Backflow Prevention Device Certification in Nashville, Tennessee (2026)
Without a current Backflow Prevention Device Certification from Nashville Codes and Construction Permits Department, your water supply poses a contamination risk — and your restaurant cannot legally operate under Metro Code § 6.204. A Backflow Prevention Device Certification (also called a backflow device inspection or cross-connection control certificate) proves your plumbing system meets Nashville's anti-contamination standards. Key facts:
- 28 fields on the certification form — ApronPrep auto-fills 23
- $0 government filing fees — contact Nashville Codes and Construction Permits Department for contractor inspection and testing costs
- 2–4 weeks from request to inspection scheduling; inspection typically completed within 1–2 business days of appointment
Most applicants complete the certification documentation in under 15 minutes with ApronPrep, which auto-fills 23 of 28 fields.
Analyzed from Backflow Prevention Device Certification
82% from one compliance interview
Manual entry or document upload required
Why You Need a Backflow Prevention Device Certification
Nashville restaurants are required to install and certify backflow prevention devices under Metro Nashville's sewer use ordinance and the Metro Water Services connection requirements, which implement Tennessee's statewide cross-connection control standards. These regulations mandate that any commercial food service establishment — classified as a high-hazard facility due to chemical sanitizers, carbonation equipment, and grease — must have an approved backflow preventer tested and certified by a licensed tester before water service is activated and on an annual basis thereafter. The Metro Water Services Department enforces these requirements as a condition of your water/sewer connection permit, meaning non-compliance is not just a code violation — it directly threatens your ability to operate. Verify current code language with Metro Water Services or the Metro Nashville codes portal at nashville.gov.
Operating without a valid, current backflow prevention certification exposes your restaurant to consequences that can halt operations immediately. Metro Water Services has authority to act without a court order, and violations are treated as public health emergencies under state plumbing and waterworks statutes. Specifically, you risk:
- Water service disconnection — Metro Water Services can physically terminate your water supply upon confirmed non-compliance, which means you cannot legally open or continue food service
- Fines and reinspection fees — civil penalties apply per day of non-compliance; contact Metro Water Services to confirm current fine schedules, as amounts are set administratively and subject to revision
- Required remediation — you will be ordered to install or repair the device at your own cost, hire a Metro-approved certified tester, and resubmit documentation before service is restored
- Permit revocation risk — Metro Public Health's Environmental Health Division can flag your food service permit file, potentially triggering a hold on renewals until the backflow certification is resolved
- Insurance and lease complications — many commercial landlords require proof of current utility compliance as a lease condition, and general liability insurers may deny claims arising from a backflow-related contamination event if certification had lapsed
Not legal advice — consult a licensed plumbing contractor or attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
Legal code: Local sewer use regulations, water connection requirements, road/sidewalk ordinances, grease discharge limits
Recent update: As of 2025, Metro Water Services updated its cross-connection control program to require digital submission of annual tester certification reports through the Metro Nashville online portal, replacing the previous paper-mail process — contact Metro Water Services at (615) 862-4600 to confirm current submission requirements for your account.
Who Needs a Backflow Prevention Device Certification?
| Type | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (Full-Service) | Required | Full-service restaurants connect directly to Nashville Metro Water Services' potable water supply and must install and annually certify backflow prevention devices under Nashville Metro Code § 15.64.110 and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Rule 0400-45-01-.07, which mandates testing by a state-certified tester for any food service establishment with a direct water service connection. |
| Bar / Nightclub | Required | Bars and nightclubs use carbonation systems, ice machines, and glass washers that create cross-connection hazards with the potable water supply, triggering the backflow prevention device certification requirement under Nashville Metro Water Services cross-connection control program regulations. |
| Food Truck | Not Required | Food trucks operating from self-contained fresh water tanks rather than a direct municipal water service connection are generally exempt from Nashville Metro Water Services' backflow prevention certification requirement; however, if a food truck establishes a permanent hose-bib connection at a commissary or fixed location, that connection point must be certified — contact Metro Water Services to confirm your specific setup. |
| Coffee Shop / Café | Required | Espresso machines, steam wands, and carbonated beverage dispensers at coffee shops create direct cross-connection risks with the municipal supply, requiring annual backflow prevention device testing and certification under Nashville Metro Code § 15.64.110 and TDEC Rule 0400-45-01-.07. |
See which restaurant types need this requirement — and which don't.
See Full Requirements →Field-by-Field Guide (28 Fields)
23 of 28 auto-filledRestaurant Legal Name
textEnter the exact legal business name as it appears on your Tennessee Secretary of State registration or business license — not a trade name, DBA, or abbreviation.
COMMON MISTAKE: Entering a DBA or shortened trade name (e.g., 'Joe's Burgers' instead of 'JB Restaurant Group LLC') causes a name mismatch with Metro Nashville Water Services records and triggers automatic rejection.
Restaurant Address
textEnter the full physical street address of the restaurant location where the backflow device is installed — include suite or unit number if applicable; do not use a PO Box or mailing address.
COMMON MISTAKE: Submitting a mailing address or corporate office address instead of the actual service location address will cause Metro Nashville Water Services to reject the certification because the address must match the water service connection on file.
Water Service Account Number
textEnter your Metro Nashville Water Services account number exactly as it appears on your water utility bill — typically an 8–10 digit numeric code found in the upper-right section of your monthly statement.
COMMON MISTAKE: Entering a meter number or service address code instead of the account number is the most frequent error on this field; the account number and meter number are printed separately on your bill and are not interchangeable.
Contact Person Name
textEnter the full legal first and last name of the person Metro Nashville Water Services should contact regarding this certification — typically the owner, general manager, or designated facilities contact.
COMMON MISTAKE: Listing a general role (e.g., 'Manager on Duty') instead of an individual's full name will delay processing because the department requires a named individual for follow-up correspondence.
Contact Person Title
textEnter the official job title of the contact person named in the preceding field — for example, 'Owner,' 'General Manager,' or 'Facilities Director.'
COMMON MISTAKE: Leaving this field blank or entering an informal title (e.g., 'Boss') can cause form validation issues; Metro Nashville Water Services uses this field to determine the contact's authorization level for compliance correspondence.
Contact Phone Number
textEnter a direct U.S. phone number for the contact person in the format (XXX) XXX-XXXX — this must be a number where the contact can be reached during Metro Nashville Water Services business hours to schedule any required inspection or follow-up.
COMMON MISTAKE: Entering a general restaurant main line that is not answered during business hours slows down inspection scheduling and can extend your certification timeline by 1–2 weeks.
Contact Email Address
textEnter a valid, actively monitored email address for the contact person — Metro Nashville Water Services uses this address to send certification status updates, inspection notices, and renewal reminders.
COMMON MISTAKE: Using a generic or infrequently checked address (e.g., info@restaurant.com) risks missing time-sensitive compliance notices, which can result in lapsed certification status.
Backflow Device Installed
checkboxCheck this box only if a Metro Nashville Water Services-approved backflow prevention device is already physically installed at the water service connection for your restaurant location.
COMMON MISTAKE: Checking this box when the device has been ordered but not yet installed triggers an inspection that results in automatic certification denial; only check this field if installation is fully complete.
Request Installation Guidance
checkboxCheck this box if you have not yet installed a backflow prevention device and are requesting Metro Nashville Water Services to provide guidance on approved device types, licensed installers, and installation requirements.
COMMON MISTAKE: Checking both 'device_installed' and 'installation_guidance' simultaneously creates a conflicting application that will be flagged for manual review, adding processing time; select only one status box.
Device Manufacturer
textEnter the full manufacturer name exactly as it appears on the device's identification tag or installation documentation — Metro Nashville Water Services cross-references this against its list of approved backflow prevention device manufacturers.
COMMON MISTAKE: Entering a model number or product line name instead of the manufacturer name (e.g., 'RP4' instead of 'Watts Water Technologies') will cause a mismatch against the approved manufacturer registry and require resubmission.
ApronPrep auto-fills 23 of 28 fields from a single compliance interview — no re-typing, no guessing what the government expects.
Top 5 Backflow Prevention Device Certification Mistakes
1. Submitting a Test Report Signed by an Uncertified Tester
Nashville Metro Water Services requires the backflow prevention device test to be performed and signed by a tester holding a current Tennessee-issued backflow assembly tester certification — an expired or out-of-state certification is grounds for immediate rejection. For example, submitting a report signed by a technician whose Tennessee certification lapsed even one day before the test date will void the entire submission. Verify your tester's active certification status on the Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC) registry before scheduling the test; this oversight typically adds 2–4 weeks while you reschedule and retest.
2. Using an Outdated or Non-Approved Test Report Form
Metro Water Services mandates use of its current approved Backflow Prevention Assembly Test & Maintenance Report form — submitting a third-party form, a vendor-branded worksheet, or a prior-year version of the Metro form results in automatic rejection. A common example is a tester who uses a form downloaded from a national plumbing association rather than the current Metro Water Services version posted on nashville.gov. Always download the form directly from the Metro Water Services website on the day you schedule the test to ensure you have the most current version; using an outdated form adds 1–3 weeks to your timeline.
3. Missing or Incorrect Device Location / Service Address
The test report must include the precise service address and physical location of the device within the facility (e.g., 'mechanical room, northeast corner' or 'behind kitchen prep sink') — leaving this field blank or entering only the mailing address causes Metro Water Services to flag the report as unverifiable. Restaurants with multiple water service connections are especially prone to this error when a tester lists only the street address without specifying which meter or connection the device serves. Cross-reference the address and device location against your Metro Water Services account details before the tester finalizes the report; a mismatch adds 2–3 weeks for a correction and resubmission.
Skip the Paperwork on Your Backflow Prevention Device Certification
ApronPrep auto-fills 23 of 28 fields from one compliance interview.
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Backflow Prevention Device Certification by City in Tennessee
| City | Fee Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Knoxville | $35 per backflow device test (may vary by contractor and device complexity; contact contractor for exact quote) | 1-3 weeks from initial contact to certification completion; Annual recertification required |
| Memphis | Contact MLGW Commercial Services for current certification and testing fees; annual recertification fees typically apply | Initial inspection: 1-2 weeks after scheduling; Device certification: 1-4 weeks depending on whether upgrades are needed; Annual recertification: Ongoing requirement |
| Nashville | Contact Nashville Codes and Construction Permits Department for current inspection and certification fees | 2-4 weeks from request to inspection scheduling; inspection typically completed within 1-2 business days of appointment |
Government Filing Fees
Contact Nashville Codes and Construction Permits Department for current inspection and certification fees
Timeline: Varies
Step 1: Contact Nashville Codes and Construction Permits Department to request a backflow preventer inspection
Call Nashville's Codes and Construction Permits Department at (615) 862-5520 or visit their office at 1417 Dr. D.B. Todd Jr. Boulevard to initiate the inspection request. Have your restaurant's address, business license number, and water service account number ready. This initial contact typically takes 15–30 minutes and triggers the formal inspection scheduling process.
Step 2: Ensure your restaurant's backflow prevention device meets Nashville local sewer use regulations and water connection requirements
Verify that any existing or planned backflow prevention device complies with Nashville's Sewer Use Ordinance (Metro Nashville Code § 6.36.130) and the Tennessee Plumbing Code. Contact a licensed backflow prevention device technician to confirm your water connection type (single-outlet or dual-outlet) and required device classification. This verification step prevents costly rejections during inspection and typically takes 2–3 business days.
Step 3: Schedule inspection appointment through Building Permits Central
After confirming device compliance, call Building Permits Central at (615) 862-5550 or book online through the Nashville Permits portal (permits.nashville.gov) to schedule your inspection appointment. Inspections are typically available within 5–10 business days of request. Provide your property address, contact phone number, and confirmation that a certified backflow prevention device is installed.
Where to Apply
Applications are handled by your local department of public works (dpw) in each city. Select your city below for authority details, fees, and processing timeline.
Other Requirements You'll Need
This is one of 13 requirements for opening a restaurant in Tennessee.
ADA Compliance Self-Certification
federal
Alarm System Permit/Registration
local
Alcohol Server Training Certification
state
Annual Report Filing
state
See all co-required forms and how they connect to your compliance dossier.
See All RequirementsTimeline varies depending on whether your device requires inspection and testing by a certified backflow prevention device tester. Per the Nashville Metropolitan Department of Water Services, initial certification typically requires scheduling an inspection appointment, which can range from 1–4 weeks depending on demand, plus 3–5 business days for the department to issue your certification after inspection approval. If your device fails inspection, you'll need to address deficiencies and reschedule, adding 2–3 weeks to your timeline. Contact the Nashville Department of Water Services to confirm current scheduling windows for your specific device type.
There are no government filing fees charged by the Nashville Metropolitan Department of Water Services for backflow prevention device certification itself. However, you will need to hire a certified backflow prevention device tester to perform the required inspection and testing — these are private contractor costs that typically range from $75–$200 per inspection, depending on device complexity and the tester's rates. If your device fails and requires repairs, additional costs will depend on the repair contractor and the scope of work needed. Contact the Nashville Department of Water Services or a local certified tester to confirm current market rates in your area. Not legal advice — verify all costs with the authority.
No — a backflow prevention device certification is location-specific and cannot be transferred to a new restaurant address. If you relocate your food service operation, you will need to obtain a new backflow prevention device certification for your new location, which requires a new inspection and certification from the Nashville Metropolitan Department of Water Services. You should also update your City Business License/Registration and Building Permit to reflect your new address. Contact the Nashville Department of Water Services for guidance on closing out your old certification and initiating a new one.
Backflow prevention device certifications in Nashville must be renewed annually per the Nashville Metropolitan Department of Water Services requirements. The renewal process requires a new inspection and testing by a certified backflow prevention device tester to verify that your device is still functioning properly and meets all current code standards. Your certification expiration date will be noted on your original certification document — you should schedule your renewal inspection at least 30 days before expiration to avoid lapses in compliance. Contact the Nashville Department of Water Services to confirm renewal deadlines and procedures.
During a backflow prevention device inspection, a certified tester will examine your device's installation, condition, and performance to ensure it meets Nashville plumbing and water safety codes. The tester will check for proper installation, test the device's ability to prevent backflow, verify that all components are functioning, and document the results on an inspection report. If your device passes, the tester submits certification documentation to the Nashville Metropolitan Department of Water Services and you receive your certification; if it fails, you'll receive a deficiency report and must correct the issues before scheduling a re-inspection. Ensure your restaurant's plumbing system is accessible and your device is installed according to code before the inspection date — consider reviewing the Building Permit requirements to confirm your installation meets all structural and code standards.
About This Data
This guide is generated from ApronPrep's compliance dossier system, which uses 53 parallel AI authority experts to discover requirements, then downloads actual forms and generates field-level intelligence for each one.
For Tennessee specifically, we have analyzed compliance dossiers for 3 cities (Knoxville, Memphis, Nashville), generating Rich FILs (Form Intelligence Layers) with 28 form fields analyzed for this requirement. Fee data is sourced from actual county department fee schedules, not estimates.
Our data is verified against official government sources and updated when regulatory changes are detected. If you find an error, please report it — accuracy is our core commitment.
Sources
- Local sewer use regulations, water connection requirements, road/sidewalk ordinances, grease discharge limits
- Knoxville — Department of Public Works (DPW)
This Form Is One of 60+ Requirements.
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