Backflow Testing Cost Calculator

This calculator estimates annual backflow preventer testing cost from a fixed per-device rate that depends on device type, multiplied by how many devices need testing. Number of Devices has no effect at all on Cost per Device -- that figure is set entirely by Device Type (RPZ devices cost more to test than DC or PVB devices due to their complexity and drainage requirements), and stays the same whether you're testing one device or a hundred. Number of Devices does raise Annual Testing Cost directly and proportionally, since that figure is simply the per-device rate multiplied by the device count.

Device Type has a much larger effect on Annual Testing Cost than device count does at typical fleet sizes, though, because it changes the underlying rate for every device at once -- RPZ testing at $125 per device costs nearly double PVB testing at $65 per device, before device count is even applied. Setting Annual Testing to "No" zeroes out Annual Testing Cost entirely regardless of device count or type, and flags the result as non-compliant, since most jurisdictions require annual testing of all backflow prevention devices. This is a cost-planning estimate using industry-average rates -- actual pricing varies by region, tester certification requirements, and local water authority fees.