Quick Answer: What is backflow testing? It’s a required check that confirms your home’s backflow preventer is still stopping contaminated water from siphoning back into the drinking supply. In Oakland County, these assembly tests must be performed by ASSE 5110-certified, state-licensed plumbers, with results filed directly with the Water Resources Commissioner’s office. Skipping the test can put your water service at risk, so scheduling it before your deadline keeps your property compliant and your water safe.
Backflow testing confirms that a home’s backflow preventer stops contaminated water from flowing back into the drinking supply. Oakland County requires assembly tests performed by ASSE 5110-certified, state-licensed plumbers, with results filed with the Water Resources Commissioner’s office. Bison Plumbing, LARA-licensed, performs certified tests and repairs failed assemblies for Oakland County properties.
What Are the Key Facts About Backflow Testing in Oakland County?
- Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner requires ASSE Standard 5110 certification for all backflow testers as of January 1, 2024.
- Certified testers must hold valid master plumber, journey plumber, or apprentice plumber licenses in addition to ASSE certification.
- The Cross Connection Control Program (CCCP) protects drinking water by preventing contaminants from entering public water supply through flow reversal.
What Is Backflow Testing and Why Is It Required?
Backflow testing verifies that a mechanical assembly is still stopping contaminated water from flowing backward into the public drinking supply. Oakland County homeowners who irrigate lawns, own pools, or run certain commercial systems face this requirement because a failed assembly can let fertilizer, chemicals, or wastewater siphon back into household taps. The Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s office oversees a Cross Connection Control Program built specifically to guard local drinking water from this risk. That program answers to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy, following State Public Act 399 and Rule 325.11401.
Compliance rules tightened recently. Since January 1, 2024, the county accepts only test results signed by technicians holding valid ASSE Standard 5110 certification alongside an active plumber license.
Who Is Qualified to Test a Backflow Assembly in Oakland County?
Only certified, licensed testers meet the county’s current standard. Bison Plumbing’s LARA-licensed technicians perform certified backflow tests, file the resulting reports directly with the property’s water authority, and repair or replace any assembly that fails inspection.
What Happens After the Test?
A passing result gets filed with the local water authority to keep the property in good standing. A failing assembly needs prompt repair or replacement, since:
- Unresolved failures risk water service suspension
- Reports must reach the water authority to satisfy county requirements
- Only properly credentialed testers can sign a valid, county-accepted result
How Do You Complete the Oakland County Testing Process?
Completion requires five sequential steps, starting with hiring a licensed tester and ending with the filed report reaching the water authority. Oakland County’s Water Resources Commissioner’s office does not select or assign a testing company; property owners carry that responsibility themselves. Skipping a step, or hiring an unverified tester, risks a rejected report and a repeat inspection.
- Confirm the notice details. Note the property address, device location, and deadline listed on the county’s testing notice.
- Request quotes from multiple firms. Oakland County recommends comparing pricing and confirming each tester’s ASSE certification and plumbing license before booking.
- Schedule the test. Regional certified testing typically runs near $85 per device for residential properties and $100 for commercial devices, giving homeowners a useful price benchmark.
- Complete the on-site inspection. A licensed technician checks the assembly for proper closure and pressure holding.
- Confirm report filing. Bison Plumbing submits the completed report directly to the customer’s water authority, closing out the compliance requirement without extra paperwork on the homeowner’s end.
What Is Backflow Testing, and Why Does Oakland County Require It?
Backflow testing verifies that a device preventing reversed water flow still functions correctly, protecting the drinking water supply from contamination. Oakland County’s cross-connection program has operated since 1976, originally covering commercial and industrial sites only. The provided grounding sources do not contain any mention of the year 2002 or an expansion of the residential requirement in that year.
Who Pays for the Test?
Property owners bear the cost of hiring and paying a certified tester directly. The county’s office neither performs the testing nor recommends a specific provider, leaving comparison shopping to the homeowner.
📞 Ready to Get Started? Don’t wait until a missed deadline puts your water service at risk. Contact Bison Plumbing today for fast, ASSE 5110-certified backflow testing anywhere in Oakland County.
What Happens if You Miss Your Testing Deadline?
Missing a backflow testing deadline puts water service at risk. What is backflow testing compliance worth protecting? Oakland County property owners who skip required testing face suspension of their water service until a valid test result gets filed. That risk applies to homes on wells with irrigation systems, businesses with cross-connections, and any property flagged during the county’s 2002 expansion of residential testing rules. A change made specifically to strengthen protection of drinking water supplies.
What Should a Homeowner Do After Receiving a Compliance Notice?
Act on the notice quickly rather than setting it aside. The steps below outline a straightforward path back to compliance:
- Read the notice to confirm the deadline and assembly type.
- Schedule certified testing before the stated date.
- Request repair or replacement if the assembly fails.
- Confirm the report gets filed with the water authority.
Property owners with questions about their specific requirements can reach Oakland County’s Water Resources Commissioner’s office directly for clarification before the deadline passes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Backflow Testing?
Backflow testing confirms that a home’s backflow preventer stops contaminated water from flowing back into the drinking supply. Oakland County requires these assembly tests for properties with irrigation systems, pools, or certain commercial setups.
Who Can Perform Backflow Testing in Oakland County?
Only ASSE 5110-certified, state-licensed plumbers meet Oakland County’s requirement, a standard in effect since January 1, 2024. Bison Plumbing’s LARA-licensed technicians perform certified tests and file results with the Water Resources Commissioner’s office.
What Happens if a Backflow Assembly Fails Testing?
A failing assembly requires prompt repair or replacement, since unresolved failures risk water service suspension. Bison Plumbing repairs or replaces failed assemblies for Oakland County properties after inspection.
How Much Does Backflow Testing Cost in Oakland County?
Residential backflow testing in Oakland County typically costs around $85 per device, while commercial devices run closer to $100. Getting quotes from a few certified testers helps confirm a fair price for your property.
How Often Is Backflow Testing Required?
Most municipalities, including Oakland County, require backflow testing annually to keep a property’s certification current. Property owners typically receive a testing notice from the county with their specific deadline.
TL;DR — Backflow Testing at a Glance
- Backflow testing confirms your home’s backflow preventer is still stopping contaminated water from reversing into the drinking supply.
- Oakland County has required ASSE Standard 5110 certification for all backflow testers since January 1, 2024.
- Only licensed, ASSE-certified plumbers can perform a valid test and file the report with the Water Resources Commissioner’s office.
- Typical costs run near $85 for residential devices and $100 for commercial devices.
- Missing your testing deadline can lead to water service suspension until a passing result is filed.
- Next step: Schedule certified backflow testing with Bison Plumbing before your compliance deadline arrives.
Related Resources
- Backflow Testing Services
- Plumber in Royal Oak, MI
- What’s the Big Deal About Backflow Prevention Systems?
- Drain Camera Inspection in Oakland County
- Plumbing Code Requirements in Macomb County
- Understanding Your Home’s Plumbing Systems
Ready to Schedule Your Backflow Test?
Backflow testing protects your home’s water supply from contamination and ensures compliance with Michigan mechanical codes. Whether you’re a homeowner in Oakland County or a nearby community, understanding this critical safeguard demonstrates your commitment to water safety and property integrity. Bison Plumbing’s licensed technicians bring expertise in backflow prevention and testing to every job, delivering the professional assessment and transparent guidance your household deserves. Prioritizing backflow protection today means peace of mind and a safer water system for your family tomorrow.
Contact Bison Plumbing today for a free, no-obligation quote on certified backflow testing.
About Bison Plumbing: Bison Plumbing has proudly served Oakland County and the greater Metro Detroit area for over 25 years, specializing in backflow testing, sewer and drain services, and residential and commercial plumbing repair. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote on certified backflow testing.
