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Cross-Connection Surveys

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Backflow preventer repair in progress showing replacement of check valve disc

Cross-Connection Surveys

A cross-connection survey identifies every point on your property where non-potable water could potentially contact the drinking water supply. We assess your plumbing, irrigation, fire suppression, and process lines—then recommend the right level of protection for each connection.

Cross-Connection Surveys for Commercial & Industrial Properties in Central Texas

Cross-connection survey inspector examining plumbing connections in a commercial building

A cross-connection survey is a systematic inspection of your property’s plumbing to identify every point where non-potable water, chemicals, or other contaminants could potentially make contact with the drinking water supply. Texas water utilities require these surveys for new construction, after significant plumbing modifications, and whenever a suspected hazard is present. Our TCEQ-licensed Customer Service Inspectors (CSI) walk your entire facility, document every cross-connection, and recommend the appropriate level of backflow protection for each one — serving properties across Dallas-Fort Worth, Waco, Temple, Killeen, and Austin.

Schedule a Survey
Call (469) 722-3262
Cross-connection survey inspector examining plumbing connections in a commercial building

What Is a Cross-Connection — and Why Does It Matter?

Cross-connection survey inspector examining plumbing connections in a commercial building
Cross-connection survey inspector examining plumbing connections in a commercial building

A cross-connection is any physical link between the potable (drinking) water supply and a source of contamination or pollution. Cross-connections exist in virtually every commercial and industrial property — and many residential properties with irrigation systems, pools, or auxiliary water sources.

Common examples include irrigation systems connected to the domestic water line, boiler feed lines, medical equipment connections, chemical mixing stations, hose bibs without vacuum breakers, and fire suppression systems with antifreeze or chemical additives.

Under normal conditions, city water pressure keeps water flowing in the right direction. But when pressure drops — from a water main break, fire hydrant use, or heavy demand on the system — backflow can occur, pulling contaminated water back through those cross-connections and into the public supply.

A cross-connection survey identifies these risks so the right backflow protection can be installed before a contamination event happens.

When Is a Cross-Connection Survey Required?

Your water utility may require a Customer Service Inspection (CSI) — which includes a cross-connection survey — in several situations:

Backflow preventer repair in progress showing replacement of check valve disc
Backflow preventer repair in progress showing replacement of check valve disc

We test all testable backflow prevention assemblies, including:

  • New construction Before water service is activated, the utility requires documentation that cross-connections have been identified and properly protected
  • Change of use or ownership When a building's function changes (e.g., office to restaurant, warehouse to manufacturing), the hazard profile changes and a new survey is needed
  • Significant plumbing modifications Adding new water-using equipment, irrigation systems, or process lines triggers a re-evaluation
  • Utility-initiated compliance checks Some utilities conduct periodic reviews or audits of existing customers, especially commercial and industrial accounts
  • Suspected hazard If the utility has reason to believe a cross-connection exists that isn't properly protected, they can require a survey at any time
  • After a backflow incident If contamination is detected or reported, the utility will require a full survey of the affected property

Failing to complete a required survey can result in non-compliance notices and, ultimately, water service disconnection.

What a Cross-Connection Survey Covers

Our CSI-certified inspectors conduct a thorough walk-through of your property and evaluate every water-using system and connection point. This includes:

Backflow preventer repair in progress showing replacement of check valve disc
  • Domestic water systems Plumbing fixtures, water heaters, boilers, cooling towers, and HVAC makeup water connections
  • Irrigation systems In-ground sprinklers, drip irrigation, and landscape watering connections to the domestic supply
  • Fire suppression systems Wet and dry sprinkler systems, standpipes, fire department connections (FDC), and systems using antifreeze or chemical additives
  • Process and industrial water Manufacturing lines, chemical feed systems, washdown stations, dye vats, and any connection to non-potable process water
  • Medical and laboratory connections Autoclaves, dental chairs, dialysis equipment, lab sinks, and specimen processing stations
  • Food service and commercial kitchen Dishwashers with chemical injection, carbonation systems, steam tables, and ice machines with water treatment
  • Auxiliary water sources Wells, rainwater harvesting systems, reclaimed water, and any non-utility water source connected to the property
Backflow preventer repair in progress showing replacement of check valve disc

For each identified cross-connection, we classify the hazard level (high hazard vs. low hazard) and recommend the appropriate type of backflow protection — whether that’s an RPZ, DC, PVB, air gap, or atmospheric vacuum breaker.

Our Process

Our Cross-Connection Survey Process

01

Pre-Survey Coordination

We coordinate with your facility team to understand the building's water systems, obtain site plans or plumbing drawings if available, and schedule the walk-through at a time that minimizes disruption.

02

On-Site Inspection

Our TCEQ-licensed CSI inspector walks every accessible area of the property — mechanical rooms, rooftops, kitchens, labs, manufacturing floors, irrigation valve boxes, and fire riser rooms. We trace the water supply from the meter through every branch and connection point.

03

Hazard Classification

Each cross-connection is classified by hazard level per TCEQ guidelines. High-hazard connections (chemical processes, medical waste, sewage) require an RPZ or air gap. Low-hazard connections (irrigation, fire sprinkler without additives) may require a DC or PVB.

04

Report and Recommendations

You receive a written report documenting every cross-connection found, its hazard classification, the existing protection (if any), and our recommendation for the correct backflow prevention assembly. This report satisfies your water utility's documentation requirements.

05

Compliance Support

If new backflow assemblies need to be installed, we can coordinate the work and handle the required testing and utility filing once they're in place. If assemblies are already installed, we can test them during the same visit.

Properties That Commonly Need Cross-Connection Surveys

Property TypeTypical Cross-Connection Points
Restaurants and food serviceCarbonation, dishwashers, grease interceptors, steam equipment
Medical and dental officesAutoclaves, vacuum systems, dental chairs, X-ray processors
Hotels and hospitalityBoilers, pools/spas, laundry, irrigation, cooling towers
Manufacturing and industrialProcess water, chemical mixing, plating, cooling, washdown
Schools and universitiesLabs, cafeteria, irrigation, custodial, HVAC
Multi-family residentialMaster-metered irrigation, pools, boiler/HVAC, fire systems
Car washes and auto shopsChemical injection, recycled water systems, wash bays

Why Work with Duck Works for Cross-Connection Surveys

TCEQ-Licensed BPAT and CSI Certified

CSI and BPAT Certified

Our inspectors hold both Customer Service Inspector (CSI) and Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester (BPAT) licenses from TCEQ. We identify the problems and test the solutions — one team, one visit when possible.

20+ Years of Regulatory Experience

Former Municipal Program Manager

Our Director of Compliance managed cross-connection control programs at the city level for over 20 years. She knows exactly what water utilities look for because she used to be the one looking.

Test, Repair, and Recertify in One Visit

Survey, Test, Repair — All Under One Roof

Most cross-connection survey firms only write the report. We survey, recommend protection, test existing assemblies, and repair failures — so you’re not coordinating three different vendors to get into compliance.

Same-Day Reporting and Filing

Utility-Ready Documentation

Our survey reports are formatted to meet TCEQ requirements and your water utility’s specific filing standards. No rework, no back-and-forth.

FAQs

Cross-Connection Survey FAQs

  • How long does a cross-connection survey take?

    It depends on the size and complexity of your facility. A small commercial building might take 1–2 hours. A large industrial facility, hospital, or multi-building campus can take a full day or more. We'll give you an estimated duration after we understand the scope.

  • How often do I need a cross-connection survey?

    There's no universal annual requirement for surveys the way there is for backflow testing. However, your utility can require one at any time — and most require a new survey when the property changes ownership, use, or undergoes significant plumbing work. Some utilities conduct periodic re-surveys on a 3–5 year cycle for commercial accounts.

  • What's the difference between a cross-connection survey and a backflow test?

    A cross-connection survey is an inspection of your plumbing system to identify potential contamination points and determine what protection is needed. A backflow test is a mechanical test of a specific backflow prevention assembly to verify it's working correctly. You need the survey to know what assemblies are required; you need the test to prove they're functioning. We do both.

  • What happens if the survey finds unprotected cross-connections?

    We document the findings and recommend the correct backflow protection for each connection. Your water utility will typically give you a compliance deadline to install the required assemblies. We can coordinate the installation and handle testing and filing once the devices are in place.

  • Will the survey require shutting off water to my building?

    The survey itself does not require a water shutoff — it's a visual inspection and documentation exercise. If backflow testing is performed during the same visit, a brief shutoff of the specific line being tested may be needed (usually a few minutes per assembly).

Know What's Connected to Your Water Supply

Schedule a cross-connection survey and get a clear picture of your property’s backflow protection needs — before your utility sends a compliance notice.

Schedule a Survey
Call (469) 722-3262

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