Licensed master plumber since 2002
Backflow Testing in Fort Smith & Van Buren, AR
Backflow testing is the yearly check that proves your backflow prevention assembly still keeps dirty water out of the public drinking water supply. Glenn is a licensed master plumber and certified backflow tester (#ATT-1102). We test assemblies on homes, businesses, and fire lines in Fort Smith, Van Buren, and across the Arkansas River Valley, and we submit the test report to your water provider.
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- Licensed Master Plumber #5822
- Certified Backflow Tester #ATT-1102
- Insured & Bonded
- Serving the River Valley Since 2002
What Is Included in a Backflow Test
Your annual backflow test is more than a signature on a form. Here is what we do on every visit:
- We look over the assembly, its two shutoff valves, and its test cocks for leaks, damage, and missing parts.
- We test each check valve, and on a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) assembly, the relief valve, using a calibrated test kit.
- We record the readings on the test report your water provider requires.
- We submit the test report to your water provider so your account stays in compliance.
- If the assembly fails, we can repair it on-site with manufacturer-approved parts, because we also hold Backflow Repair certification #RT-466. Then we retest and submit the updated report.
What a Backflow Preventer Does for Your Water
A backflow prevention assembly protects the public drinking water supply from contamination caused by cross-connections, such as irrigation systems, boilers, or fire lines. A cross-connection is any place where your drinking water piping meets something you would never want to drink.
Water is supposed to flow one way: from the main, into your property. If pressure in the city main drops, for example during a water main break or when firefighters open hydrants, water can be pulled backward. That is called back-siphonage. A pump or boiler on your side can also push water backward, which is called backpressure. Either way, the assembly is the gate that keeps lawn chemicals, pool water, or stagnant fire line water out of everyone's tap.
Because the parts inside are springs and rubber seals, they wear out over time. That is why most local water purveyors require each assembly to be tested every year by a certified tester. Properties that do not comply may receive a compliance notice or have water service interrupted.
Common Types of Backflow Assemblies We Test
Your water provider decides which type of assembly your property needs, based on how much of a hazard the connection is. These are the ones we see most often:
- Reduced pressure zone (RPZ) assembly: two check valves with a relief valve between them. If something goes wrong, the relief valve opens and dumps water rather than letting it flow backward. RPZs protect high-hazard connections such as boilers, chemical feed lines, and many commercial kitchens.
- Double check valve assembly: two independent check valves in a row, with no relief valve. It is common on lower-hazard connections and on many fire sprinkler lines.
- Pressure vacuum breaker (PVB): a single spring-loaded check valve with an air inlet that opens if pressure drops. You will often find one on lawn irrigation systems.
Not sure what you have? Send us a photo by text and we will tell you.
How Your Backflow Test Works, Step by Step
- Call or text us. If your water provider sent a notice, have it handy, because it lists your deadline and account details.
- We meet you at the property. During the test, the water through the assembly is shut off for a short time, so we will let you know before we start.
- We test the assembly with a calibrated test kit and record each reading.
- If it passes, we submit the test report to your water provider and you are set for another year.
- If it fails, we explain what failed and repair it on-site with manufacturer-approved parts. If the assembly cannot be repaired, we walk you through replacement options.
- After the repair, we retest the assembly and submit the updated report to the water authority.
Backflow Testing for Fort Smith Water Customers
Arkansas Backflow & Plumbing is listed in the City of Fort Smith's directory of certified backflow testers. The City only accepts tests from testers with current certification and calibrated equipment, so the tester you hire matters.
If you are a Fort Smith water customer and you got a backflow test notice, call or text us with the notice in hand. We will get your test on the calendar and submit the report once it is done. Customers in Van Buren, Alma, Greenwood, Barling, and the rest of the River Valley follow the rules set by their own water provider, and we work with each of them.
Signs You Need Backflow Testing
- You received a backflow test notice or a compliance letter from your water provider.
- It has been about a year since your assembly was last tested.
- You added a lawn sprinkler system, pool, boiler, or fire sprinkler line.
- You bought a home or building with a backflow assembly and do not know when it was last tested.
- The relief valve on your RPZ is dripping or spitting water.
- An assembly was repaired or replaced and needs a retest before the report goes in.
Backflow Testing for Homes and Businesses
At homes, most backflow assemblies protect lawn irrigation systems and pools. Sprinkler lines sit in soil that can hold fertilizer and weed killer, so the assembly between your irrigation and your drinking water matters. We test residential assemblies the same careful way we test a large commercial one.
For businesses, backflow compliance is part of keeping your doors open. Restaurants, churches, offices, retail buildings, and apartment complexes often have several assemblies, including fire sprinkler lines. We test each one, keep the paperwork straight, and submit the reports to your water provider.
For restaurants, churches, and property managers
Annual Backflow Testing for Businesses
Restaurants, churches, offices, retail buildings, apartment complexes, and properties with irrigation systems all have backflow assemblies that need a yearly test. We test every assembly on the property, including fire lines, and file the report with your water provider. If one fails, we repair it on-site, retest it, and submit the updated report.
Why Choose Arkansas Backflow & Plumbing
When you call about backflow testing, you talk with Glenn, the licensed master plumber who will do the work. He has served Fort Smith, Van Buren, and the River Valley since 2002, and he follows through from the first call to the cleanup.
- Licensed master plumber with more than 20 years of experience.
- Certified for both backflow testing and backflow repair, so one call covers both.
- Licensed, insured, and bonded.
- Locally owned and based in Van Buren since 2002.
- We clean up when we are done.
- Licensed Master Plumber
- #5822
- Backflow Testing
- #ATT-1102
- Backflow Repair
- #RT-466
- In business since
- 2002
Backflow Testing Photos from Recent Jobs
Real photos from our own jobs. See more in the project gallery.
Backflow and fire riser piping 
Fire riser and backflow service 
RPZ backflow preventer 
Pool backflow preventer 
Outdoor backflow preventer 
Commercial backflow preventer
What Customers Say About Glenn
Glenn offered prompt service and fixed my plumbing issue quickly.
from a Google review
I've used Glenn multiple times over the years for all my service plumbing needs.
from a Google review
Glen is thorough in his communication, easy to work with and talk to!
from a Google review
Areas We Serve for Backflow Testing
We are based in Van Buren and serve homes and businesses across the Arkansas River Valley. We also travel to Northwest Arkansas, including Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, and Bentonville, for plumbing and backflow work.
Backflow Testing Questions
How often do I need a backflow test?
Most water providers require a backflow test once a year. Your water provider sets the schedule and usually sends a notice when the test is due. Some properties, such as buildings with fire lines, can have extra requirements. If you are not sure when your assembly was last tested, call or text us and we will help you sort it out.
Who sends the test report to my water provider?
We do. After your assembly passes, we fill out the test report your water provider requires and submit it. If the assembly fails, we repair it, retest it, and submit the updated report. You do not have to chase paperwork between your plumber and the water office.
Does my lawn sprinkler system need a backflow test?
Usually, yes. Irrigation systems are one of the most common cross-connections, because sprinkler lines sit in soil that can contain fertilizer and lawn chemicals. Most water providers require the backflow assembly on an irrigation system to be tested every year. Check the notice from your provider, or call or text us and we will help you confirm.
What's the difference between an RPZ and a double check valve?
A reduced pressure zone (RPZ) assembly has two check valves plus a relief valve that opens and drains water if pressure between the checks gets too close to the supply side. It is used for high-hazard connections. A double check valve assembly has two check valves and no relief valve, and is used for lower-hazard connections. Your water provider decides which one you need.
What happens if my backflow preventer fails the test?
We are certified to perform both testing and repair, so a failed assembly can typically be repaired on-site using manufacturer-approved parts. If the assembly cannot be repaired, we will walk you through replacement options. A retest is performed once repairs are complete, and the updated report is submitted to the water authority.
Related Services and Guides
- Backflow Repair in Fort Smith Backflow repair fixes a backflow preventer that failed its annual test, is leaking, or was damaged by a freeze.
- Commercial Plumbing in Fort Smith Commercial plumbing keeps restaurants, churches, offices, and retail buildings running, and backflow compliance is a big part of it.
- Plumbing Repair in Fort Smith Plumbing repair covers the everyday problems in your home or business: dripping faucets, running toilets, bad valves, leaking water lines, worn-out pipes, and sewer lines.
- What Is Backflow Testing? A plain-English guide from Glenn.
- Backflow Testing in Fort Smith Our Fort Smith page: local services, directions, and questions.
- Backflow Testing in Van Buren Our Van Buren page: local services, directions, and questions.
- Contact Glenn Call, text, address, and service area.
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Call or Text Glenn at (479) 719-1263
Tell us what is going on, and we will help you figure out the next step. You will talk with Glenn, the licensed master plumber who does the work.
Licensed Master Plumber #5822 · Backflow Testing #ATT-1102 · Backflow Repair #RT-466 · Licensed, insured, and bonded