Symptoms and triggers

Signs you need backflow testing

  • Discoloured water after an irrigation cycle
  • Commercial tenant improvement requiring compliance sign-off
  • Annual test notice received from the water purveyor
  • New irrigation system, boiler or fire line commissioning
Plumber assembling and fitting water pipes
Backflow

The job itself

How backflow testing is done properly

Backflow Testing & Certification is handled by independent licensed professionals across Colorado. This page covers what the work involves, what changes the price, and the Colorado code and permit rules that apply — then links to the 37 largest markets where a local page exists.

  1. The assembly type, size and serial number are recorded
  2. Water is temporarily isolated for the test sequence
  3. Differential pressure and check valve performance are measured
  4. Failed assemblies are rebuilt or replaced
  5. The report is filed with the water purveyor by the certified tester

Scope boundary

What a standard visit covers — and what is billed on top

The single biggest source of quote disputes is the boundary between these two columns. Get it written down before work starts.

Typical scope boundary for backflow in Colorado
Normally includedCommonly billed on top
Running the differential pressure and check valve test sequenceFull assembly replacement when the body or seats are unserviceable
Restoring water service and confirming the assembly holds pressurePurveyor filing and administration fees passed through to the owner
Filing the signed test report with the water purveyorVault pumping or confined-space entry to reach a buried assembly

Price drivers

What drives backflow pricing in Colorado

  1. 01

    Number and size of assemblies on the property

  2. 02

    Whether a rebuild kit or full replacement is needed after a failure

  3. 03

    Access and whether the assembly is in a vault

  4. 04

    Purveyor filing fees

  5. 05

    Whether after-hours isolation is required for a commercial tenant

Reported backflow cost ranges in Colorado

Before you sign

Questions to ask before authorising backflow testing

  1. 01

    If the assembly fails, is a rebuild kit carried on the truck, or does a second visit become necessary?

  2. 02

    How long will water be shut off during the test sequence, and can that be timed around occupancy or irrigation schedules?

  3. 03

    Is the tester certified with the local water purveyor, because reports from uncertified testers are rejected and must be redone?

  4. 04

    Who files the completed report with the purveyor, and by which annual deadline, since late filing can trigger penalties?

Local pages

Backflow by city in Colorado

Each city page adds local ZIP coverage, permit authority and routing detail.

Before anyone touches a pipe

Verify the licence. It takes two minutes.

  • Who licenses the work: State Plumbing Board, Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations (DORA) together with the local jurisdiction.
  • Who pulls the permit: the licensed contractor, never the homeowner.
  • What to ask for: the licence number, the registered name behind it, and an insurance certificate issued to the property address.
Check a licence numberColorado State Plumbing Board Colorado licensing in full
Chrome faucet with running water
Independent licensed professionals

Answers first

Backflow in Colorado — frequently asked

Why do I have to test my backflow preventer every year?

Because the checks inside it are mechanical and fail silently. Water purveyors mandate annual testing to protect the public supply from cross-contamination, and the requirement sits with the property owner.

What happens if I fail the test?

The assembly is rebuilt or replaced and retested. Purveyors typically give a short correction window, after which service can be interrupted — so do not sit on a failure notice.

Who can legally test my backflow assembly?

Only a tester holding the certification your water purveyor recognises, using calibrated gauges. Ask for the certification number and the gauge calibration date.

What warranty applies to the work?

Whatever the contractor offers in writing — PlumberColorado is not a party to the agreement. Ask for labour and parts warranty terms in the quote, and keep the licence number with the paperwork.

How does the callback request work?

The 30-second form asks for a name, ZIP and the number to reach you on. The request routes to an independent licensed professional covering that area, and they call you back. Consent for marketing contact is optional — the request goes through with or without it.

Which areas does PlumberColorado cover?

All of Colorado: the site lists every covered city with real ZIP codes, the county permit authority and nearby coverage, so requests route to a professional already working that area.

Is PlumberColorado a plumbing company?

No. Independent licensed professionals perform and contract the work directly with you. PlumberColorado routes the request and links every page to the official Colorado licence register.

Does PlumberColorado charge homeowners anything?

No. PlumberColorado may be compensated by a partner when a homeowner connects with a professional through the site. That never changes what the contractor charges for the job.

Get connected

Backflow in Colorado

The form takes half a minute. It routes to an independent licensed pro covering Colorado; everything else — scope, timing, price — you agree with them directly, licence verified first.

  • Requests handled around the clock
  • An independent licensed pro calls you back
  • No obligation to hire

Prefer a call back?

Takes 30 seconds — an independent licensed pro calls you back.

Records for this request are provided electronically; a paper copy is free on request and the agreement can be withdrawn at any time — electronic records notice.

Submitting without the box still sends the request. PlumberColorado is a referral service, not a plumbing contractor. Stop contact any time