Backflow Testing in Chattanooga & Hamilton County

Annual Backflow Testing and Inspection

Backflow preventers have to be tested every year, and your water utility will usually send a notice when yours is due. Some notices call it a backflow inspection, some call it a test; it’s the same annual check. Our owner is certified in backflow testing and repair. We test RPZ and double check assemblies, record the results, and submit the test report to your water utility. We respond within 24 hours.

Who Needs Backflow Testing

Any property with a backflow preventer on its water line, most often fire sprinkler systems, irrigation, and commercial or industrial equipment. If you manage several buildings, we can keep all your devices on one annual schedule.

Tennessee American Water Customers

If Tennessee American Water serves your property, state rules require any backflow assembly on your service to be tested every year by a certified tester. Since 2024, testers submit those results to TAW through its BackflowBMP portal, so there is no form for you to mail in. We run the test and handle the report.

Irrigation systems have a set deadline. TAW treats lawn irrigation as a high-hazard connection, so an irrigation line still protected by a double check assembly has to be upgraded to a reduced pressure (RP) assembly by January 1, 2027. If that double check fails its annual test before then, it has to be replaced with an RP right away. TAW’s notice says missing the deadline can interrupt irrigation service.

Not sure which one you have? Text us a photo of the assembly or your notice and we’ll tell you whether you need a test, a repair, or an RP upgrade. Provident Fire Protection is an independent company and is not affiliated with Tennessee American Water.

Backflow Installation and RP Replacement

We install and replace backflow preventers, including reduced pressure (RP or RPZ) assemblies and double check assemblies, on irrigation, fire sprinkler, and commercial water lines. Our owner is licensed for backflow work in Tennessee and Georgia. Every assembly we install gets tested, and we file the test report with your water utility.

The big one right now is irrigation. If Tennessee American Water serves your property and your irrigation line is still on a double check, it has to be replaced with an RP assembly by January 1, 2027. An RP has to sit at least 12 inches above the ground, plus the size of its discharge, so the relief valve can drain freely, and any enclosure has to allow full discharge. We size and place the new RP to meet that, test it, and file the report.

• Irrigation double check to RP replacements
• RP (RPZ) and double check assembly installation
• Replacement of assemblies that fail their annual test
• New backflow installs for irrigation, fire sprinkler, and commercial service lines

Schedules get tight near year end. Text us a photo of your current assembly and we’ll tell you what the replacement involves and give you a free quote.

Why Backflow Prevention Matters

Backflow preventers are a critical part of protecting our public water supply. These mechanical devices stop contaminated water from flowing backward into clean water lines, something that can happen when there’s a sudden change in pressure (like during a water main break or heavy usage from a fire hydrant).

In commercial and residential buildings, certain water systems (like irrigation, fire sprinklers, or industrial equipment) can pose a cross-connection risk. That’s why state and local codes require annual testing and maintenance of backflow preventers to ensure they’re working properly.

Our Backflow Services

We’re proud to offer reliable, code-compliant backflow services across Hamilton County and our neighboring communities. Our services include:

• Annual backflow testing, with the report filed with your water utility
• Repairs or full replacements as needed
• Double check to RP upgrades for irrigation lines
• Professional installations for new builds or upgrades
• Removal of unapproved or non-compliant installs
• Hotbox Enclosures and Fire Pit Installations and Repairs
• Backflow dewinterization to restore systems after winter shutdowns

Whether you’re a property manager with dozens of devices or you’ve never heard of a backflow preventer, we’re here to help you. We’ll handle annual testing, winterization, and all necessary maintenance, keeping your property compliant and protected year-round.

Backflow Testing FAQ

I got a test notice. What now?

Call or text us. We’ll schedule the test and file the results with your utility.

Is a backflow inspection the same as a backflow test?

Yes. We inspect the assembly, test its check valves (plus the relief valve on an RP), record the readings, and file the report with your utility.

How often is testing required?

Once a year. Your utility’s notice shows the due date.

Is there a deadline this year?

For irrigation on Tennessee American Water, yes: it needs an RP assembly by January 1, 2027. Everything else follows the annual due date on your notice.

Do you install and replace backflow preventers?

Yes. We install and replace RP and double check assemblies, then test them and file the report with your utility.

What if it fails?

We’ll explain why, then repair or replace the assembly and retest it.

What does it cost?

Quotes are free. Call or text and we’ll give you a price.

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