Annual Backflow Testing in Wichita: Understanding Requirements & Deadlines

If you have a lawn irrigation or sprinkler system connected to city water in Wichita, Kansas, there’s an important annual requirement you shouldn’t overlook: backflow testing. This isn’t just a good idea, it’s required by the City of Wichita every year to protect the community’s drinking water. But not just any plumber in Wichita can help with your testing – they must be certified by the KDHE and hold registration card with the City of Wichita. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Wichita is your trusted plumber to perform your annual backflow testing.

The City of Wichita sets your annual backflow testing deadline for late May each year. To get ahead of the annual deadline, scheduling in March or early April is recommended to avoid last-minute availability issues.

What Is a Backflow Preventer?

A backflow preventer, or your backflow prevention device, is a device installed on your irrigation system that keeps water that collects in your home irrigation piping from flowing backward into the city’s public water supply. This protects everyone in Wichita from contaminants like:

Fertilizers
Bacteria
Pesticides
Soil and debris
Herbicides

Without a functioning backflow preventer, water could reverse direction under certain conditions and potentially contaminate clean drinking water, a serious health risk.

Why Wichita Requires Annual Testing

The City of Wichita enforces annual backflow testing for all irrigation systems connected to the municipal water system. This requirement helps ensure that your backflow device is working properly and protecting the public water supply. You can read the full ordinance on the city’s site.

Here’s what you should know:

Annual Testing Is Mandatory

If your sprinkler system is hooked up to city water, the backflow preventer must be tested every year by a certified professional. The federal law (Federal Safe Drinking Water Act) and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment require the city to maintain a cross-connection control program to ensure safe drinking water.

Testers Must Be Certified

Not every plumber can legally perform backflow tests in Wichita. Only technicians registered with the City of Wichita and certified by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) can perform valid backflow tests. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Wichita is licensed to perform these tests.

Results Must Be Submitted

After testing, your technician will submit the results to the City’s backflow program through the official backflow portal. This paperwork proves compliance with city and federal regulations. Violations or missed testing can result in water shut off or fines ranging from $100 to $1,000.

What Happens If Your Backflow Preventer Fails?

A failing backflow device isn’t just a code violation, it means your irrigation could potentially send contaminants back into the water system. If the device fails, the technician will advise you on repair or replacement options. If the device is due for a rebuild, the rebuild and the annual test are completed together, so you are not charged for two separate visits. After any repair or rebuild, the device must be retested and results resubmitted before the account is considered compliant.

How Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Can Help

Don’t risk non-compliance, and don’t let outdated or malfunctioning backflow preventers put our water supply at risk. When you schedule backflow testing with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Wichita, we handle everything from testing to portal submission. You receive a copy of your test results and do not have to navigate the city system yourself.

Plumbing FAQs

Is backflow testing required in Wichita, KS?

Yes. The City of Wichita legally requires annual backflow testing for every home and business with an irrigation system connected to the city water supply. The requirement is rooted in the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act and enforced locally through municipal ordinance. Non-compliance can result in water service disconnection.

When is the backflow testing deadline in Wichita?

The City of Wichita sets the annual testing deadline for late May each year. Results must be submitted to the city within 10 to 14 days of the test being performed. Scheduling in March or April is recommended, as certified testers have limited availability near the deadline.

How much does backflow testing cost in Wichita?

Annual backflow testing in Wichita typically ranges from $50 to $100 for a standard residential test. If a rebuild is also required, the combined cost for testing and rebuild generally falls between $150 and $350 depending on the device type. A full device replacement, if needed, costs more. These figures are far less than the reconnection fees and plumbing work required after a water shutoff for non-compliance.

What happens if my backflow preventer fails the test?

A failed test means one or more components of the device are not functioning within the required specifications. Your technician will advise whether the device can be repaired or needs to be replaced. After repair or replacement, the device must be retested and the new results submitted to the city. You are not considered compliant until a passing result is on file.

How often does a backflow device need to be rebuilt?

The City of Wichita requires a full device rebuild every five years. A rebuild involves replacing the internal components, including check valves, seals, and springs, that wear out through normal use. The rebuild and the annual test are completed together in the same service visit, so you are not billed for two separate appointments.

Do I need a backflow preventer if my irrigation system uses well water?

If your irrigation system runs exclusively from a private well and is not connected to the city water supply, the Wichita backflow testing requirement does not apply to that system. However, if any part of your irrigation system is connected to city water, a backflow device is required and must be tested annually. If you are unsure about your setup, a licensed plumbing inspection can confirm your system's configuration.

Can any plumber in Wichita do backflow testing?

No. Only technicians who are certified by KDHE and registered with the City of Wichita can perform legally valid backflow tests in Wichita. Results submitted by technicians not on the city's approved list are not accepted. Always confirm your tester's credentials before scheduling, or call the city at (316) 219-8917 to verify.

Every backflow test performed by Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Wichita is carried out by a KDHE-certified technician who holds a current City of Wichita registration, so your results are valid, submitted on time, and on file.