Backflow Testing in Stone Mountain, GA

What happens when you call

You'll be connected with an independent plumber who works in Stone Mountain. Say what kind of property it is, whether it's inside the city or in the larger unincorporated area with a Stone Mountain mailing address, and what you need: the yearly test, a repair after a failed test or a new assembly. If you've had a letter from DeKalb, keep it handy. To have the test accepted by DeKalb, ask whether the plumber holds one of the certifications the county recognizes.

What affects the cost

• A routine pass or a rebuild and retest
• Reduced pressure assemblies for high-hazard uses versus double checks
• Number of connections at an apartment complex or shopping center
• Replacement after freeze damage
• Permit and inspection steps for new or relocated work

Stone Mountain on DeKalb water

Stone Mountain is a historic village at the western base of the mountain, with a preserved Main Street dating from around 1900, surrounded by large unincorporated suburbs that share its mailing address. The city's Public Works doesn't handle water or sewer; DeKalb County Watershed Management does.

DeKalb's backflow brochure requires commercial and multi-family customers to install assemblies on the customer side of the meter: a reduced pressure (RPP) assembly for high hazards and a double check for low hazards. Each one must be tested every year by a tester certified by GAWP's GBPAT program, ASSE, ABPA or UF TREEO. DeKalb's program also covers irrigation systems. The Backflow Prevention Section is at (404) 687-4075.

Shops and restaurants along Main Street and East Ponce de Leon Avenue fall under the commercial rule. About half of the area's homes were built before 1980, so sprinklers at older houses were usually added later, sometimes without an assembly.

DeKalb owns the line from the main through the meter; the owner is responsible from the meter to the home's plumbing, including the assembly. Inside city limits, plumbing permits are processed for the city by Permit Service Group, and inspections are done by SAFEbuilt. Unincorporated Stone Mountain-mailing addresses aren't covered by the city's permit office.

Checklist before the visit

• Confirm whether you're inside city limits
• Find each assembly and note its make, size and serial number
• Pull last year's report, if any
• Close the valve feeding a leaking assembly