Many Great Falls homes rely on private wells, while some neighborhoods are on Fairfax Water, whose cross-connection program requires irrigation backflow assemblies to be tested at installation, every year and after any repair or replacement. Whichever applies to your home, call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Great Falls.
What happens when you call
The call reaches an independent plumber who works in Great Falls. Start by saying whether your water comes from Fairfax Water or a private well, then describe what needs protection: a sprinkler system, a pool, a hot tub or a barn or garden line. If you are on Fairfax Water, ask the plumber to confirm their DPOR backflow certification and listing with Fairfax County. If something is leaking, close the irrigation valve or the main shutoff.
For a Fairfax Water home, the visit is a standard test with a calibrated gauge and an online report. For a well home, it is usually an evaluation: is there an irrigation or chemical connection that could siphon back into the household plumbing or the well, and what device would stop it?
What affects the cost
- Test or evaluation. A routine test is short; designing protection for a new connection takes longer.
- Number of devices. Large lots can have separate assemblies for irrigation, a pool and outbuildings.
- Assembly type. Reduced pressure units cost more to service than vacuum breakers.
- Permits. New or replacement irrigation assemblies need a Fairfax County plumbing permit.
Local conditions in Great Falls
Great Falls is a largely residential, partly rural community on the Potomac River, with large lots along Georgetown Pike and Route 7 and near Great Falls Park and Riverbend Park. The Great Falls Citizens Association notes that many homes rely on private wells and recommends annual well testing, and that some neighborhoods are served by Fairfax Water. Many homes are also not on public sewer. Median year built is 1985.
For Fairfax Water customers, the cross-connection program run with Fairfax County Land Development Services applies, and its department can be reached at 571-722-7653. Private wells are outside the utility's program, but backflow protection still matters: a sprinkler line pulling fertilizer back into a pressure tank contaminates your own drinking water. Permits for plumbing work go through Fairfax County Land Development Services.
Checklist before the visit
- Know whether you are on Fairfax Water or a well
- Locate the irrigation shutoff and the main valve or well pressure tank
- List every connection: sprinklers, pool fill, hot tub, outbuildings
- Find any past test report or well test results
- Turn off the irrigation controller
Backflow Testing questions in Great Falls
My house is on a private well. Does backflow still matter?
How can I tell which water utility serves my address?
Why does a lawn sprinkler system need a backflow preventer?
How often does a backflow assembly need to be tested here?
More plumbing services in Great Falls
Backflow Testing nearby
Sources
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