Symptoms and triggers
Signs you need backflow testing
- Discolored 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
The job itself
How backflow testing is done properly
Backflow Testing & Certification is handled by independent licensed plumbers in Colorado. This page covers what the work involves, what changes the price, and the Colorado code and permit rules that apply. Published ranges are on the separate backflow costs page. Locally, the biggest markets for it are Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora. Requests for it often arrive alongside drain cleaning & clogged drains.
- The assembly type, size and serial number are recorded
- Water is temporarily isolated for the test sequence
- Differential pressure and check valve performance are measured
- Failed assemblies are rebuilt or replaced
- 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.
| Normally included | Commonly billed on top |
|---|---|
| Running the differential pressure and check valve test sequence | Full assembly replacement when the body or seats are unserviceable |
| Restoring water service and confirming the assembly holds pressure | Purveyor filing and administration fees passed through to the owner |
| Filing the signed test report with the water purveyor | Vault pumping or confined-space entry to reach a buried assembly |
Price drivers
What drives backflow pricing in Colorado
- 01
Number and size of assemblies on the property
- 02
Whether a rebuild kit or full replacement is needed after a failure
- 03
Access and whether the assembly is in a vault
- 04
Purveyor filing fees
- 05
Whether after-hours isolation is required for a commercial tenant
Before you sign
Questions to ask before authorizing backflow testing
- 01
If the assembly fails, is a rebuild kit carried on the truck, or does a second visit become necessary?
- 02
How long will water be shut off during the test sequence, and can that be timed around occupancy or irrigation schedules?
- 03
Is the tester certified with the local water purveyor, because reports from uncertified testers are rejected and must be redone?
- 04
Who files the completed report with the purveyor, and by which annual deadline, since late filing can trigger penalties?
Coverage
Where backflow is requested in Colorado
Backflow is arranged statewide rather than from a per-city page: these are the largest markets, and each city page carries its own ZIP coverage, county and permit authority.
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Denver
Denver County
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Colorado Springs
El Paso County
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Aurora
Arapahoe County
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Fort Collins
Larimer County
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Lakewood
Denver County
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Thornton
Adams County
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Westminster
Adams County
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Arvada
Jefferson County
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Centennial
Arapahoe County
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Pueblo
Pueblo County
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Greeley
Weld County
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Boulder
Boulder County
Before anyone touches a pipe
Verify the license. 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 license number, the registered name behind it, and an insurance certificate issued to the property address.
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 recognizes, 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 labor and parts warranty terms in the quote, and keep the license 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 license 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, license 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.
Request received
It has been routed to an independent licensed professional covering your area — they will call you back on the number you entered.
Keep reading
Further reading
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Cost guide
Backflow cost ranges in Colorado
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Services
All plumbing services
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Licensing
Colorado licensing and permits