Backflow Testing in Takoma Park, MD

Does an older Takoma Park house even have a testable device?

Often not. The median home here was built around 1954, and many of the Victorian-era and early twentieth-century houses in the historic district have no in-ground sprinkler system and no fire sprinkler line, so there is nothing for WSSC to test. A testable assembly shows up when an owner adds irrigation, when a property has a fire sprinkler system, or on commercial and multi-unit buildings. WSSC also notes that homes built from 2007 through 2009 with testable dual checks on fire sprinkler systems must test or replace them, which covers any newer infill house from those years.

Who can do the test, and how often?

WSSC Water's Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code calls for a test every year on every installed testable assembly, and again right after one is installed, repaired or relocated. Only journeyman or master plumbers registered with WSSC who also hold cross-connection technician certification may test and repair these devices. Lawn irrigation assemblies get their yearly test reported at spring start-up. Because Takoma Park borders the District, some people assume DC Water's rules apply; they do not on the Maryland side.

Do I need a permit to add a sprinkler system with a backflow device?

The plumbing side goes through WSSC Water Permit Services, which handles plumbing permits for Montgomery County addresses through its ePermitting system (Permit Services, 301-206-4003). Montgomery County handles building permits for projects that need them. Under the tree canopy that gives Takoma Park its Azalea City name, root zones and older stone walls can limit where a device can sit, so plan the location with the plumber.

One local note

WSSC's tap water analysis lists average hardness of 140 mg/L for water from its Potomac plant and 64 mg/L from its Patuxent plant, and which one reaches a given address varies. Over the years, mineral deposits on check seats can keep an aging device from sealing, which is a common reason a long-ignored sprinkler assembly fails its first test in years. If yours fails, a rebuild kit and a retest usually solve it; a cracked or badly corroded body is the point where replacement makes more sense.