I don’t use my irrigation system. Do I still have to test and maintain my backflow preventer?

As long as the irrigation system is connected to your plumbing system, the potential for backflow exists, and you must comply with all backflow requirements, including having it tested each year. To eliminate these backflow requirements, the irrigation system must be physically disconnected from your plumbing system. If your irrigation system is served by the same water service that serves your home or business, you can remove the backflow assembly and have the irrigation system cut and capped.

A plumbing permit is required to remove any backflow prevention assemblies, and the owner will need to have the city perform an inspection in order to have the backflow officially removed from the city records.