Backflow testing
A backflow preventer stops dirty water in your building flowing back into the public supply. Testable assemblies on lines like irrigation, fire lines, boilers and food service equipment are tested once a year by a certified tester, who records the valve readings, fixes anything that fails, and retests.
The tester files the result with your water utility, usually through the utility's own portal. In Texas the state requires annual testing for assemblies protecting against a health hazard, and each city runs its own filing system.
Rules last checked Oct 23, 2026. Sources are at the foot of the page.
What the code asks for
- Applies when
- A backflow prevention assembly protects the water supply (irrigation, fire line, boilers, food service equipment, cooling systems and similar).
- What the pro does
- A certified tester hooks a test kit to the assembly, records the check-valve and relief-valve results, repairs or replaces failed parts, and retests.
- Who may do it
- A certified or licensed backflow assembly tester. There is no national licence: the state or the water utility sets it.
- Your own checks
- None required between tests, but report leaks or discharge from the assembly.
- Filed online by the tester
- There is no single national rule. Annual testing is the standard practice and the utility sets the deadline and where the tester files the report. Most large utilities use an online portal.
- Source: National code baseline
- USC Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research, Recommended Annual Field Testing (rev. 06/2024), Manual of Cross-Connection Control, 10th ed.; Water Research Foundation report 90928F (94% of suppliers require annual or more frequent testing). Read Oct 23, 2026.
- 30 TAC 290.44, water distribution, subsection (h) cross-connection control, 30 Tex. Admin. Code 290.44(h)(4): testing on installation and at least annually by a licensed BPAT; (h)(4)(C): signed original to the public water supplier. Read Oct 23, 2026.
- Fla. Admin. Code 62-555.360, cross-connection control for public water systems, Rule 62-555.360: each community water system runs a program; non-residential assemblies tested after installation or repair and at least annually. Read Oct 23, 2026.
NFPA sells its codes rather than publishing them, so these are fire and health authorities quoting the code. They are national code, not rules for that city or state.
What it costs to miss
- Houston can fine up to $2,000 a day for non-compliance.
- In Dallas, a failed device must be repaired and retested within 30 days.
- Austin moves tester filing from WEIRS to Klir on November 10, 2026.
Where the local rule differs
The state and city rules we have on file for backflow test, and how the paperwork gets filed in each.
| Where | How often | Who may do it | Filing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | Every 2 years | Each water utility sets tester qualifications in its cross-connection program (AWWA M14). Utilities usually require a certified tester, and some require local registration. | The rule sets annual testing but each utility decides how reports are filed. See Miami-Dade, Tampa and Orlando entries. |
| Miami-Dade, FL | Every year | A Certified Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (40-hour course) on the department's list of companies with certified testers. | BSI Online. Testers submit reports on BSI Online with credentials the department supplies. A paper form is the alternative. False or fraudulent reports are subject to a $1,000 fine. |
| Orlando, FL | Every year | Properly licensed individuals through the State of Florida. Commercial customers may use OUC or their own plumber. | OUC Cross Connection Control online form. OUC lists a Cross Connection Control Test Result Submission form with an online submit option. A deadline was not found. |
| Tampa, FL | Every 2 years | A certified backflow tester enrolled in SwiftComply for Tampa. The city publishes a list of registered testers. | SwiftComply. Testers register online with SwiftComply and must submit within seven calendar days. A device that fails must be fixed and retested, with results submitted again. |
| Texas | Every year | A TCEQ-licensed Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT). Testers may work on fire lines only if employed by an Approved Fireline Contractor. Many cities also require the tester to register with the utility. | State rule: the tester gives the signed, dated original report to the water supplier. How depends on the utility. Austin, Houston, Dallas and San Antonio have online portals (see city entries). |
| Austin, TX | Every year | A TCEQ-licensed BPAT who is also registered with Austin Water (registration application and gauge registration, sent by mail or email). | WEIRS until 2026-11-09, then Klir from 2026-11-10. Testers file each report online within five calendar days. Paper is not accepted. Austin Water retires WEIRS on Nov 9, 2026 and moves submissions to Klir, live Nov 10, 2026. |
| Dallas, TX | Every year | A licensed backflow tester registered with the City of Dallas Building Inspection office and enrolled in SwiftComply. | SwiftComply. Only registered testers upload. A passed test costs $15 to submit on the portal (failed tests exempt). From Sept 25, 2026, tests tied to a permit carry the permit number and address. |
| Houston, TX | Every year | A TCEQ-licensed BPAT approved by Houston's Cross Connection Control Program and on its Backflow Testing Company List. Fire line assemblies only by testers employed by a state-approved fire line contractor. | SwiftComply. The testing company uploads each result to SwiftComply and pays the fee for the owner to get credit. Houston can fine up to $2,000 a day for non-compliance. |
| San Antonio, TX | Every year | A TCEQ-licensed BPAT registered with SAWS. Customers can look up registered testers on the BSI customer site. | BSI Online. Registered testers and customer service inspectors submit results on BSI Online. SAWS requires annual testing under a City of San Antonio ordinance and state rules. |
When is yours due?
Pick your state, add the month from your tag, and see the next date and the rule behind it. Then book a licensed pro if you want one.
Questions about backflow test
How often is backflow testing required?
Once a year is the standard, set by your water utility and, in Texas, by state rule for assemblies protecting against a health hazard. Some Florida utilities test residential assemblies every two years.
Who files the backflow test report?
The tester does, with your water utility. Houston and Dallas use SwiftComply, San Antonio and Miami-Dade use BSI Online, and Austin uses its own system. Keep a copy for yourself.
Who can test a backflow preventer in Texas?
A TCEQ-licensed Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester. Most cities also require the tester to register with the utility, and fire line assemblies need a tester employed by an approved fire line contractor.
What happens if my backflow test fails?
The tester repairs or replaces the failed parts and retests. Until a passing result is filed, the utility counts you as out of compliance.
Sources
- USC Foundation for Cross-Connection Control and Hydraulic Research, Recommended Annual Field Testing (rev. 06/2024), Manual of Cross-Connection Control, 10th ed.; Water Research Foundation report 90928F (94% of suppliers require annual or more frequent testing). Read Oct 23, 2026.
- 30 TAC 290.44, water distribution, subsection (h) cross-connection control, 30 Tex. Admin. Code 290.44(h)(4): testing on installation and at least annually by a licensed BPAT; (h)(4)(C): signed original to the public water supplier. Read Oct 23, 2026.
- Fla. Admin. Code 62-555.360, cross-connection control for public water systems, Rule 62-555.360: each community water system runs a program; non-residential assemblies tested after installation or repair and at least annually. Read Oct 23, 2026.
- Miami-Dade Water and Sewer, Cross-Connection Control and Backflow Prevention, Test on installation and annually; certified tester list; online submission. Read Oct 23, 2026.
- OUC, Backflow, Devices must be tested annually; licensed individuals; commercial customers may use own plumber. Read Oct 23, 2026.
- OUC, Development Services, Cross Connection Control: Test Result Submission form. Read Oct 23, 2026.
- City of Tampa, Backflow Testing, Commercial annual, residential every 2 years; submit within 7 calendar days via SwiftComply. Read Oct 23, 2026.
- TCEQ Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester licence page, Occupational licence valid three years; licence search at www2.tceq.texas.gov/lic_dpa. Read Oct 23, 2026.
- Austin Water, Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester Information, TMR within five calendar days of test, online only; WEIRS to Klir notice; tester registration steps. Read Oct 23, 2026.
- Austin Water, Cross Connection Control / Water Protection Program, Ch. 15-1 cross-connection regulations (ordinance 20250410-002, effective April 21, 2025); TMRs online only. Read Oct 23, 2026.
- Dallas Water Utilities, Backflow Test Reports, SwiftComply submission; high-hazard assemblies annual; 30 days to repair. Read Oct 23, 2026.
- Houston Public Works, Cross Connection Control Program, Annual testing under state rules and the Houston Plumbing Code; SwiftComply upload; tester approval. Read Oct 23, 2026.
- SAWS, Annual Testing of Backflow Prevention Assemblies, Annual testing under City ordinance and state rules; BSI Online submission. Read Oct 23, 2026.
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