| Quick facts | Answer |
|---|---|
| Cost range | Varies by damage - confirm in your quote |
| Time | Varies by assembly and freeze damage |
| Who's qualified | City of Tulsa-approved tester with ASSE or ABPA certification |
Why freezing weather damages backflow preventers in Tulsa
Water expands below 32 degrees, and that expansion can crack a backflow assembly or the piping connected to it. Tulsa advises acting swiftly if exterior pipes stop flowing. The city's mean first 32-degree freeze is November 3 and the mean last one is March 29.
Who can legally test and repair a backflow assembly in Tulsa
Oklahoma has no state-level backflow tester certification program, so local rules control who may service assemblies. Tulsa accepts ASSE and ABPA certifications for testers. The city also requires assemblies to be tested by a City of Tulsa-approved Back Flow Assembly Tester before acceptance.
Annual testing rules for Tulsa backflow assemblies
Annual testing is required for all covered commercial and industrial assemblies in Tulsa. Reports go to Tulsa Public Works Water and Sewer Services. Lawn irrigation backflow preventers should also be tested annually by a qualified professional.
What to do first when pipes freeze at your Tulsa property
Tulsa's winterization guidance says to call a plumber if running water does not resume in a reasonable time. The city advises fixing pipes inside the home rather than attempting unsafe delays. Note that Tulsa Water and Sewer does not read meters when the outside temperature is 28 degrees or below.
What to do next
- Call a pro and ask whether they hold ASSE or ABPA certification, which Tulsa accepts for testers.
- Ask for proof they are a City of Tulsa-approved Back Flow Assembly Tester before any repair work.
- If the device is intact after thawing, schedule the annual test and confirm the report goes to Tulsa Public Works Water and Sewer Services.
- Get the repair scope in your quote - frozen assemblies may need internal parts or full replacement.
- 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.
