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Backflow Prevention Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Certified Backflow Prevention Technician to join our team. You will inspect, test, maintain, and repair backflow prevention assemblies to protect the local public water supply. This field-based role ...

This position focuses on testing, repairing, and replacing backflow prevention devices for residential and commercial customers. The role offers schedule flexibility and strong income potential based ...

This position focuses on testing, repairing, and replacing backflow prevention devices for residential and commercial customers. The role offers schedule flexibility and strong income potential based ...

This position focuses on testing, repairing, and replacing backflow prevention devices for residential and commercial customers. The role offers schedule flexibility and strong income potential based ...

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Backflow Prevention information

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$34.5K

$59.2K

$131.5K

How much do backflow prevention jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for backflow prevention in the United States is $59,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $66,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by backflow prevention specialists on the job?

Backflow prevention specialists often encounter challenges such as diagnosing complex plumbing systems, working in confined or hard-to-reach spaces, and staying up-to-date with evolving local codes and regulations. They may need to troubleshoot older or non-standard equipment and communicate technical information clearly to property owners or facility managers. Additionally, coordinating with other trades and scheduling inspections around client availability can require strong organizational and interpersonal skills.

What is backflow prevention?

Backflow prevention refers to the use of devices and methods to stop contaminated water from flowing backward into clean water supplies. This is important to protect drinking water from pollutants and hazardous substances, which can occur due to changes in pressure or cross-connections in plumbing systems. Backflow prevention devices, such as check valves and air gaps, are commonly installed in homes, businesses, and public facilities. Regular testing and maintenance of these devices are essential to ensure they function correctly and comply with local regulations.

What is the difference between Backflow Prevention vs Backflow Tester?

AspectBackflow PreventionBackflow Tester
CertificationsBackflow Prevention Certification, State LicensingBackflow Tester Certification, State Licensing
Work EnvironmentInstalling, maintaining backflow prevention devicesTesting and inspecting backflow prevention devices
Employer & IndustryPlumbing companies, municipal water departmentsTesting companies, plumbing firms, municipal agencies

Backflow Prevention professionals focus on installing and maintaining backflow prevention devices, ensuring water safety. Backflow Testers primarily inspect and test these devices to verify proper operation. Both roles require similar certifications and work in related environments, but their core responsibilities differ: prevention versus testing.

Do you have to be certified to work on a backflow?

Backflow prevention technicians typically need to be certified or licensed, depending on local regulations, to ensure proper installation and testing of backflow prevention devices. Certification often involves completing training and passing exams to demonstrate knowledge of plumbing codes and safety standards.

Is backflow certification worth it?

Backflow prevention professionals benefit from certification as it verifies their knowledge of plumbing codes and safety standards, which can improve job prospects and credibility. Certification often involves passing an exam and gaining practical experience, making it a valuable credential in the field. It ensures compliance with local regulations and enhances trust with clients and employers.

How much do backflow testers make?

Backflow testers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. The role often requires knowledge of plumbing systems and backflow prevention devices, with some positions offering overtime or on-call pay.

How hard is it to get backflow certified?

Backflow prevention certification typically requires completing a training course and passing an exam to demonstrate knowledge of backflow prevention devices and regulations. The process can take several days to weeks depending on the program and may require ongoing education to maintain certification.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Backflow Prevention Specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Backflow Prevention Specialist, you need expertise in plumbing systems, strong problem-solving abilities, and typically a state-issued backflow tester certification or plumbing license. Familiarity with backflow prevention devices, testing equipment, and compliance with local water safety regulations is essential. Attention to detail, effective communication, and reliability help build trust with clients and ensure accurate reporting. These skills are crucial to maintaining safe water supplies, meeting regulatory standards, and preventing contamination in public and private water systems.
More about Backflow Prevention jobs
What cities are hiring for Backflow Prevention jobs? Cities with the most Backflow Prevention job openings:
What states have the most Backflow Prevention jobs? States with the most job openings for Backflow Prevention jobs include:
Infographic showing various Backflow Prevention job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 37% As Needed, 15% Full Time, 44% Contract, 3% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,220 per year, or $28.5 per hour.
Plumber/Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT)

Plumber/Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT)

Backflow Prevention Specialists, Inc

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$52K - $79K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

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Job description

Position Summary

The Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) is a critical member of our field team, responsible for accurately and thoroughly testing backflow prevention assemblies to protect public water systems throughout our service region. But this role is about more than technical testing — it is about representing Backflow Prevention Specialists with professionalism and integrity on every job. Our customers trust us with access to their properties, their water systems, and their compliance obligations. We take that trust seriously, and we expect every member of our team to do the same.

This is a field-based position covering daily travel across a regional service area from Monterey to Sacramento. We welcome both experienced BPAT testers and motivated candidates ready to earn their certification. What matters most to us is character: honesty, a strong work ethic, genuine care for the customer, and a commitment to doing the job right.

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform approved backflow prevention assembly tests using calibrated equipment and established procedures
  • Represent Backflow Prevention Specialists professionally at every customer interaction — communicate clearly, arrive prepared, and leave a positive impression
  • Verify equipment availability before field visits, including gauges, hoses, fittings, hand tools, forms, and safety equipment
  • Notify customers and site personnel before testing, including communication related to water shutoff, alarms, and test conditions
  • Identify and document assembly details such as location, manufacturer, model, serial number, size, type, and condition
  • Verify compliance of assemblies with applicable installation and industry standards (e.g., ASSE, UPC, USC 10th Ed.)
  • Diagnose and troubleshoot malfunctioning shutoff valves, check valves, relief valves, air inlet valves, and related components
  • Communicate findings to customers honestly and clearly, including any compliance issues or follow-up requirements
  • Complete and submit accurate inspection, testing, and compliance records to customers, water purveyors, and administrative authorities
  • Coordinate with water agencies, site contacts, and customers regarding deadlines, notices, and noncompliance
  • Maintain records, certifications, calibration logs, and business documentation
  • Follow all safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment in the field
  • Participate in ongoing training and maintain required certifications

Who We’re Looking For

Skills can be taught. Character cannot. Above all, we are looking for someone who embodies the values that have defined our company:

  • Honest — you tell customers the truth, report results accurately, and hold yourself accountable
  • Hardworking — you show up on time, prepared, and ready to give your best every day
  • Competent — you take your work seriously, pursue mastery of your trade, and never cut corners
  • Customer-focused — you understand that our long-term success depends on the trust and loyalty of the customers we serve, and you treat every interaction as an opportunity to reinforce that trust
  • Professional — you represent our company with pride, communicate respectfully, and leave every job site better than you found it

Minimum Qualifications

  • Current BPAT certification, OR motivated to obtain and maintain certification with company support (paid training provided)
  • Working knowledge of, or ability to learn, approved backflow prevention assembly test procedures and cross-connection control principles
  • Basic understanding of plumbing systems, device components, and assembly applications
  • Ability to read, write, and accurately record information in English
  • Basic computer and electronic communication skills for reporting, scheduling, and recordkeeping
  • Valid driver’s license and clean driving record — comfortable with daily regional travel (Monterey to Sacramento area)
  • Ability to lift and carry tools and equipment weighing at least 25 pounds
  • Ability to safely access field locations, including climbing ladders, bending, stooping, and working in confined or tight spaces

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience performing field testing of backflow prevention assemblies
  • Experience diagnosing and troubleshooting assembly malfunctions and gauge-related issues
  • Familiarity with local and state cross-connection control regulations, plumbing codes, and health requirements
  • Experience working with water purveyors, administrative authorities, health agencies, or related organizations
  • Familiarity with digital reporting systems, mobile devices, and electronic test result submission
  • Demonstrated history of building positive, long-term relationships with customers and agency contacts

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Successful candidates will demonstrate knowledge of backflow prevention devices, testing procedures, hydraulics, hazard classification, cross-connection control programs, applicable plumbing codes, and safety regulations. Key skills include troubleshooting, critical thinking, customer service, recordkeeping, time management, and written and verbal communication. Equally important is the ability to explain technical findings clearly and honestly to customers, build rapport, recognize unsafe conditions, and adapt professionally to varying field environments and customer situations.

Working Conditions & Physical Requirements

This position is primarily field-based and involves daily travel across our regional service area. Work may include exposure to heat, cold, noise, water, uneven terrain, traffic, and confined or elevated work areas. Employees may be required to climb ladders, bend, stoop, grip, stand for extended periods, lift equipment, and work in tight or difficult-to-access spaces. Strict adherence to safety procedures and use of appropriate protective equipment are essential.

Company Description

Backflow Prevention Specialists, Inc. is a family-owned company with a simple but deeply held belief: our customers deserve honest, competent, and dependable service — every single visit. For years, we have built lasting relationships with customers, water agencies, and purveyors across Northern and Central California by doing what we say, doing it right, and treating every customer with respect. Our service area stretches from Monterey to Sacramento, and wherever we go, our reputation travels with us. We are a tight-knit, hardworking team that takes pride in our craft and in the trust our customers place in us.