Residential Backflow Prevention FAQ

Contact Information:

James City Service Authority

101-E Mounts Bay Road
Williamsburg, VA 23185

Directions - Directory

Phone: (757) 253-6805
Fax: (757) 253-6850

Hours of Operation

8:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Monday-Friday

Customer Service

Phone: (757) 253-6800

Water / Sewer Emergencies

Phone: (757) 229-7421
7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m
Phone: (757) 566-0112
After Hours

jcsa@james-city.va.us

Online Applications

Request for Service - Hook up new water service online
Submeter Information

Utility Service Connection - Apply for new water connections online
60 Day Exemption form
JCSA Forms

Residential Backflow Prevention FAQ - Continued

13. How much will the inspections/maintenance cost?

Though the JCSA monitors the installation and maintenance of these assemblies as required by the Virginia Department of Health, we do not have any influence or control over the contractors pricing and it can vary from one testing contractor to another. Currently the prices we have been quoted are averaging from $35 to $100. We also understand that group pricing, whether through a neighborhood or homeowners association is an option that may lower your annual testing cost. Combining the test with other irrigation system maintenance may also net a savings for the homeowner. The JCSA does not endorse, guarantee, or warrant any work performed by the testing contractors. All interactions between customers and contractors are private transactions between these two entities.

14. Will there be a list of certified testers available to us? Where can we view this list?

Yes, a list of certified testers will be sent along with a letter reminding the homeowner to obtain the test. The list and the test form are also available here. The list can also be found at the end of our Backflow Prevention and Cross Connection Program available for review on the JCSA website. The JCSA advises you should also check the website each year to ensure that your chosen tester is still a properly certified and approved tester as certifications are subject to expiration and revocation. The JCSA does not endorse, guarantee, or warrant any work performed by the testing contractors. All interactions between customers and contractors are private transactions between these two entities.

15. Why is the testing contractor that I used before not on your list now?

Backflow Prevention Device Worker certifications are subject to expiration and revocation. You should inquire of your chosen tester’s appropriate certification, and also check the JCSA website each year to ensure that your chosen tester is still a properly certified and approved tester. If you desire, you may also check for your chosen contractor’s certification at the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation website at www.dpor.virginia.gov.

16. Will I receive notification when to perform my test?

Yes – The JCSA sent notices to approximately 20% of our residential irrigation system owners in September of 2008, and the remaining customers should receive a letter in the Spring of 2009. Any new irrigation system installations that occur after April 2009 or any existing owner who does not receive a notification letter prior to April 2009, should still contact a certified backflow tester to arrange to have your backflow assembly tested. We also track the backflow assembly information in our data base which will generate a reminder letter to our customers reminding them when their annual test is due.

17. What if I don’t receive a letter?

The absence of a reminder letter does not void the requirement of the annual inspection required by the JCSA Backflow Prevention and Cross Connection Program. Please note that the JCSA has attempted to mail a letter to all irrigation system owners. We have also posted information on the County’s website, submitted information in local newspapers, in our waterline and the county’s fyi newsletters, and have included information with your water bill. Should you not receive a letter please contact us at (757) 259-4138 so that we can properly monitor and send you the annual testing notifications.

18. What do I do with my test report?

Your chosen tester should send a copy to the JCSA within 30 days of the test date and provide you a copy for your records. Please retain your copy in your records in case the contractor fails to send it to the JCSA or it is lost.

19. What happens if my backflow assembly fails the test?

If your assembly fails the test, you should make arrangements to have the assembly repaired or replaced as required, and retested within 15 days.

20. What if I do not get my backflow assembly tested or fail to have an improperly working backflow assembly repaired or replaced?

The JCSA hopes that you will share our desire to maintain a safe water distribution system. However, if you choose to not comply with this mandated program, you will risk a potential loss of water service and can be charged with a misdemeanor facing possible fines of up to $1000 per occurrence, per day.

21. Are any other backflow devices required for residential homes?

Yes – All outdoor faucets and hose bibs that have threaded connections where a garden hose can be attached are required to have backflow prevention protection. This may be in the form of a frost-proof automatic draining outdoor faucet with built in backflow preventer or by the use of a screw on hose bibb vacuum breaker (HBVB) that can be purchased at local hardware or home supply stores.


Outdoor faucets with built in backflow protection


Screw on type Hose Bibb Vacuum Breakers

22. Should a Hose Bibb Vacuum Breaker be used on frost-free hydrants?

Yes – but the device must be equipped with means to permit the line to drain after the hydrant is shut-off. Be sure it is equipped to drain the line to prevent freezing during our colder months of the year. Most manufacturers sell a frost proof model which has a means to allow the homeowner to drain the line to prevent damage during freezing temperatures.