Backflow Testing in Upland, CA

Signs it's time to call

• A letter from the City of Upland asking for a backflow test
• Water running from the relief port on a reduced pressure assembly
• Weak sprinklers or a hissing sound at the device
• Drips or green corrosion at a test cock, union or shutoff
• A newly bought property with irrigation or a fire line and no test history
• A device in the parkway that was hit, cracked or vandalized

How backflow fits Upland's water system

The City of Upland's Public Works department provides water service and handles leaks on the City side and the City's water meters; the split between City and customer pipe beyond that isn't spelled out on the City's page. A backflow assembly almost always sits on the customer side of the meter, though, and the owner normally maintains it. Upland's cross connection program, test interval and report form come from the City, so call Public Works at (909) 291-2930 before assuming anything. State rules do require every water supplier in California to protect its system from cross connections.

Most of Upland's water is local groundwater, which the City says covers about 80 percent of customer needs, supplemented by San Antonio Canyon surface water and imported State Water Project water. Groundwater-heavy supplies in the Inland Empire tend to leave mineral scale, which can keep a check valve from sealing and lead to a failed test. Assemblies that have sat in place for many years without a rebuild are the most likely to fail when a test finally comes due.

What affects cost

• Visit type. A test with a passing result is the shortest job; repair and retest take longer.
• Assembly. Reduced pressure units have more to rebuild than double checks or vacuum breakers.
• Size. Larger commercial and fire assemblies cost more in parts.
• New work. New or relocated devices may need a permit from the City of Upland Building and Safety Division, which accepts permit requests online only through its Citizen Self Service portal.
• Access. Cages, locked enclosures and overgrown planters add time.

When you call

You'll be connected with an independent plumber who works in Upland. Describe the device and the problem, share any City paperwork, and say whether water is actively leaking. If a City main is leaking after hours, Upland routes those calls through Police Dispatch at (909) 946-7624.