Why is water dripping from my backflow device?

A reduced pressure assembly is designed to discharge water from its relief valve when a check valve is not holding, often because grit or scale is fouling it or a rubber part is worn. The discharge is a warning. Have the assembly tested and rebuilt rather than plugging the relief.

When does a backflow assembly need testing?

ADEQ states that required backflow-prevention assemblies are tested at least annually by a certified backflow tester, and after installation, relocation or repair. The water system serving the property sets its own reporting form and deadline, so check its rules before the test date.

Backflow Preventer Testing and Repair

Get the assembly that guards the drinking water tested, rebuilt or replaced under the water provider's rules.

Request an estimate(623) 292-2515

Surprise runs a yearly test program

On the City of Surprise water system, a backflow device is tested before it goes into service, after any repair, when the meter is set, and at least once a year. The city's owner information page puts the responsibility on the owner and allows only certified testers on the city's approved list, using a calibrated gauge. Testers submit reports through the SAMS Universal Tester website, not by email or mail, and annual recertification reports are due within ten working days of the renewal date. A failed report is not accepted as a completed test, and a replaced device needs a new certification.

Surprise adds a wrinkle few cities have. It runs a Class A+ recycled water system, and the city's tester page warns that reclaimed-water backflow assemblies are in use and must not be tested with a potable test kit. Reclaimed devices, meters and boxes are colored or tagged purple. Most single-family lots water with potable supply, since the city code exempts them from the reclaimed-water mandate.

When a test fails

A failed test usually points to something fixable. Grit or scale from mineral-bearing groundwater can hold a check off its seat, rubber parts wear, springs weaken, and a reduced pressure assembly dumps water from its relief valve when its first check leaks. Most assemblies are rebuilt with the maker's kit and retested. Replacement fits a cracked body, an unsupported model or a missing unit, and the replacement report lists both the old and new device's make, model, serial number, size and type.

The provider decides which device a connection needs. Surprise has eleven water providers, so customers of EPCOR or another company follow that provider's program, not the city's. The Arizona Department of Environmental Quality lists the approved assemblies by protection: air gap, reduced pressure, pressure vacuum breaker and double check. Related pages: irrigation system installation and valve and solenoid repair.

Source: City of Surprise, Backflow Assembly Testers, Checked Oct 1, 2026