Castle Rock Water requires annual backflow testing for all businesses, nonresidential irrigation and certain fire suppression systems, using testers registered with the Town, and residential lawn irrigation needs an approved mechanical device, with periodic testing recommended. For a test, a repair or a new device, call the number on this page to be connected with a local plumber in Castle Rock.
Castle Rock's backflow rules
Castle Rock Water, the Town-owned utility, runs the cross-connection program. Annual testing is required for every business, all nonresidential irrigation systems and certain properties with fire suppression systems, and only certified testers registered with the Town may test. For homes, underground lawn irrigation must have an approved mechanical backflow prevention assembly. Annual tests aren't listed as required on residential irrigation, but the Town recommends periodic testing. Some areas with Castle Rock mailing addresses, such as The Village at Castle Pines, are served by other districts with their own rules.
What to do now
- Confirm your provider. Make sure Castle Rock Water bills you.
- Know your category. Business, nonresidential irrigation and fire systems need annual tests; homes need a device on lawn irrigation.
- Look the device over. Check for drips, cracks or a missing cover.
- Stop active leaks. Close the irrigation shutoff if water is spraying.
- Hire a registered tester. Ask whether they're registered with the Town.
Symptoms and what usually causes them
| Symptom | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Spitting from the device when sprinklers start | Debris on a check or a worn seal |
| Cracked or bulging brass | Water left inside over a freeze |
| Low pressure on all zones | Partly closed test cock or shutoff, or a clogged strainer |
| Failed test on a business assembly | Worn rubber parts or springs |
| White crust around fittings | Mineral deposits from hard water seeping out |
Cost factors
- Required test versus recommended check. Business and nonresidential tests involve reporting to the Town.
- Repairs. Rebuild kits and a retest add time.
- Freeze damage. Split bodies get replaced.
- Location. Devices in landscaped beds or boxes take longer to reach.
Castle Rock's water comes mostly from deep Denver Basin wells plus renewable supplies, and the Town describes it as moderately hard to hard, about 6.6 to 10.8 grains per gallon. Mineral buildup on check valve seats is one reason a device that passed for years can start leaking. Castle Rock Water does not recommend water softeners because of the salt they add to wastewater, so plan on keeping devices clean rather than softening the supply. For a water leak in the street, call Castle Rock Water at 720-733-6000.
Backflow Testing questions in Castle Rock
Does an ordinary single-family house need annual testing?
Who is qualified to run the test on my assembly?
Why does an underground sprinkler system need a backflow preventer?
Does a home fire sprinkler or boiler change the backflow rules?
More plumbing services in Castle Rock
Backflow Testing nearby
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