Sacramento Backflow Prevention Services
Backflow Prevention Professionals Serving Sacramento County
Is your property required to maintain a backflow prevention assembly device? California law requires annual testing from a certified professional. At Bud's Plumbing, Heating, & Air, we are ready to make annual testing as easy and stress-free as possible.
Our licensed, insured, and state-certified plumbers offer backflow prevention testing and repair services to help you meet all local and state compliance requirements. We can accurately test your system, verify its functionality, and quickly repair any component that fails. Our family-owned plumbing company has strong local and military ties, and we have been serving our community for over 60 years. We back our work with professional care, reliable warranties, and our Legacy Guarantee. Our service quality is reflected in our reviews.
If you need backflow prevention testing as soon as possible, we offer emergency services, including same-day, after-hours, and weekend appointments. You can also reach us 24/7.
When you need reliable backflow prevention services in Sacramento, CA, call (916) 741-6799 or contact us online. We offer free estimates.
Experience, Reliability, Legacy
At Bud's Plumbing, Heating, & Air, we bring the expertise and reliability your home deserves. Proudly serving as one of the longest-standing, most trusted names in home services.
When you choose Bud's Plumbing, Heating, & Air, you can know you're working with a team that is dedicated to getting the job done right the first time.
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Free Visual EstimateSee the cost before we start—no surprises, no teardowns.
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Serving Sacramento HomesLocal, licensed, and ready to help throughout the Sacramento area.
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Bud's Legacy GuaranteeOver 60 years of trusted home services backed by our guarantee.
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Book Your ServiceFast, friendly, and flexible appointments for your convenience.
How Long Does Backflow Prevention Testing Typically Take?
The physical process of backflow prevention testing typically takes a short amount of time, with most simple residential or small commercial assemblies requiring only 20 to 60 minutes per device to complete. With that said, several factors can influence the overall time it takes to perform a backflow test, including the type and physical condition of the assembly. More complex assemblies require more measurements and time.
If the assembly fails the test, we of course need additional time to troubleshoot the issue and complete the necessary repairs or replacements. In many cases, we can complete this work in a single visit, and we can clearly communicate how long we expect the job to take.
Will My Home or Business Lose Access to Water During Backflow Prevention Testing?
Yes, you will temporarily lose access to water at your home or business during the backflow prevention test. The standard testing procedure requires our plumbers to isolate the device by turning off the main shutoff valves directly upstream and downstream of the backflow assembly. This creates the necessary no-flow condition, allowing the plumber to attach the specialized pressure gauge and accurately measure the performance of the internal check and relief valves.
At Bud's Plumbing, Heating, & Air, we work efficiently and thoroughly, aiming to minimize disruption as much as possible. Our plumbers can coordinate with you beforehand to select a convenient time.
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Trusted Since 1962For decades, Sacramento homeowners have counted on our expert home services and unwavering commitment to customer care.
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Service With HonorBuilt on strong military roots, our team operates with the same values of duty, respect, and excellence in every job.
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Here When You Need UsFrom same-day and weekend appointments to free visual estimates, we make dependable home service simple and stress-free.
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Local, Licensed & InsuredAs a locally owned and fully licensed team, we deliver professional home services with integrity and accountability.
Hear It From Happy Homeowners
At Bud's Plumbing, Heating, & Air, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our customers have to say about working with us.
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"Excellent customer service! "Our leaky pipes were fixed the same day we called! Cody was very professional and respectful. He explained the plan and all the options we had for replacing the entire faucet or try to find a hose attachment inside the faucet. We'll be using Bud's again!Wade M.
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"Very Knowledgeable and Informative"Keith didn’t just show up and clear our sewer, he explained the pros and cons of replacing our sewer line.Mike M.
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"Showed Up Quick"These guys go the extra mile to ensure their customers are satisfied. Great work on getting my toilets unclogged!Dmitriy L.
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"Bud's to the Rescue on a Saturday!"Axel is knowledgeable and professional. He repaired pipe and water was back on within hours.Claudine H.
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"Very Personal and Professional"I would definitely call Buds for all my home needs.Victor P.
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"Professional and Highly Skilled"As a homeowner in Sacramento, I’m extremely satisfied with the service provided and highly recommend Bud's Heating and Air for reliable, good quality HVAC repairs.Will
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"Very Honest and Did a Great Job"Axel was very honest and did a great job fixing our main cleanout. We would definitely recommend buds, plumbing heating and air again.Jen S.
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"Had a Great Experience"Bud's plumbing was wonderful. I had a great experience with Keith today. He serviced my hot water heater and gave me an overview of the health of my unit.Ryan C.
Signs You Need Immediate Backflow Prevention Testing
While the law typically only requires annual backflow prevention testing, you may encounter certain operational issues with your water system that demand prompt testing and repairs. These signs often indicate a potential failure in your backflow assembly's internal components.
If you notice any of these problems, reach out to our team immediately:
- Changes in water taste or odor. An unpleasant metallic or chemical taste or sulfurous (rotten egg) smell signals that contaminated water, possibly from a cross-connection, has mixed with your potable supply.
- Discolored water. Yellow, brown, or rusty-looking water coming from your faucets suggests that the reverse flow pulled rust, sediment, or other foreign substances from your fixtures or non-potable lines back into your drinking water.
- Fluctuating water pressure. While many factors cause this, a failed or partially closed backflow assembly may restrict water flow. Inconsistent water pressure can also point to a major cross-connection event.
- Unexpected appearance of water around your assembly. Any leak from your assembly's seals or test cocks signals physical damage or component failure, which compromises your device's ability to hold the required differential pressure.
- Sustained water hammer. While sometimes a general plumbing issue, a loud, banging noise in your pipes when you quickly close a faucet often results from the sudden stopping of water flow against a faulty check valve within the backflow assembly.
How Do I Know If I Need a Backflow Prevention Device?
In California, determining the need for a backflow prevention assembly on your property depends primarily on whether your plumbing system includes a cross-connection that poses a contamination risk to the public drinking water supply. While most standard single-family homes do not require a backflow preventer on the main line, a device becomes mandatory if you have specific features that create a potential link between your potable water and a hazardous source.
This requirement commonly applies to properties with a dedicated in-ground lawn or landscape irrigation system, a residential fire sprinkler system, or a connection to an auxiliary water source, such as a private well or recycled water line. Additionally, all commercial, industrial, and multi-family properties generally require backflow prevention on their service lines due to the higher contamination risk.
Your local water department conducts routine surveys to identify potential hazards, and they will issue formal notices requiring property owners to install approved backflow assemblies at their expense. If you have not received one of these notices, you may not be required to install a backflow prevention device. If you have any doubts or questions, we encourage you to contact your local water department.
Is it time to schedule annual backflow prevention testing? Call (916) 741-6799 or contact us online today.