Backflow Preventers

Backflow Prevention in Salem, OR

Does this sound like your situation?

If any of these match what's happening at your home, call us — we can usually diagnose over the phone and give you honest guidance on next steps.

City of Salem water notice requiring backflow preventer installation
Annual backflow test is due or overdue
Backflow device leaking, making noise, or showing visible corrosion
New commercial construction or irrigation system installation
Change in facility use that may require backflow assessment
Failed annual test requiring repair or replacement before reinspection

Most common causes

Code requirement

Oregon Administrative Rule and City of Salem require backflow prevention on commercial water connections and any residential connection with a cross-connection hazard including irrigation and certain industrial applications.

Back-pressure hazard

In back-pressure situations, downstream system pressure can exceed supply pressure, reversing flow direction and potentially drawing contaminants into the potable supply.

Back-siphonage hazard

Reduced upstream pressure from a water main break or high demand creates suction that can pull downstream water or chemicals back through the supply connection.

Device wear

Backflow preventers contain internal check valves and relief valves that wear out over time, fail under pressure cycles, or stick open — requiring repair or replacement to restore protection.

Backflow Prevention in Salem, Oregon

Backflow is the reversal of water flow in a plumbing system — allowing potentially contaminated water to enter the potable supply. Oregon requires backflow prevention on all commercial water connections and any residential connection with a cross-connection hazard.

Spectrum Plumbing installs, tests, and certifies backflow prevention devices for commercial customers throughout Salem and the Willamette Valley.

Why Backflow Prevention Matters

Without proper backflow prevention, irrigation system chemicals, industrial contaminants, or wastewater can enter the public water supply during back-pressure events or water main pressure drops. The City of Salem's water supply can only be protected at the point of connection between your property and the public main.

Device Types

Atmospheric Vacuum Breaker (AVB): For low-hazard irrigation and hose connections. Cannot be under continuous pressure.

Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB): For irrigation systems under continuous pressure. Must be installed above the highest downstream outlet.

Double Check Valve Assembly (DCVA): For medium-hazard commercial connections. Approved for in-line installation below grade.

Reduced Pressure Backflow Assembly (RPBA): The highest protection level — required for high-hazard connections including boiler feed, chemical injection, and fire suppression.

Annual Testing

Oregon requires annual testing and certification of all reduced-pressure and double-check assemblies by a licensed tester. We provide written certification documentation for city records after every test.

CCB #255529.

Here's how we work the job

Assess the connection type and hazard level to determine the required device class
Install the appropriate device per Oregon Administrative Rule and local code
Perform initial test and certification and provide documentation for city records
Schedule annual test reminders for ongoing compliance
Repair or replace the device if the annual test reveals failure

Frequently asked questions

Does my commercial property need a backflow preventer?

Most commercial properties in Salem are required to have an approved backflow preventer on the potable water service. The specific device type depends on the hazard level of your water uses. City of Salem utilities can tell you what is required; we install and test it.

How often do backflow preventers need to be tested?

Oregon requires annual testing and certification by a licensed tester. We maintain records and provide city-required documentation after each test.

What happens if my backflow preventer fails the annual test?

A failed device must be repaired or replaced to restore compliance. We repair most devices in the field. If the device is beyond repair, we replace it and retest the same day.

Do residential properties need backflow preventers?

Some residential connections require backflow prevention — primarily irrigation systems and homes with chemical injectors or other cross-connection hazards. If you are installing an irrigation system, a vacuum breaker or pressure vacuum breaker is typically required.

Request service

Fill out the form and we'll get back to you promptly. For urgent issues, call us directly at (503) 917-3259.

Licensed & insured — CCB #255529
Serving Salem, Keizer, and the Willamette Valley
Mon – Fri 8:00am – 5:00pm