Welcome to the Backflow Blog!
DISCUSS BACKFLOWS WITH JAMES “POP” SALTER.
Backflow assembly testing is our life at Pop’s Testing. And if you’re on this site, chances are that’s all you need: someone reliable and affordable who can come out quickly and take care of this one pesky requirement of property ownership. Chances are you’ve gotten a notice from your water supplier and you just need someone to inspect your backflow assembly. You want someone who is professional, no-nonsense, and affordable. But ideally—and without too much shopping around—you’d also like someone friendly, honest, ethical, and available when it’s most convenient for you.
To be honest, you should call us (206) 551-5174 or email us right now to schedule a test OR just get on our reminder list. We can be there to test, repair or install your backflow assembly or backflow device just as soon as you need us. One less thing to worry about!
HOWEVER…
If for some reason you have more than a passing interest in backflow assemblies—
if you’re interested in how backflow assemblies work,
what they look like, how they’re designed—
maybe you should bookmark this page.
If you take pleasure, like we do,
in the diverse shapes and designs of backflow devices
found right in your own neighborhood—
Whether Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue or Burien—
if you like to learn more about this fascinating
bit of engineering that helps us live our everyday lives,
but which most people have no idea about…
…then perhaps you should subscribe to this page and get all the latest posts in Pop’s Backflow Blog delivered automatically to your inbox.
The Pop’s Testing field crew consists of (L-R) Solomon “Solo” Salter and James “Pop” Salter, shown here at Pop’s Testing World headquarters in Seattle.
Pop's Backflow Testing | Honest • Reliable • Responsive 
Well all I have to say that this is overall a great company. the service is terrific, James and Solomon are extremely nice, they work fast, and last but not least there reliable they can get the job done so I can get going to the places I need to go. Anyway their a good company and I highly recommend Pops Backflow Testing.-Jordan
Hello Seattle,Solo/Pop,I am a tester in Hartford,Ct area. I loved all your pics& insight.I have never repaired a Wilkins 2.5 model 975,do u have any tips?1st & 2nd test cocks plugged.I opened valve a lil water comes out.I thought of shutting off water to device taking both checks apart and cleaning.Will that work,or do i need to order new checks.
Hi Joe,
Like we talked about on the phone plugged test cocks are common on assemblies with high demand/usage. I used to close both shut off valves and use a rod to clean them out. Then open shut off valve #1 and flush. This method is problematic when dealing with RPBA’s because the act of closing SOV #1 typically dislodges debris in SOV #1 that may end up causing the assembly to fail. I now use Midwest’s Test Clean test cock cleaning tool. I no longer frown when I discover plugged TC’s, and it seems like fewer of them are failing after the cleaning process.
As for the 2.5” and larger 975, the large size 975 is discontinued. You will find photos of a high demand 975 in the photo gallery. At the time of that repair it was cost effective to clean it and replace the rubber and seat. The 975 has been a thorn in my side for me. I found if you change the disk as well as the seat you will have better luck getting it to pass the test after the repairs. The check assembly rides up and down inside the seat (metal on metal) wearing both the seat and check. If I find the check assembly damage I recommend replacing the BPA.
Good Luck!