Backflow Testing in Zebulon, NC

Signs to watch for

• A notice says your irrigation assembly is due before July 1
• You put in sprinklers during Zebulon's recent building wave and never had the device tested
• The assembly is leaking from its relief valve or a test cock
• A business, church or farm building has a fire line or domestic assembly due for its annual test
• Your home is just outside town and you aren't sure who supplies the water

How it works in Zebulon

Zebulon merged its water system with Raleigh's in 2006, and Raleigh Water now runs it. That puts Zebulon customers under Raleigh Water's Cross Connection Control Program. For most houses, the only backflow protection is a dual check device inside the meter box, which isn't a testable assembly and doesn't need a homeowner-arranged test.

Testable assemblies are different. Raleigh's schedule calls for residential irrigation assemblies to be tested every three years by July 1, and commercial irrigation every year by July 1. Domestic and fire containment assemblies are tested at installation or replacement and then annually. Testers submit the reports electronically, so the person you hire needs to be set up to file with Raleigh.

About 41% of Zebulon homes were built since 2010, so a lot of irrigation systems in newer neighborhoods are reaching their first or second test cycle. Zebulon also stretches into Johnston, Nash and Franklin counties, and homes in outlying parts of 27597 beyond Raleigh's lines may be on private wells. A house without public water isn't part of Raleigh's program.

Raleigh maintains the water line up to the property line. From there to the house, including any irrigation assembly, it's the owner's responsibility.

Cost factors

• A test alone versus a test plus repair
• Assembly type: residential irrigation, domestic or fire
• Number of devices on one property
• Freeze damage, which can crack the body and force replacement
• Permits through the Town of Zebulon and Wake County for a new installation

What happens next

You'll be connected with an independent plumber serving Zebulon. Let them know the device type, your due date, and whether anything is leaking. Shut off the irrigation supply if water is spraying.