Backflow Testing in Thornton, CO

What happens when you call

You'll be connected with an independent plumber who works in Thornton. Tell them what kind of property it is, since Thornton's program focuses on commercial, industrial and multifamily buildings with more than two units, and say whether you need a routine test, a repair after a failure or a new assembly. If you have a past report or a reminder, read off the assembly's make, size and serial number; that tells the plumber which repair kit to bring. Ask whether the tester can file results with Backflow Solutions so the paperwork is done the same day.

Homeowners call too. A house usually isn't part of the city's annual program, but sprinkler devices still leak, freeze and fail, and a plumber can repair or replace one.

What affects the cost

• Number of assemblies. Apartment complexes and business parks often have domestic, fire and irrigation assemblies, each tested separately.
• Size. Larger assemblies on main building services take longer than a small irrigation device.
• Repairs and retests. A failed check or relief valve adds parts and a second test.
• Access. Devices in vaults, crawlspaces or locked mechanical rooms take extra time.
• Permits. Thornton requires permits for plumbing modifications, so a new or relocated assembly may need one.

Thornton's water and backflow program

The City of Thornton supplies water, sewer, stormwater and trash service to residents, drawing South Platte basin snowmelt stored in reservoirs including Standley Lake. Its cross-connection program, run by the city at 720-977-6586, requires approved assemblies on commercial, industrial and multifamily properties, tested when installed and at least once a year by a certified backflow technician. Results go online to Backflow Solutions, Inc.

Thornton's water is hard, averaging about 230 mg/L per the city's report, and the treatment plants don't remove hardness. Scale can build on check valve seats and springs over time, which is one reason a device that passed for years can suddenly fail. Most of the city's housing dates from 1980 on, with older homes in the south and newer subdivisions toward E-470 and SH 7, and most of those yards have irrigation.

Before the plumber arrives

• Find every assembly on the property and clear access to it
• Have keys for vaults, cages or mechanical rooms
• Pull last year's report or the city's reminder
• Warn tenants that water may be off briefly during the test
• If a device is spraying, close its supply valve