Houston, TX
Backflow testing in Houston
Updated · Editorial team; not yet technically reviewed
Short answer
In Houston, companies that test backflow prevention assemblies must register with the city's Cross Connection Control Program. Testers need the TCEQ-approved course, exam and license, and their test gauges must be checked for accuracy every year, with the calibration report filed with Houston Public Works and gauge serial numbers on each test report.
What's different in Houston
The City of Houston requires registration for companies testing backflow prevention assemblies in its jurisdiction. [1]
Testers must complete a TCEQ-approved cross-connection and assembly testing course, pass a TCEQ exam and hold a current tester license. [1]
Test gauges must be checked for accuracy annually, with a current calibration report submitted to the Cross Connection Control Program and gauge serial numbers recorded on each test report. [1]
Houston Public Works publishes a list of registered backflow testing companies. [2]
Hiring a Houston tester
Check the city list
Pick a company on Houston's registered tester list.
Confirm the license
Ask for the TCEQ tester license number.
Check the report
It should list the gauge serial number.
State rules
Statewide licensing and test intervals are on Texas backflow testing; compare Dallas and Fort Worth.
Common questions
Do Houston backflow testing companies need to register?
Yes, with the city's Cross Connection Control Program.
What license must a Houston backflow tester hold?
A current TCEQ backflow prevention assembly tester license.
How often must Houston testers calibrate gauges?
Every year, with the calibration report filed with Houston Public Works.
Where can I find a registered Houston backflow tester?
On Houston Public Works' published list of registered companies.
What should appear on a Houston backflow test report?
Among other details, the test gauge serial number.
Which Houston program oversees backflow?
The Cross Connection Control Program in Houston Public Works.
Does Texas also regulate Houston testers?
Yes, TCEQ sets the course, exam and license requirements.
Why do gauges need calibration?
An inaccurate gauge can pass a failing assembly or fail a good one.
Can any plumber test my Houston backflow?
Only a licensed tester working for a city-registered company.
Do Houston sprinkler systems need backflow assemblies?
Irrigation connections require backflow protection under state rules.
More plumbing help in Houston
- Water Heater Replacement in HoustonReplacing a water heater in Houston: the required plumbing permit, the registered master plumber rule, permit fees, inspection.
- Drain backing up in HoustonWhy Houston drains back up: grease and wipes cause 70% of the city's sewer overflows, and overflows double when it turns cold. Symptoms, safe checks and fixes.
- Water bill suddenly high in HoustonHouston's leak adjustment: credits for leaks from freezes, corrosion or wear, 100% to 50% by repair speed, and the paperwork needed.
- Water Line Repair in HoustonHouston's service line inventory: no lead lines found so far, most lines still listed as unknown, the notices sent to customers, and how to check yours.
- Sewer Line Replacement in HoustonReplacing a sewer line in Houston: a registered master plumber must pull the permit, how the homestead permit differs, minimum fees and inspections.
- Frozen Pipe Repair in HoustonFrozen pipes in Houston: Houston Public Works' prep tips, why it has advised against dripping faucets (pumps, not towers), and shutting off and draining instead.
- Backflow Testing in TexasBackflow testing in Texas: the TCEQ tester license anyone testing or repairing assemblies must hold, test-at-install and annual rules, and gauge accuracy checks.
- Backflow Testing: the full guideWhat backflow is, which homes and businesses need backflow preventers, how annual backflow testing works, and what happens if a device fails.
- Plumbing in HoustonLocal water, housing and climate conditions, and the calls Houston homes need most.
How other cities handle it
- Backflow testing in AustinAustin Water's backflow testing rules: who may test, the 5-day report deadline, online filing, and the irrigation rebates that pair with an upgrade.
- Backflow testing in San AntonioSAWS backflow testing rules for San Antonio: the June 30 annual deadline, the codes behind it, reminder notices, and what a 10-day notice means.
- Backflow testing in DenverDenver Water's backflow rules: annual testing, the May–September irrigation testing season, required device types, 30-day reminders, and where results go.
- Backflow testing in SeattleSeattle Public Utilities backflow testing rules: annual tests by your anniversary date, Washington-certified testers, reporting, and non-compliance charges.
- Backflow testing in PortlandPortland Water Bureau backflow rules: yearly testing by a state-certified tester, the spring timing it prefers, reminder letters with labels, and shutoff risk.
- Backflow testing in CharlotteCharlotte Water backflow rules: residential irrigation tested every 3 years, residential domestic yearly, approved testers, and RP assemblies on irrigation.
- Backflow testing in RaleighRaleigh Public Utilities backflow rules: residential irrigation tested by July 1 every three years, commercial yearly, owner-paid certified testing, and contacts.
- Backflow testing in TampaCity of Tampa Water Department backflow rules: residential tests every two years, commercial yearly, certified technicians, and the 7-day online reporting rule.
- Backflow testing in Salt Lake CitySalt Lake City Public Utilities backflow rules: tests within 10 days of installation and yearly after, which homes need protection, and secondary water.
- Backflow testing in Colorado SpringsColorado Springs Utilities backflow rules: who must test annually, the July 1 deadline, the $405 fine, licensed testers entering results, and single-family guidance.
- Backflow testing in Fort WorthFort Worth backflow rules: annual tests for commercial and health-hazard assemblies, a three-year cycle for low-hazard irrigation, and registered testers.
- Backflow testing for JEA customers in JacksonvilleJEA residential backflow rules: testing at least every two years by JEA Qualified Vendors, dual checks replaced every five years, and reclaimed-water irrigation.
- Backflow testing in Fort LauderdaleFort Lauderdale backflow rules: residential irrigation tested every two years, commercial yearly, only PVB or RP devices on irrigation meters, and certified testers.
- Backflow testing in DallasDallas backflow rules: lawn irrigation assemblies don't need annual tests, only when new, repaired or replaced; high-hazard assemblies need annual registered tests.
- Backflow testing in PhoenixPhoenix backflow rules: assemblies tested at least yearly, 60 days to test after the reminder letter, then a 72-hour disconnection notice. Who needs one at home.
- Backflow testing in PhiladelphiaPWD backflow rules: test at installation, after any repair and yearly by a City-certified technician, file Form 79-770 within 48 hours.
Sources (2)
- Houston Public Works, Cross Connection Control Program tester requirements · checked 2026-10-03
- Houston Public Works, Registered backflow tester list · checked 2026-10-03