Before opening the water
Look for split bodies, displaced fittings, missing caps, corrosion and signs that the enclosure flooded or froze. Confirm that landscaping, storage and new fencing have not blocked access.
If a component is visibly damaged, stop and arrange repair. Pressurizing a cracked assembly can cause a larger leak and property damage.
Restore pressure slowly
Rapidly opening a shutoff can create a pressure surge and can move debris into check components. Follow the manufacturer's startup procedure and open valves in a controlled sequence.
Watch the assembly and downstream system during startup. Relief discharge, persistent leakage or an air inlet that does not settle needs attention before normal operation.
Check the installation around the device
A PVB depends on its elevation above downstream outlets. An RPZ needs safe relief-valve drainage. Every testable device needs working shutoffs, visible test cocks and room for the tester's equipment.
Do not bury the assembly in mulch or wrap it permanently in insulation. Protection should preserve access, drainage and the approved installation position.
Book before irrigation season peaks
Spring demand can compress appointment options. Use the prior report or municipal notice to identify the assembly, due date and property account before booking.
For strata or commercial landscaping, coordinate the landscape contractor, site contact and tester so the system is available and the correct device is tested.
Close the record after the test
A passing field result still needs the accepted municipal report. Retain the test date, device identification and confirmation of submission with the irrigation maintenance file.
If the device fails, authorize repair separately, retest it and confirm that the passing result replaces the open failure in the municipal record.
Official sources
Municipal procedures change. Use these sources and the latest property notice as the final authority.
Township of Langley cross connection programCity of Surrey Cross Connection Standards