Backflow Testing for Delaware County Buildings
Got a letter from your water company saying your backflow test is due? Tri-State Fire Protection Services handles backflow testing for fire sprinkler lines across Delaware County, PA. We test the device, fix what fails, and send in the paperwork. Tests start at $150. We are a local team based in Folsom.
BACKFLOW TESTING
PROTECT THE WATER SUPPLY
What Is Backflow Testing, and Why Is It Due?
Most building owners first hear about backflow when a notice shows up from the water company. It says the backflow test is due, gives a deadline, and asks for a report from a certified tester. That is usually when the phone calls start.
Here is what that letter means, in plain words.
The water in your fire sprinkler pipes sits still for months or years. It is not water you want to drink. A backflow preventer is a valve that stops that water from flowing backward into the public water lines that feed homes and businesses nearby.
Like any valve, it can wear out. Springs weaken, rubber seals crack, and dirt gets stuck inside. A device can look fine from the outside and still leak through. That is why water companies in Pennsylvania require backflow testing every year, and why the report has to come from a certified tester.
Tri-State Fire Protection Services provides backflow testing for fire sprinkler lines in apartment buildings, offices, schools, churches, and warehouses across Delaware County. We are already working on your sprinkler system, so it makes sense to test the backflow preventer that protects it.
OUR SERVICES
Questions? Talk to Our Team
Call our Folsom office or request service online.
WHAT WE DO
Backflow Testing, Repair, and Reporting
From the yearly test to the paperwork your water company wants, one team takes care of it. Here is what we handle.
Annual Backflow Testing
Your backflow preventer needs to be tested once a year. A certified tester runs the test and records the results.
Water Company Reports
Every test needs a report sent to your water company by the due date. We fill it out and send it in, so you can check it off your list.
Repairs and Rebuilds
If your device fails, it usually needs new springs, seals, or check parts. We rebuild it and test it again until it passes.
Device Replacement
Some devices are too old or too worn to fix. We replace them with a new backflow preventer that meets current code.
Testing After Repairs
Any time your fire line is worked on, the backflow preventer has to be tested again. We handle that retest.
Due Date Tracking
Backflow tests come due every year. We keep track of your date so you are not scrambling when the notice arrives.
Double Check
and RPZ Valves
Most fire sprinkler lines use one of two backflow preventers. A double check valve has two check valves in a row and is common on standard sprinkler systems. A reduced pressure zone valve, or RPZ, adds a relief valve and is used where the risk is higher, like systems that use antifreeze or chemicals. We test and repair both.
WHAT TO EXPECT
What Happens During a Backflow Test
Most backflow tests take less than an hour. Here is what our tech does from start to finish.
We find the device and check it over.
We look for leaks, damage, and missing parts, and we record the make, model, and serial number.
We let your monitoring company know.
The test shuts off water to the sprinkler system for a short time, which can trip the alarm.
We hook up the test kit.
A gauge connects to small test ports on the valve.
We test each check valve.
We measure the pressure across each one to make sure it holds and does not let water slip back through.
We open the water back up and send the report.
Lights have to brighten the hallways, stairs, and doors people will use to get out, and nothing should block them.
Backflow testing follows the rules set by Pennsylvania and your local water company. Our tester holds the certification they require, so the report is accepted the first time.
While we test, the water to your sprinkler system is shut off. It is usually back on within the hour. We will tell you before we close the valve and again when your system is back in service.
DON'T WAIT
Signs Your Backflow Preventer Needs Attention
Some backflow problems show up in the mail. Others show up in your riser room or by the curb. Watch for these.
Any one of these is a good reason to call. Missing a water company deadline can lead to fines or even a shutoff notice.
You got a notice from your water company saying your test is due.
Your last backflow test was more than a year ago.
Water is dripping or spraying from the relief valve.
You see rust, leaks, or green buildup on the device.
Your fire line was recently repaired or changed.
You just bought or took over the building and have no test records.
The device failed its last test and was never fixed.
You are not sure if your building has a backflow preventer at all.
WHERE WE WORK
Backflow Testing in Delaware County, PA
We are based at 228 Ridley Avenue in Folsom and test backflow preventers all over the county. Being close means we can usually get your test done well before the deadline on your notice.
Most of Delaware County gets its water from Aqua Pennsylvania, and much of the southern end of the county is served by Chester Water Authority. We know what each one asks for, so your report goes in the right way.
We serve all of Delaware County including:
Folsom
Prospect Park
Swarthmore
Havertown
Newtown Square
Aston
Ridley Township
Springfield
Upper Darby
Lansdowne
Chester
Glen Mills
Ridley Park
Media
Drexel Hill
Broomall
Brookhaven
Middletown
Located outside of Delco? We also provide backflow testing throughout Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, Chester County, and Montgomery County, as well as New Jersey.
WHY TRI-STATE
Why Delco Building Owners Call
Tri-State Fire Protection Services
Building owners across Delaware County choose Tri-State Fire Protection Services for our certified testers, our hands-off paperwork, and our fire service roots. Here is what sets our team apart.
Started by a
Firefighter
Kevin Kerns founded Tri-State in 2019 after years as a firefighter, EMT, and 911 dispatcher. He knows what is at stake when a sprinkler system has to work.
Certified
Testers
Our backflow tester holds the certification your water company requires, so your report is accepted the first time.
We Send the
Paperwork
We file your test report with your water company, so you do not have to chase down forms or deadlines.
One Visit,
More Done
Already due for a sprinkler inspection? We can test your backflow preventer on the same trip and save you a second visit.
What Our Customers Say
COMMON QUESTIONS
Backflow Testing Questions We Get Asked Most
These are the questions building owners and property managers ask us most.
Have additional questions? Contact Tri-State Fire Protection Services today to speak with our team.
How often does a backflow preventer need to be tested?
Once a year. Your water company will usually send a notice with your due date. The device also needs to be tested after it is installed, repaired, or moved.
Who should I call for backflow testing near me in Delco?
Pick a company with a certified backflow tester, and ask if they send the report to your water company for you. It also helps to use the same company that inspects your sprinkler system. Tri-State Fire Protection Services is based in Folsom and handles both. Call us at (610) 707-8180 and see if we are a good fit.
What happens if my backflow preventer fails the test?
It has to be fixed and tested again. Most failures come from worn springs, seals, or check parts, and the device can often be rebuilt. If it is too old or damaged, it gets replaced. We will tell you which one it needs and give you a quote.
What happens if I miss my water company's deadline?
Most water companies will send a reminder first. If the test still is not done, they may charge a fine or threaten to shut off your water service. If your deadline is close, call us and we will try to get you on the schedule quickly.
Will my water be shut off during the test?
The water to your fire sprinkler system is shut off for a short time while we test. It is usually back on within the hour. The water to your sinks and bathrooms is often on a separate line, so it may not be affected at all.
Do I need to be there for the test?
Someone needs to let us into the room where the device is, which is often a riser room or a basement. You do not need to stay for the test. We will let you know when the system is back in service.
How much does backflow testing cost?
Backflow testing starts at $150. The final price depends on the type of device, its size, and how many your building has. Repairs or replacement parts are extra. Tell us what you have, or send a photo of the device, and we will give you a quote.
Thank you for contacting us.
We’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
We got it.
GET STARTED
Schedule Your Backflow Test Today
Call us or fill out the form to get started. Tell us your due date and what kind of building you have, and our team will reach out with a quote and a test date.