| Quick facts | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cost range | About $50 to $200 per device; Oklahoma range $50 to $250 |
| Time | Varies by device - confirm timing in your quote |
| Who's qualified | City of Tulsa-approved tester, commonly ABPA or ASSE certification plus a CIB plumbing license |
Why Tulsa requires a pro for your sprinkler system backflow test
Tulsa runs a Backflow Prevention/Cross Connection Control Program under Title 6, Chapter 4 of the Tulsa Revised Ordinances. The city says a lawn irrigation backflow preventer should be tested annually by a qualified professional. City water-meter specifications also require testing by a City of Tulsa-approved Back Flow Assembly Tester before acceptance.
What a homeowner can safely check themselves
You can look over the assembly for obvious damage, leaks, or standing water and make sure the device is accessible. You can also note the device type, such as a double-check or RPZ valve. But you cannot perform the official annual test - the results must be submitted to the City of Tulsa Utilities Department by an approved tester.
When to call a pro for sprinkler system backflow testing in Tulsa
Call a pro for the annual test, after any repair or relocation of the device, and when a new preventer is installed - new installations typically need a permit from the City of Tulsa Planning & Development Department. Red flags include visible leaks, a device that fails to hold pressure, or a notice from the city that test results are overdue. Rules can also differ between Tulsa and nearby cities, so confirm the requirement for your exact address.
How tester approval works in Oklahoma
Oklahoma has no statewide backflow tester license; each city or rural water district approves its own testers. Purveyors commonly require ABPA or ASSE tester certification, plus a CIB plumbing license for work covered by plumbing rules. The training path is substantial - a common certification course is a 32-hour class with about $750 tuition.
What to do next
- Find your backflow assembly type - double-check devices sit at the low end of the $50 to $250 Oklahoma range, RPZ devices run higher.
- Verify the tester is a City of Tulsa-approved Back Flow Assembly Tester and holds ABPA or ASSE certification before booking.
- Ask the pro for an itemized quote covering the test and submission of results to the City of Tulsa Utilities Department.
- Schedule the annual test before the mean first 28°F hard freeze around November 14 so repairs can happen before winterization.
- 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.
