Many state and local water purveyors treat apartment complexes as low-to-moderate hazard and may allow DC containment or no domestic containment depending on local policy. However, common site features—especially irrigation, pools/spas, boilers/hydronic systems, fire services with additives, and reclaimed water—frequently trigger RP requirements at specific services or for the entire premises.
As a bonded and insured licensed contractors and certified backflow testing professionals specializing in the installation, testing and repair of commercial backflow prevention assemblies, Backflow Test Pros guarantees top-tier workmanship at the most competitive rates, provides backflow repair coverage and includes 2-year installation warranty to help you meet and exceed your apartment community backflow installation, testing, repair compliance requirements.
Call for Your Free Apartment Complex Compliance Review to Qualify for Installation Warranty, Best Value Testing, Repair Coverage & Multi-Device Discounts
Apartment complexes include multi-family residential buildings, mixed-use residential-over-retail, garden apartments, podium buildings, high-rises, and multi-building residential campuses. While residential occupancy is often lower hazard than industrial or clinical uses, apartment properties frequently include building systems that trigger backflow requirements (irrigation, fire services, boilers/hydronics, pools/spas, and reclaimed water).
Installing, testing and repair of backflow preventer devices in Apartment Communities is a critical component of California’s commitment to water quality protection from commercial properties connected to a public potable water system. Apartment Community cross connection and backflow prevention responsibilities are governed by and subject to CCR Title 17 cross-connection control expectations (as administered by water purveyors), The State Water Board’s Cross-Connection Control Policy Handbook (CCCPH) (statewide minimum program expectations), the local water purveyor cross-connection programs (hazard classification, device selection, enforcement), and California state plumbing code and equipment manufacturer requirements.
Apartment Community owners and managers are responsible for installation, testing, repair, and ongoing compliance.
Hiring a certified backflow tester to perform Apartment Complex backflow prevention installation, testing and repair in a timely manner is key to ensuring compliance with state and municipal water department regulations.
Backflow Test Pros is 100% dedicated to ensuring your property meets local water authority Apartment Complex backflow installation, testing and repair requirements so you can avoid civil penalties and ensure your water is not turned off for noncompliance.
Ensure you're fully compliant with specific city, county and water districts backflow prevention requirements
Ensure your backflow assembly installation clears local permitting requirements and plans approvals
Ensure your installed backflow device is USC FCCCHR approved and meets hazard level requirements
Free initial backflow certification testing, same-day report submittal and backflow repair coverage
We provide the best value in Apartment Community backflow prevention installations, testing and repair services by combining competitive pricing with premium service, warranty coverage and unmatched expertise.
Backflow Test Pros is an AWWA Certified Backflow Tester and Certified Backflow Tester with County Health Departments across Southern California. As a CA State licensed contractor and AWWA Certified backflow specialists, our team of experienced backflow experts work with County Health Boards and Municipal Water Departments throughout Southern California to protect our water and prevent backflow contamination.
The hazard classification is often driven by these building systems rather than the residential units themselves.
Backflow Risk at Apartment Complexes Arise from the following Shared Amenities and Systems:
Even when the domestic use is primarily fixtures (restrooms, kitchens, laundry hookups), apartment properties often include:
- Irrigation systems (landscaped grounds, planters, podium decks)
- Pools, spas, splash pads, and water features (chemical treatment, makeup water tie-ins)
- Central boiler / hydronic heating loops (chemical additives, glycol in some systems)
- Cooling towers (in some high-rise or central plant designs)
- Fire sprinkler systems (antifreeze in some systems; separate fire service lines)
- On-site maintenance/janitorial sinks (hoses, chemical mixing)
- Reclaimed/nonpotable water for irrigation or flushing (where present)
- Auxiliary water sources (rare, but possible: wells, storage tanks with interties)
Apartment Complexes Typically Require the Following
Minimum Level Backflow Risk Protections
Many complexes have multiple meters/services (domestic, irrigation, fire). Purveyors often apply different device types to different services based on hazard.
A. Domestic Potable Service (Premises Containment)
Typical outcomes (vary by purveyor and property profile):
- No domestic containment may be allowed for strictly residential domestic service in some jurisdictions/programs.
- DC (Double Check Valve Assembly) is commonly required by many purveyors for multi-family domestic services as a standard baseline.
- RP (Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly) may be required when higher hazard conditions exist, such as:
- reclaimed water systems or auxiliary water sources
- central mechanical plants with chemical treatment and complex interties
- history of cross-connection issues or higher hazard classification
- certain mixed-use configurations (purveyor-dependent)
B. Fire Protection Services (If Separate Fire Service)
- DCDA/DCVA often allowed for “clean” sprinkler systems
- RPDA required if antifreeze or additives exist
- Some purveyors require RPDA based on overall premises hazard classification
C. Irrigation Services (Common)
- PVB commonly used/allowed for standard irrigation (if local standards allow)
- RP required if chemical injection/fertigation, booster pumps, auxiliary sources, or higher hazard determinations exist
- Some purveyors prefer/require RP for large complexes or where irrigation design creates increased risk- Makeup water protection requirements vary widely by purveyor and design.
Apartment Complex-Specific Internal (Point-of-Use) Protection Areas
A. Pools, Spas, Splash Pads, and Water Features (High Priority Where Present)
Risk drivers:
- chemical treatment (chlorine/bromine)
- recirculating nonpotable water
- makeup water connections and potential cross-ties
Typical expectations:
- Makeup water protected per purveyor/manufacturer design (often RP and/or air-gap-type arrangements)
- No direct cross-connection between treated pool/spa water and potable supply
- Backwash/overflow/discharge configured per code (depending on local enforcement)
B. Central Boiler / Hydronic Heating Loops (If Present)
Risk drivers:
- chemical additives, glycol in some systems
- pressurized loops creating backpressure
- makeup water tie-ins
Typical expectations:
- Makeup water protected as required (often RP on makeup connection and/or premises containment RP if required)
- No unapproved bypasses around protection
- Clear labeling and mechanical room access
C. Irrigation System Components (Even If Separate Meter)
Risk drivers:
- hose-end attachments and chemical injection (fertigation)
- booster pumps or auxiliary water connections
- repairs/valve replacements creating temporary cross-connections
Typical expectations:
- Proper device selection (PVB/RP) per design/hazard
- Maintain elevation and drainage requirements (especially for PVBs)
- Testing and repair access maintained
D. Maintenance Shops, Janitorial Closets, and Hose Bibbs
Risk drivers:
- submerged hoses in buckets with cleaners
- washdown near trash enclosures and dumpsters
- hose-end sprayers and splitters
Typical controls:
- Anti-siphon hose bibbs / hose bibb vacuum breakers
- Policies/training prohibiting submerged hoses
- Secure common-area hose connections where misuse is common
E. Laundry Rooms (Common Areas)
Most laundry equipment is not typically a backflow driver by itself, but risks arise when:
- chemical dispensing/proportioning is used
- hoses are attached to utility sinks for cleaning
Typical expectations:
- Protected hose connections
- Chemical systems installed per manufacturer/purveyor requirements (when present)Risk drivers:
- cross-connection between potable and nonpotable piping
- improper valving or maintenance tie-ins
F. Reclaimed / Nonpotable Irrigation (If Present)
Risk drivers:
- cross-connection between potable and nonpotable piping
- improper valving or maintenance tie-ins
Typical expectations:
- Strict separation and labeling
- Purveyor involvement typically required
- Unapproved interconnections treated as serious violations
Apartment Complex Backflow Violation Enforcement & Penalties
- issue notices and compliance deadlines
- require cross-connection surveys/inspections
- assess administrative fees/penalties (varies)
- terminate water service for failure to install/test/maintain required assemblies or unresolved cross-connections
Properties with pools/spas, reclaimed water, or complex campuses often face stricter enforcement timelines.
Additional Apartment Complex Backflow Violation Civil Liabilities
Apartment Complex ownerd and managers are exposed to additional civil liabilities resulting from contamination in the event of failure to prevent backflow into the potable water resources used by other parties.
Failure to comply with Apartment Complex related backflow installation, testing and repair regulations can result in fines, disconnection of service, or other enforcement actions. Apartment community owners and managers may call us or consult their local water authority or building department to ensure their apartment community meets all applicable backflow prevention requirements.
Common Apartment Community Deficiencies That Trigger Enforcement
- Overdue annual testing (domestic/fire/irrigation)
- Irrigation backflow devices installed incorrectly (PVB height/clearance issues)
- Fire line antifreeze present but wrong device type installed (DCDA vs RPDA)
- Pool/spa makeup water connections lacking required protection
- RPs installed in pits/vaults subject to flooding/submergence
- Hose bibbs missing vacuum breakers (maintenance areas, dumpster pads)
- Unapproved bypass piping around containment assemblies
- Renovations (pool/irrigation/mechanical) without purveyor review
- Inaccessible assemblies due to landscaping, fencing, or locked areas
Call Us for Your Apartment Complex Backflow Compliance Review to Ensure
You are Not in Violation of State and Local backflow Prevention Requirements
1. Confirm hazard classification and containment requirements with the purveyor (domestic may differ from irrigation/fire).
2. Identify services/meters: domestic, irrigation, fire, pool/spa, central plant.
3. Verify devices are correct type (DC vs RP; PVB vs RP for irrigation; DCDA vs RPDA for fire).
4. Ensure devices are accessible, protected from flooding/submergence, and have proper drainage (especially RPs).
5. Ensure irrigation PVBs meet required elevation/clearance rules where applicable.
6. Ensure hose bibbs have vacuum breakers; prevent submerged hoses in maintenance areas.
7. Test all assemblies annually and after install/repair/relocation/modification.
8. Submit reports on time; maintain centralized records for all buildings/services.
9. Re-evaluate after pool remodels, irrigation changes, or mechanical retrofits.
