Portland, ME
Backflow testing in Portland
Call or send a request. We help you find an independent local backflow testing company in Portland.
Warning signs
A Portland property owner who refuses to install or maintain a backflow device, or blocks access for inspection, risks having their water service disconnected under district rules. Shutoff remains in effect until the required device is properly placed.
Source: Portland Water District, Cross Connection Control Program, 2025 Update, Oct 15, 2026
Questions about this? Call (207) 503-7586
Cost
Backflow testing costs in Portland include a mandatory report fee. The Portland Water District bills certified inspectors $18 per backflow test report submitted. Inspectors decide how much of that fee, if any, to pass along to the customer.
Source: Portland Water District, Cross Connection Control Program update (VEPO CrossConnex), Oct 15, 2026
Questions about this? Call (207) 503-7586
Who may do the work
Since 2019, the Portland Water District has mandated backflow devices for new homes, major building and plumbing renovations, and upgraded fire sprinkler systems. A backflow preventer is also required when adding a landscape irrigation system to a property without one. Under Maine plumbing rules, installing a testable backflow prevention assembly triggers a plumbing permit fee.
Source: Portland Water District, Cross Connections, Oct 15, 2026
Source: Code of Maine Rules 02-395, Chapter 4, Section 1, Plumbing Installations (Cornell LII), Oct 15, 2026
Upkeep and replacement
Annual inspection of testable backflow prevention devices by a certified inspector helps prevent contamination issues. Property owners should follow this schedule to keep systems compliant and functional.
Source: Portland Water District, Cross Connection Control Program update (VEPO CrossConnex), Oct 15, 2026
Facts about Portland
Under the Portland Water District cross-connection program, an owner's refusal to install or maintain a backflow device, or to allow access for inspection, is grounds to shut off water service until the device is in place.
Source: Portland Water District, Cross Connection Control Program, 2025 Update, Oct 15, 2026
Since March 1, 2026, the Portland Water District charges the certified inspector $18 for each backflow test report, and the inspector sets any part of that cost passed on to the customer.
Source: Portland Water District, Cross Connection Control Program update (VEPO CrossConnex), Oct 15, 2026
Since January 1, 2019, the Portland Water District requires a backflow device for new homes, substantial renovations of buildings and plumbing, and upgraded fire sprinkler systems.
Source: Portland Water District, Cross Connections, Oct 15, 2026
The Portland Water District requires a backflow preventer when a customer with no backflow preventer adds a landscape irrigation system.
Source: Portland Water District, Cross Connections, Oct 15, 2026
The Maine plumbing rule charges a plumbing permit fee for a testable backflow prevention assembly.
Source: Code of Maine Rules 02-395, Chapter 4, Section 1, Plumbing Installations (Cornell LII), Oct 15, 2026
The Portland Water District requires each customer with a testable backflow prevention device to have it inspected every year by a certified backflow device inspector.
Source: Portland Water District, Cross Connection Control Program update (VEPO CrossConnex), Oct 15, 2026
How this works
You call or send a request.
Tell us what happened, where you are and how soon you need help.
A person calls you back.
A person from Portland Plumbing Help calls you to talk about the problem.
We give you the names of local companies.
The person gives you the names and phone numbers of two independent local companies that serve your area. You call them and decide who to hire. We do not send your details to any company. If you say yes when we ask, we play the recording of your first call to local companies. You pay the company, not us.
Today, no company pays us for referrals. You do not pay us. Read how this works