If your Silver Spring home has an in-ground lawn sprinkler system, it has a backflow preventer — and it needs to be tested. HiTrend Plumbers tests, repairs, and replaces irrigation backflow assemblies across Montgomery County.
Your backflow preventer may need work if
- It hasn't been tested this year
- Water spraying or dripping from the relief valve or bonnet
- Freeze damage after winter (cracked body or popped bonnet)
- Low sprinkler pressure after start-up
- Your water utility sent a testing notice
- Valves or test cocks are corroded or seized
Why testing is required
In WSSC Water's service area, residential irrigation backflow preventers must be field-tested every year at spring start-up, and only WSSC-licensed plumbers who are also certified cross-connection technicians can test or repair them. Results must be reported to the utility. Customers of other water systems (such as City of Rockville or Town of Poolesville water) follow their own cross-connection rules.
Silver Spring homes: what we see
In Silver Spring, many irrigation systems were added to mid-century homes years later. Older assemblies may lack parts availability, making replacement more practical.
Most Silver Spring homes are on WSSC Water, which licenses plumbers in its service area and runs the cross-connection (backflow) program.
What we test
Most residential systems use a pressure vacuum breaker (PVB) or a double check valve assembly. We check that each check valve holds and the air inlet opens properly, record the readings, and handle the paperwork. If it fails, we'll tell you exactly which part and what the repair costs.
Winterizing to prevent damage
Many failures we see in spring are freeze damage. Before the first hard freeze, shut off the irrigation supply, open the test cocks slightly, and have the system blown out. A cracked backflow body means replacement, which costs more than prevention.
How HiTrend handles sprinkler backflow testing jobs in Silver Spring
- Schedule your spring test
- Test and record results
- Repair or replace failed parts
- Retest
- Submit results as required
Seasonal tips
In spring, open the supply valve slowly to avoid water hammer. In fall, close it, open the test cocks a quarter turn, and have the lines blown out. Don't adjust internal parts — testing and repair must be done by a certified tester.
Serving Silver Spring neighborhoods
We handle sprinkler backflow testing service throughout Silver Spring, including Woodside, Four Corners, Indian Spring, Woodside Park, and the area around Sligo Creek Park (ZIP 20901, 20902, 20903, 20904, 20905, 20906, 20910). Also nearby: Sprinkler Backflow Testing in Chevy Chase, Sprinkler Backflow Testing in Takoma Park, Sprinkler Backflow Testing in Bethesda, Sprinkler Backflow Testing in Wheaton.
Frequently asked questions
How often does backflow need testing in Silver Spring?
In WSSC Water's service area, annually at spring start-up. Other water systems set their own schedules.
Who can test my backflow preventer?
A licensed plumber who is also a certified cross-connection technician.
What happens if my backflow fails?
It needs repair (often a rebuild kit) or replacement, followed by a passing retest.
Can freezing damage the backflow?
Yes. Water left inside can crack the body or pop the bonnet. Proper winterizing prevents it.