Proudly Serving Central Maryland

Backflow Device Testing Bethesda, MD

Keep your backflow device in compliance and your water safe with Prime Plumbing.

The state of Maryland requires that most homes, businesses, and irrigation systems install backflow prevention devices to protect the public water supply’s safety. Maryland law also specifies that a certified plumber needs to test your backflow device annually. You can count on our licensed plumbers at Prime Plumbing for comprehensive backflow device testing in Bethesda, MD, to ensure you have clean and healthy water.

Protecting public health and the safety of our drinking water is a top priority for us. Our state-certified plumbers will determine whether your home or business has a backflow issue. If there are any issues, we’ll help you resolve them.

We distinguish ourselves from the competition with affordable, efficient, and friendly services. We were awarded the 2019 Angie’s List Super Service Award and have dozens of 5-star customer reviews for our prompt and professional service.

What is Backflow?

Backflow is one of the biggest threats to our public water supply system. Water systems are designed for fluid to flow in specific directions: clean water flows in, and dirty water flows out. Backflow happens when wastewater reverses its flow, contaminating public, residential, or commercial water supplies.

Water systems count on a healthy balance of pressure to deliver clean water and gravity and ventilation to remove wastewater. When that balance is disrupted—from a water line break or an issue with your internal plumbing system, for example—dirty water can contaminate the clean water supply.

In recent years, many states, including Maryland, require backflow prevention devices in homes and businesses to reduce the threat of backflow.

Signs of Backflow

No one wants to doubt the safety of their water when they turn on the tap. However, it’s essential to recognize the signs of contaminated water because it is an emergency that requires the immediate help of a licensed plumber. Common signs of water contamination include:

  • Discolored water that is brown, yellow, or pinkish in tone
  • Slow or stopped water flow
  • Rust flakes or other sediments
  • Sulfur, or a rotten egg, smell and/or taste
  • Slow draining or increased water level in sinks, toilets, or sewers
  • Leaks in your indoor plumbing, sprinkler, or irrigation system

Backflow Prevention and Testing

The best way to prevent backflow is to have a certified plumber install a backflow preventer device. As mentioned, in Maryland, many counties, including Anne Arundel County, require installing backflow devices in all new and remodeled homes, businesses, and facilities. Failing to do so, or failing to have it inspected annually, can result in heft fines.

If you have an older home, you may not have a backflow device, as they weren’t always legally required. Backflow devices are a critical component in maintaining your water supply—as is regular testing. Our team is happy to inspect your plumbing system and ensure that you not only have a backflow device but one that is compliant with current regulations and running at peak performance.

Contact us today to schedule a backflow service—protect the safety of your home or business’s drinking water.

Count on Your Trusted Partners at Prime Plumbing

Our pros at Prime Plumbing have been diagnosing and fixing backflow problems since 2012. We have knowledgeable staff to provide you with backflow testing and quickly return your water supply to safety. We provide excellent and affordable service to Anne Arundel, Baltimore, and Howard counties, and all of the greater Bethesda area.

To schedule an appointment for backflow device testing or any other plumbing service, call our team at Prime Plumbing in Bethesda, MD, today at 443-741-1129.

Save Time, Call Prime!

WHAT TO EXPECT

The Difference With Prime

About Us

Locally owned & OPERATED; Founded IN 2012

We take the worry out of things with upfront pricing

OPTIONS TO HELP YOU finance any service needed

Licensed Technicians who treat your home with care

Our maintenance plans make you the priority

Discount pricing for active and retired militaRy personnel

Locally owned & OPERATED; Founded IN 2012

We take the worry out of things with upfront pricing

OPTIONS TO HELP YOU finance any service needed

Licensed Technicians who treat your home with care

Our maintenance plans make you the priority

Discount pricing for active and retired militaRy personnel

    Get a FREE second opinion on water and sewer service, and septic repair/replacements!

    About Us

    Don’t Just Take Our Word for it

    More Reviews
    Prime plumbing in Baltimore, prompt, efficient and reasonable price.
    Len and Betsy Homer
    21 hours ago
    It's taken me a while to write a review with two young kids- but i wanted to make sure i shared what a wonderful experience we had using Prime Plumbing. We had a sewer line back up in our basement (yuck) and i had multiple plumbers come out and give quotes on digging up and replacing our old copper sewer line with pvc. Tim impressed me from day 1 and stood out amongst the others with his confidence and expertise in what our options were, what to expect from the whole process, etc. They dug up our lawn (8 ft deep, approx 40 ft long) and i am so happy with how they managed to put it all back together. I can't take a current picture of it now because our yard is covered with snow, but 2 months later you'd hardly be able to tell we had a trench dug up. We were quoted around the same price by another company who said they would need to tear out our retaining brick wall and also said they'd leave piles of dirt, and that the grass seed/hay would cost extra!! Also, Prime managed to get this all done in 1 day. Not to mention, we got to keep our beautiful maple tree! This is the only tree in our yard and our kids love swinging on it so while i was ready to give it up if need be, i was going to be a little devastated. Only a few days after my initial consultation with Tim, we had a brand new sewer line! We are so happy we found a good, reliable & trustworthy company to make us feel better about forking over a pretty penny on a hidden (but very crucial) repair. Thank you Prime Plumbing!
    Laura Laue
    2 days ago
    Great work! Very nice service; fixed our water heater issue and had us back up and running in no time. The service provided by Ernie and Hayleigh was very professional and courteous.
    fred pletz
    4 days ago
    [UPDATE: RESOLVED] I'm updating this review to reflect that Prime Plumbing has owned up to the situation and made it right. Once my new toilet arrived, they returned and completed the installation at no additional cost to me. The 5-stars are for Ernie and Hailey who handled the final install, and they were a complete 180 from my previous experience. They were awesome, professional, and sociable. You could tell they actually enjoy their work and take pride in it. They got the job done right. While the road to get here was frustrating, I appreciate the company standing by their work and sending the right team to finish the job. [OLD REVIEW] I hired Prime Plumbing to fix a toilet leak, and after 4 visits and hundreds of dollars, I had to do their work for them. Here is the timeline of negligence: March 27, 2025 (Invoice #90891): I paid an $89 trip fee to have a technician come out. He did a visual glance without even lifting the toilet and told me "nothing was wrong." The leak continued. Nov 1, 2025 (Invoice #97073): I paid $634.56 for a "Toilet Pull and Reset" (Service Code TUR-110). The invoice states they would "prepare the mounting system." They claimed the issue was a decayed wax seal (after initially guessing "condensation"). They did not inspect the toilet for cracks, but they didn't miss the opportunity to try and upsell me a new water heater. The leak continued. Nov 24, 2025 (Return Call): When they came back, the technician tried to blame "condensation" again and claimed "these electric toilets aren't reliable", again making excuses. He replaced the wax seal again without inspecting the toilet. Nov 30, 2025: The leak returned. Before booking them again, I spent 1.5 hours doing what they should've done. I replicated the leak and reached behind the toilet to feel the failure point. I felt the wax ring and—crucially—I felt plastic obstructing the seal. Dec 1, 2025 (Invoice #97936 Return Call): The tech arrived, and I told him what I found. He told me, "That's impossible... Show me how you did it. Show me this magic." I had to literally get on the floor and prove it to him. I ABSOLUTELY should not have had to do his job for him. He then complained about how he "can't keep coming out here" and is "losing money." Completely unprofessional. He finally pulls the toilet up, actually inspects it, and finds a crack. He sounded gleeful showing it to me, acting like this vindicated his misdiagnosis. He then told me I need to pay a third time to have a new toilet installed. THE REALITY: Did he inspect it the first time? If he did and saw no crack, then he caused the crack by mishandling the toilet. Did he not inspect it? Then the crack was there the whole time, and due to his incompetence, he misdiagnosed the issue for months while taking my money. I paid premium pricing for a professional diagnosis and fix. Instead, I got laziness in March, incompetence in November, disrespect in December, and an issue that wasn't fixed. Now they want more money to fix the issue they likely caused. Avoid this company unless you want to do the plumbing yourself after paying the bill. When my new toilet arrives, I will be reaching out to them to complete the install of the toilet at no additional cost to myself (I am not asking for a refund on the cost of a toilet, just want them to install it properly.) Otherwise, this is definitely going to be a complaint to the MHIC.
    Justin Jones
    4 days ago
    Ernie and Hailey are absolute legends! I cannot say enough good things about Ernie and Hailey! I hired them to install a new toilet, and they turned what is usually a mundane maintenance appointment into a genuinely great experience. From the moment they arrived, the service was top-tier. They were incredibly professional and got the installation done flawlessly, but what really stood out was their attitude. They were sociable, friendly, and you could tell they actually have fun on the job. They have a great dynamic and brought such positive energy into my home while working. It is rare to find a team that combines expert workmanship with such a great "vibe." If you need plumbing work done and want it done right by good people, ask for Ernie and Hailey. 10/10 would recommend!
    Oanh Jones
    4 days ago

    Why Choose Prime Plumbing?

    Professional Services at an Affordable Price

    • Transparent Pricing
    • No Additional Charges for Overtime
    • Flexible Financing Solutions
    • Thorough Employee Background Checks
    • Complimentary Second Opinions
    Learn More