Backflow prevention testing & certification in Portland, OR

PDX Fire Protection’s technicians are certified by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to test all types of backflow prevention devices in commercial and residential properties throughout Portland, OR and the Pacific Northwest. We perform annual testing, file reports with your water purveyor, and handle repairs — keeping your property compliant with Oregon and Washington water authority requirements.

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OHA-certified testing for commercial & residential properties across Oregon & Washington

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NICET Certified

All Technicians

24/7

Emergency response

AHJ Reporting

Included with every job

OR & WA

Licensed service area

What We Do

Backflow services we provide

Every service performed by NICET-certified technicians with full documentation delivered to you and your AHJ.

We test all backflow prevention assemblies using USC 10th edition guidelines, and calibrated differential pressure gauges. We document results, and submit reports directly to your local water purveyor — so you don’t have to track it yourself.

  • Annual backflow prevention device testing
  • Fire sprinkler system backflow testing
  • Domestic water system backflow testing
  • Calibrated test equipment — certified results
  • Report filing with Portland Water Bureau, TVWD, Clackamas River Water, Clark Public Utilities, and other local jurisdictions

Our team ensures all testing is documented and submitted in accordance with local water purveyor and AHJ requirements.

  • Test report submission to your water authority
  • Compliance documentation for property records
  • Annual reminder scheduling so you never miss a deadline
  • Re-test certification after repairs

If a backflow assembly fails testing, we repair or replace it and re-test on the spot when possible — minimizing the time your system is out of compliance.

  • Valve, check, and seal replacement
  • Full assembly replacement
  • Emergency backflow repair services

Applicable Standards

UPC/IPC • OHA • ASSE • USC 10th Edition

Backflow testing in Oregon and Washington must comply with Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) and International Plumbing Code (IPC) standards as well as separate state standards depending on state and local mandates.

Inspection Frequency
No-flow (churn) testWeekly
General inspectionMonthly
Full flow testAnnually

Ready to schedule your backflow test?

Get a quote for your annual backflow test across Oregon and Washington and let us handle the reporting.

Systems We Service

Backflow devices we test & service

Our technicians are certified to test and service all backflow devices used in Oregon and Washington.

  • Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) assemblies

    Highest protection; required for high-hazard connections

  • Double Check Valve Assemblies (DCVA)

    Used for low-to-moderate hazard connections

  • Pressure Vacuum Breakers (PVB)

    Used for irrigation and low-hazard applications

  • Spill-Resistant Vacuum Breakers (SVB)

    Indoor alternative to standard PVBs

  • Fire sprinkler backflow assemblies

    Required on all fire sprinkler system connections to potable water

  • Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker Assemblies (AVB)

    Used in residential non-chemical fire sprinkler systems

Compliance

OHA and water authority compliance for backflow prevention in Oregon & Washington

Property owners and facility managers in Oregon and Washington are required to test backflow prevention assemblies annually and submit results to their local water authority. PDX Fire Protection’s technicians are certified by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) — the state body that authorizes backflow testing in Oregon — and we handle report filing with your water purveyor directly so you stay compliant without the administrative burden.

OHA certification

State certification required to test backflow prevention devices on potable water systems in Oregon

Portland Water Bureau

Annual testing and report submission required for all backflow assemblies connected to Portland’s water supply

Tualatin Valley Water District

TVWD requires annual backflow testing for commercial, irrigation, and fire sprinkler connections within its service area

Clark Public Utilities

Annual backflow testing required for properties connected to Clark Public Utilities water service in Washington

Why choose us

The only OHA-certified choice for fire sprinkler backflow in Portland

  • OHA certified technicians
    All backflow testing performed by Oregon Health Authority certified testers. Not all fire protection companies carry this certification — it’s required by Oregon law to legally test backflow devices on potable water systems.

  • We file the reports for you
    After every test, we submit results directly to Portland Water Bureau, TVWD, Clackamas River Water, Clark Public Utilities, or whichever authority covers your property. You get a copy for your records; we handle the rest.

  • Repair and re-test on the same visit
    If a device fails, we carry common replacement parts and can often repair and re-test the same visit — minimizing the window your property is out of compliance.

  • Annual reminders included
    We track your testing schedule and send reminders before your deadline. You’ll never receive a notice of non-compliance from your water authority because you forgot the annual test.

Service Area

Backflow testing service area

Based in Clackamas, OR — we serve properties throughout the Portland metro area and across Oregon and Washington, filing reports with all major local water authorities.

Northwest Oregon

Portland, OR

Gresham, OR

Hillsboro, OR

Beaverton, OR

Clackamas, OR

Lake Oswego, OR

Greater Oregon

Salem, OR

Eugene, OR

Corvallis, OR

McMinnville, OR

Medford OR

Coos Bay, OR

Southwest Washington

Vancouver, WA

Camas, WA

Battleground, WA

Longview, WA

Woodland, WA

Ridgefield, WA

Greater Washington

Seattle, WA

Spokane, WA

Yakima, WA

Tri-Cities, WA

Olympia, WA

Tacoma, WA

FAQ

Backflow testing FAQs — Oregon & Washington

Common questions from property managers and facility directors.

Is backflow testing required for fire sprinkler systems in Oregon?

Yes. Portland Water Bureau and most Oregon water authorities require annual backflow testing for all fire sprinkler system connections to the potable water supply. Failure to test can result in service interruption or fines from your water purveyor.

What is the difference between an RPZ and a double check valve assembly?

An RPZ (Reduced Pressure Zone) assembly provides the highest level of backflow protection and is required for high-hazard connections like those in healthcare or industrial settings. A DCVA (Double Check Valve Assembly) is used for lower-hazard connections. Your water authority determines which device is required for your specific connection.

Who receives the backflow test report in Oregon?

PDX Fire Protection submits test reports directly to your local water purveyor — Portland Water Bureau, Tualatin Valley Water District, Clackamas River Water, or Clark Public Utilities in Washington. We also provide a copy for your property records.

What happens if a backflow device fails testing?

A failed device must be repaired or replaced and re-tested to restore compliance. Your water authority may place a hold on water service if the failure isn’t addressed promptly. We complete repairs and re-test as quickly as possible to minimize that window.

How often does backflow testing need to be performed?

Most backflow prevention devices require annual testing. Some jurisdictions or high-hazard systems may require more frequent testing. We track your schedule and send reminders so you’re never out of compliance.

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