get you on the schedule before the season starts.

What Virginia Beach Requires from Property Owners

Virginia Beach Public Utilities has administered a Backflow Prevention and Cross-Connection Control Program since 2011, operating under City Code Section 37-68 in coordination with the Virginia Department of Health and the EPA. Cross-connection control is the broader practice of preventing any link between a potable water supply and a potential contamination source, and annual backflow device testing is its most visible requirement for irrigation system owners.

Compliance is the property owner’s responsibility. That means arranging the test with a certified worker each year and ensuring the results are submitted to Virginia Beach Public Utilities through SwiftComply, the city’s online reporting system. Our certified technicians handle both the test and the documentation, so your compliance record can stay current without extra steps on your end.

Warning Signs a Backflow Device May Be Failing

When backflow occurs, contaminated water mixes with the property’s drinkable water supply before most owners realize anything is wrong. Two of the more visible signs are a noticeable drop in water pressure or discolored water coming from household taps. Neither symptom should be dismissed. Annual testing can catch device failures early, before contamination reaches the supply.

Schedule Backflow Testing in Virginia Beach

If you’ve never had your backflow device tested, or if you’re getting your irrigation system opened for the season, we can take care of it during the same visit. Conserva Irrigation of Hampton Roads backs every service with a satisfaction guarantee.

Call us at (757) 702-5170 to request backflow testing or to ask about our maintenance packages for Virginia Beach properties.

PVB vs. RPZ: Understanding Your Backflow Assembly

The two most common backflow assemblies on irrigation systems work differently, and knowing which one your system uses helps clarify what the annual test covers.

Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB)
A PVB uses an air inlet valve to interrupt reverse flow when water pressure drops. When pressure falls below a set threshold, the valve opens to the atmosphere, breaking the vacuum that would otherwise pull contaminated water back into the supply line. PVBs are common on residential irrigation systems.

Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Valve
An RPZ assembly uses two check valves separated by a relief valve. The space between those check valves is held at a lower pressure than the supply, so if either check valve fails, the relief valve opens and discharges water rather than allowing contaminated water to reverse into the supply. RPZ assemblies are typically required in higher-hazard applications.

Our certified technicians inspect all components of both assembly types during the annual test to confirm each mechanism is functioning within required tolerances.

Backflow Testing as Part of Ongoing Irrigation Care

Backflow prevention Virginia Beach property owners need is one part of keeping an irrigation system running correctly season after season. Conserva Irrigation of Hampton Roads offers thorough inspections, reliable repairs, and cost-effective maintenance packages designed to keep sprinkler systems performing optimally year-round. Whether your system needs a seasonal startup, a mid-season adjustment, or a full component inspection, our team brings the same attention to water conservation and system efficiency to every visit.