Backflow Testing in Fontana, CA

What happens when you call

You'll be connected with an independent plumber who works in Fontana. Tell them who sends your water bill, because Fontana is split among five water providers: Fontana Water Company, Cucamonga Valley Water District, West Valley Water District, Marygold Mutual Water Company and Crawford Canyon Mutual Water Company. Then describe the job: a yearly test, a repair after a failed test, or a new device on an irrigation or fire line. If you have an earlier test report, have it nearby so the plumber can see the assembly type, size and serial number.

What affects the cost

• Pass or fail. A clean annual test takes far less time than rebuilding a check valve and retesting.
• Type of device. Reduced pressure assemblies have more parts to service than double checks.
• Size. Large commercial and fire service assemblies cost more to rebuild than small landscape units.
• Replacement versus repair. A body that is cracked or no longer approved usually gets replaced.
• Permit work. New installs may involve the City of Fontana Building & Safety office, which takes applications online through Build Fontana or at the counter.

Fontana conditions that matter

Fontana Water Company's Cross-Connection Control Program is the most detailed backflow rule in town. The company does the initial test on a new device; after that, the privately owned assembly is the customer's to maintain, and a Backflow Test and Maintenance Report has to reach the company's Cross Connection Department every year. The program applies to all commercial, landscape and fire service connections and to residential connections that also have a non-potable auxiliary supply. If your water comes from one of the other four providers, ask that provider for its own rules, since they were not confirmed here.

The company also asks customers not to use the angle stop or meter valve to shut off water, because those are company property. Use your own gate valve instead, which is also the valve a plumber will want closed while working on an assembly. With a median home build year of about 1989, many Fontana irrigation systems and commercial devices along Sierra Avenue and Cherry Avenue have been in service long enough for seals and springs to tire.

Before the plumber arrives

• Find the assembly and clear plants or debris around it
• Locate your own gate valve, not the company's meter valve
• Pull out the last test report or the notice with the due date
• Unlock any cage or enclosure
• Note any leaks, drips or pressure changes you have seen