| Quick facts | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cost range | $75-$150 per device for a basic test |
| Time | About 15-30 minutes for a simple residential device |
| Who's qualified | A tester certified with ABPA or ASSE and approved by the City of Tulsa |
Midtown: what's different here
Midtown is a central Tulsa neighborhood in the middle of the city, not the suburbs. It has older residential housing stock and street patterns typical of an established urban area, with many homes built before modern suburban development. Tulsa sees about 41 inches of precipitation and 14 inches of snowfall per year, with average winter lows near 29°F and summer highs near 94°F. Freeze timing matters for plumbing, since the mean first hard freeze lands around November 14.
How often is backflow testing required in Midtown, Tulsa?
Tulsa requires backflow prevention devices to be tested annually by a certified tester registered with the City of Tulsa. Results must be submitted to the Tulsa Water and Sewer Department within 10 days of the test. Most Oklahoma water authorities require this annual testing and reporting.
How long does a backflow test take?
A straightforward residential assembly usually takes about 15-30 minutes to test. Larger or more complex commercial devices take longer, which is one reason commercial testing costs more.
Why does commercial backflow testing cost more in Midtown?
Testers commonly charge more for commercial RPZ assemblies than for standard residential double-check devices because the larger assemblies are more complex to test. Tulsa-area estimates put residential testing around $90-$120 and commercial testing around $180-$300. Device type and site conditions affect the final price.
Who can test a backflow device in Tulsa?
Oklahoma has no statewide tester license; approval is handled by each city or water district. Many jurisdictions require ABPA or ASSE backflow tester certification plus the plumbing license that covers the work. Tulsa also requires the tester be registered with the City of Tulsa.
When should I schedule annual testing in Tulsa?
Tulsa's mean first 28°F hard freeze falls around November 14, with a mean last hard freeze around March 17. Scheduling testing outside those freeze windows helps avoid winterization problems. Midtown's roughly 41 inches of annual precipitation and 14 inches of snowfall also make fall a practical time to check devices.
What to do next
- Confirm which device you have - a residential double-check or a commercial RPZ - since pricing differs between them.
- Ask the tester for proof of ABPA or ASSE certification, their plumbing license, and City of Tulsa registration.
- Request a quote that lists the per-device fee and whether test report filing with the Tulsa Water and Sewer Department is included.
- Schedule before the mid-November hard freeze so your annual test is filed within the required 10 days.
- Call (918) 202-2068 or email [email protected] for a free quote from a licensed, insured local backflow testers.
Tulsa Backflow is a free referral service: an independent contractor does the work and may pay us a referral fee. You never pay us anything.
