Backflow Prevention Testing
Are You Compliant?
Fitchet Plumbing provides backflow prevention device testing in Severna Park, MD and throughout Anne Arundel County. Annual backflow testing is required for properties with irrigation systems, commercial connections, fire suppression systems, and certain other cross-connection points as mandated by Anne Arundel County Department of Public Works. We are certified backflow prevention device testers.
What Is a Backflow Preventer and Why Does County Require Testing?
For related service information, see Anne Arundel County permit for backflow preventer installation.
For related service information, see outdoor plumbing — irrigation system connections that require testing.
A backflow preventer is a device installed on a water supply line to prevent water from flowing backwards into the municipal supply — a condition called backflow. Backflow can occur when pressure in the municipal supply drops (during a water main break or heavy demand period) and water from downstream of the device — from an irrigation system, a swimming pool connection, a fire sprinkler system — can be drawn backwards into the potable water supply.
The water drawn back could carry contaminants from the irrigation system (fertilisers, pesticides), swimming pool chemicals, or other non-potable sources. A backflow preventer — a mechanical device with check valves — prevents this from happening.
Required Properties Include:
Irrigation Systems
Sprinkler system connections requiring annual cross-connection evaluation and testing.
Pools & Fire Suppression
Connections to swimming pool fill lines and fire suppression systems.
Commercial & Boilers
Certain commercial water use connections and dedicated boiler supply lines.
County Notice Mandate
If your property has received a notice from Anne Arundel County requiring annual backflow testing, you must have a certified tester perform and report the test by the deadline.
What Backflow Testing Involves
A fast, certified inspection process designed to keep your property compliant with county regulations.
Calibrated Equipment Setup
A certified tester brings calibrated test equipment — differential pressure gauges — to the property.
Pressure & Valve Check
The backflow preventer is isolated, the test kit is connected to the test cocks on the device, and a series of pressure readings confirm whether the device’s internal check valves are holding properly. The test takes 15–30 minutes on most residential devices.
County Report Filing
If the device passes, we submit the test report to Anne Arundel County on your behalf. If a device fails — an internal check valve is no longer holding — we repair or replace the device and retest before filing.
Certified Compliance
Only a certified backflow prevention device tester can perform these tests and file reports with Anne Arundel County. Fitchet Plumbing holds the required certification.
Frequently Asked Questions — Backflow Testing Severna Park
Related service: all plumbing services in Severna Park.
Is backflow prevention testing required in Anne Arundel County?
How much does backflow prevention testing cost in Severna Park?
What happens if my backflow preventer fails the test?
Ready to Schedule Testing?
Certified Testers · County Filing Included · Flat-Rate Pricing · MD License #70218