Backflow Prevention Testing & Installation in Queens, NY

Rely on Ranshaw for Your Annual Backflow Inspection Needs

Have an order to install a backflow prevention device (BPD)? Or is it time to have your existing one tested? Let us handle everything. We make it simple with:

A Trained, Master Plumber
that will make sure your device complies with local code.
Timely coordination
with the NY Dept. of Environmental Protection and Dept. of Buildings.
60+ years of experience,
With 4.8 out of 5 stars on Google ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐.

Schedule Service Hurry! Time slots are limited

or call

(718) 767-0707

On This Page:

Service details
Price
How scheduling works
FAQs
What is a backflow prevention device?

Service details

Backflow prevention device installation
We will:
1. Give you an on-site estimate, so you know exactly what you'll pay before any work begins.
2. Hire a professional engineer. We'll save you the hassle and directly hire an engineer we know and trust.
3. Design a backflow prevention plan. Our Licensed Master Plumber will work with the engineer to design a plan that complies with code set by the NY Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
4. Submit the plan for approval to the DEP. Once we get approval, we can begin installing your BPD.
5. Install and test the device. We won't leave until we make sure it's working properly and according to code.
6. File the paperwork. We'll take care of filing the test reports and any other paperwork with the DEP.
Average time to complete: 1–3 days
Backflow prevention device testing
A Licensed Master Plumber will:
1. Inspect your device. To make sure your device is up to code, we'll need to shut off your water for about 30 minutes.
2. File the paperwork. We'll handle filing the test reports with the DEP.
3. Send you reminders. We'll let you know when your BPD is due for its annual test, so you don't get fined.
Average time to complete: 1 hour
No matter the service, we offer:
- 1-year labor warranty. We stand behind our work 1 year after your backflow prevention service.
- 100% satisfaction guarantee. If you're not 100% thrilled with our service, we'll make it right.

Schedule Service

Price

Cost to install a backflow prevention device
The cost of installing a backflow prevention devices depends on:
- Size of the BPD. The larger the device, the more it will cost to install.
- Type of the BPD. The 3 most common BPDs are:
  - Pressure vacuum breaker (PVB), which is the least expensive and best for outdoor sprinkler and irrigation systems.
  - Double check valve (DCV), which falls in the middle on price and is mostly used when the contamination risk is low to moderate.
  - Reduced pressure zone (RPZ), which is the most expensive and often used when contamination risk is high and hazardous.
- Which lines need a BPD. Smaller and more accessible water lines will have lower installation costs than large and hard-to-reach ones.
- Proximity to nearest waste drain. RPZs need a drain to discharge waste water. Installing a drain or expanding the size of one will increase your overall installation costs.
Cost to test a backflow prevention device
The cost to test your BPD depends on how many you have. If you have multiple devices or one on your fire sprinkler system (which needs 2 parts tested), you'll pay more than you would with just one device.
To get an accurate cost, contact us for an on-site consultation.

Schedule Service

How scheduling works

Scheduling your backflow prevention service works like this:

Contact us
Fill out our online form or call us at (718) 767-0707.
Pick your preferred day and time
We'll work around your busy schedule to coordinate your BPD testing or installation.
Get an arrival call
On the day of your service, we will call you 20-30 minutes before arrival, so you don't have to wait around all day.

FAQs

Backflow Prevention & Testing Frequently Asked Questions

What does a backflow preventer do?

A backflow preventer keeps contaminated water from flowing back into your clean water supply. If water pressure suddenly drops, dirty water from sprinkler systems or pools can flow backward into your plumbing. A backflow preventer keeps this from happening, protecting your family’s drinking water from contamination.

Do I need annual backflow testing?

Yes, if you have an RPZ device or Double Check Valve Assembly at your property, you are required to have the system tested once per year. This ensures the device is working properly and helps homeowners and businesses keep their property in compliance with local water regulations.

How do I know if my property needs backflow testing?

Your property may require backflow testing if it has multiple water service lines, a large residential dwelling with a chemically treated boiler, an irrigation system, a swimming pool, or a plumbing configuration that could allow contaminated water to flow back into the public water supply. Annual testing is also commonly required for commercial properties such as hotels, laundromats, restaurants, food processing facilities and more. Many NYC property owners first learn they need backflow testing after receiving a notice from the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection).

How long does a backflow test take?

In most cases, backflow testing takes about 30 minutes or less. When you schedule this service through Ranshaw, we send a licensed backflow tester to your property to inspect the device, test the pressure levels, and make sure it’s working correctly. During the test, your water supply will be turned off, so tenants/customers/workers will not have access to running water until the test is completed.

What happens if I skip backflow testing?

Missing a required backflow test could result in a warning, fine or possible disruption of service from the DEP. Even more importantly, an untested device might not protect your property’s drinking supply from contamination, which can be a serious health hazard.

Education

What is a backflow prevention device?

A backflow prevention device is a valve that’s installed on a private water line to prevent contamination of public drinking water. The BPD acts like a one-way gate that allows water to flow into your plumbing system, but won’t allow it to flow backwards out into (and contaminate) the public water supply.

NYC requires most commercial buildings and facilities install a BPD and test it annually. If you don't do either, you could end up paying expensive fines. Learn more about NYC's backflow requirements on the DEP backflow prevention page.