Can this agreement be signed electronically?

Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted; ensure the signer demonstrates intent, consents to electronic records, attribution is clear, and the record is retained reproducibly.

Who must sign the agreement?

Typically the property owner (or authorized agent) and the licensed installer or plumber. A certified tester may also need to sign test results or certification attachments required by the local utility.

Is notarization ever required?

Most backflow agreements do not require notarization, but some municipalities or specific permit processes may request notarized affidavits; check local rules and state notary requirements before submitting.

What if a device fails certification?

Record the failure in the test report, correct the issue per tester recommendations, and schedule retesting. The agreement should specify repair timelines and responsibility for reinspection and associated fees.

How do I amend the agreement after signing?

Execute a written amendment signed by all original parties; electronically signed amendments must meet the same e-signature validity tests as the original document and should reference the original agreement by date and identifier.

How long must I keep records?

Retain signed agreements and test records for the active term plus relevant statutory periods: federal tax records are typically 3 years (IRC §6501(a)); healthcare-related records follow HIPAA 6-year retention (45 CFR §164.530(j)); check state rules for longer periods.

Electronic Signature
Templates
Miscellaneous
Backflow Device Installation Agreement

Backflow Device Installation Agreement

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Backflow Device Installation Agreement

This Backflow Device Installation Agreement (the Agreement) is entered into by and between:

Client Name:

Client Address

Installer Name:

Installer Address

Recitals

WHEREAS, Client owns or controls the property located at: (the Property); and

WHEREAS, Installer is qualified and licensed to install, commission and test backflow prevention devices and related appurtenances in compliance with applicable plumbing and water utility codes; and

WHEREAS, Client desires to engage Installer to install the backflow prevention device described below in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement.

Device Information

Device Make / Model / Serial Device Location on Property

Scope of Work

Installer shall furnish all labor, materials, tools, equipment and supervision necessary to perform the following work (the Work):

Work includes installation, pressure testing, commissioning, submission of test reports to Client and any required third‑party inspection authorities, and correction of defects discovered during initial testing. Installer warrants that Work will comply with applicable codes and standards.

Permits, Inspections and Testing

Installer responsible for obtaining required permits: Installer Client responsible for obtaining required permits:

Installer shall perform required field testing and shall deliver certified test reports to Client within business days after commissioning.

Payment Terms

Total Contract Price Deposit Amount Payment Schedule / Milestones

Late payment shall incur interest at the lesser of 1.5% per month or the maximum rate permitted by law, plus costs of collection, including reasonable attorney fees.

Term and Termination

Commencement Date: . Estimated Completion Date:

Either party may terminate this Agreement for material breach if the breaching party fails to cure within days after written notice. Client may terminate for convenience upon days advance written notice; in such event Client shall pay Installer for work performed and costs incurred to date.

Warranty and Remedies

Installer warrants workmanship for a period of months from final acceptance. Manufacturer warranties on parts apply as provided by manufacturer and shall be passed through to Client where transferable. Installer’s obligation under this warranty is limited to repair or replacement of defective work at Installer’s expense; this warranty does not cover damage from misuse, subsequent modification by others, freezing, or external causes beyond Installer’s control.

Confidentiality

Each party shall maintain as confidential all proprietary, technical and business information disclosed by the other party in connection with this Agreement and shall not disclose such information except to employees, contractors or regulators who have a need to know and who are bound by confidentiality obligations at least as protective as those herein. Confidential information does not include information that is or becomes public through no fault of the receiving party, or is independently developed without use of the disclosing party’s confidential information.

Liability and Insurance

Installer shall maintain commercial general liability and automobile liability insurance in commercially reasonable amounts and workers’ compensation as required by law. Installer’s aggregate liability for any claim arising out of this Agreement shall be limited to direct damages not to exceed the total contract price, except for damages arising from gross negligence or willful misconduct.

Insurance Carrier and Policy Number

Governing Law

This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of , without regard to conflict of law principles.

Notices

Notices under this Agreement must be sent to the addresses set forth below or to such other address as a party designates by written notice:

Client Notice Address Installer Notice Address

Entire Agreement

This Agreement, including attachments and written change orders executed by both parties, constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersedes all prior negotiations, representations or agreements, whether written or oral. No amendment to this Agreement shall be binding unless in writing and signed by both parties.

Additional Provisions

Change Orders: Any changes to the Scope of Work shall be documented in a written change order setting forth adjustments to price and schedule and signed by both parties.

Compliance: Installer shall comply with all applicable codes, ordinances and water utility requirements and shall coordinate inspections and testing with authorities having jurisdiction.

Client

Print Name:

By:

Date:

Installer

Print Name:

By:

Date:

What the Backflow Device Installation Agreement Covers

A Backflow Device Installation Agreement is a written contract between a property owner (or manager) and a licensed installer that defines scope, responsibilities, and compliance steps for installing a backflow prevention device. The agreement typically specifies device model and serial number, permit and inspection obligations, performance testing and certification, maintenance and repair responsibilities, timelines for completion, payment terms, and procedures for notifying the local water authority. It creates a documented record used for municipal acceptance, utility tracking, insurance, and future property transfers; it can be executed electronically consistent with U.S. e-signature law.

Why a Clear Installation Agreement Matters

A clear agreement reduces regulatory risk, assigns ongoing maintenance responsibility, preserves inspection evidence, and documents timing and payment expectations for installers, owners, and utilities.

Who Typically Completes This Agreement

Use the agreement when you need enforceable, auditable documentation that ties device performance, inspections, and payments to named parties.

Property owners and managers who require documented proof of compliance with local water authority rules.
Licensed plumbing contractors or certified backflow testers responsible for installation, testing, and certification.
Municipal water departments or utility compliance officers who require submission of device records and test results.

Common Signer Roles and Responsibilities

Facility Manager

A facility manager or property owner signs to accept long-term maintenance obligations and to authorize access for testing; they must ensure permits and utility notifications are completed and payments are made on schedule.

Licensed Plumber

A licensed plumber or certified tester signs to confirm the device was installed according to manufacturer and municipal specifications, to supply serial numbers and test results, and to warrant workmanship for any agreed warranty period.

Essential Data Elements to Include

Owner Legal Name: Full legal name

Installer Details: Company and license

Device Identifier: Model and serial

Permit Number: Local permit ID

Test Results: Pass/fail values

Installation Date: MM/DD/YYYY

How to Complete the Agreement — Step by Step

Follow these four core steps to prepare, complete, and submit a Backflow Device Installation Agreement accurately.

01

Prepare Documents: Collect owner ID, permit, device specs, and installer license.
02

Enter Agreement Data: Populate fields: parties, device serial, installation date, and payment terms.
03

Sign and Certify: Installer signs, owner accepts, tester attaches certification and test results.
04

Submit to Authority: Send finalized agreement and test results to the local utility or inspector.

Where to File or Send the Completed Agreement

After execution, route the agreement and any testing certificates to the appropriate parties and agencies to meet local requirements.

Local Water Utility: Primary recipient for compliance and device registration.
Municipal Code Office: Files permit closure and inspection approval.
Property Records: Owner retains a signed copy for title and insurance purposes.
Installer Records: Installer keeps test logs and warranty documentation.

Digital Signing and File Formats to Use

Maintain a tamper-evident signed PDF plus exportable audit logs; ensure chosen platform supports required authentication and retention options.

Accepted Formats: PDF, DOCX
Authentication Options: Email link, SMS code
Integration Targets: CRM or cloud storage

How to Configure an Online Signing Workflow

Set these workflow options so signatures, attachments, and audit records meet municipal and internal requirements.

Field	Configuration
Signature Authentication	Email + SMS code
Required Attachments	Permit copy \| Device manual \| Test report
Conditional Fields	Show warranty if owner selects paid option
Audit Trail Settings	Capture IP, timestamp, and signer email

Key Agreement Sections to Include

A professional agreement groups obligations, device data, testing, and legal protections so all parties understand roles and outcomes.

Scope of Work

Describe precise installation tasks, site locations, connection points, and any excavation or restoration responsibilities, including materials and manufacturer-specified installation methods to avoid ambiguity.

Device Details

List manufacturer, model, serial number, calibration settings, and pre-installation condition to tie physical hardware to the contract and future test records for traceability.

Permits & Inspections

Specify which permits the installer will obtain, the inspection schedule, who pays permit fees, and the process for scheduling municipal inspections and corrective actions if needed.

Testing & Certification

Define post-installation test procedures, acceptable pass/fail thresholds, required certified tester signature, and deadline for submitting test reports to the utility.

Maintenance & Repairs

Assign ongoing maintenance duties, inspection intervals, emergency response obligations, and which party bears the cost of routine service or corrective repairs.

Liability & Indemnity

Allocate responsibility for property damage, code violations, and third-party claims; include insurance minimums and warranty period to limit disputes and ensure coverage.

Typical Timelines and Submission Deadlines

Key dates in the installation lifecycle affect permit validity, inspection windows, and reporting obligations — document them clearly.

Permit Validity Window:

Apply and obtain permits before work; timelines vary by municipality.

Post-Installation Testing:

Complete performance testing within 30 days of installation unless the permit specifies otherwise.

Report Submission:

Submit test reports to the utility within 10 business days after certification.

Annual Re-Testing:

Many jurisdictions require yearly retest and certification; check local code for exact interval.

Reinspection Scheduling:

Allow time for reinspection if initial tests fail; contractor should schedule promptly.

Common Preparation and Filing Mistakes to Avoid

Omitting the device serial number or entering it incorrectly, which severs the link between the contract, device, and test records and delays utility acceptance.
Using informal or abbreviated installer names instead of the licensed business name, causing permit or insurance verification failures during inspection.
Failing to attach the municipal permit or test report at submission, prompting returns and rework that add time and cost.
Allowing unsigned or undated signature blocks to circulate; unsigned agreements are often rejected by utilities or insurers during compliance reviews.

Consequences of an Incorrect or Incomplete Agreement

Code Violations: Monetary fines

Service Interruption: Water service suspension

Civil Liability: Third-party claims

Insurance Denial: Claim disputes

Reinspection Fees: Additional charges

Permit Revocation: Work stoppage

eSignature Vendor Comparison for Executing Installation Agreements

Comparison of common eSignature providers and capabilities relevant to backflow device agreements; signNow appears first per vendor column requirements.

	signNow	DocuSign	Adobe Sign	PandaDoc	HelloSign
Starting Price	$8/user/mo	$15/user/mo	$14/user/mo	$19/user/mo	$15/user/mo
Free Trial	7-day free trial	Varies	Varies	Varies	Varies
Bulk Send	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Audit Trail	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
HIPAA Compliant	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Envelope Cap	No envelope cap	100 envelopes/user/year	Varies by plan	Varies	Varies

Real-World Examples of Digital Agreement Use

Organizations of different sizes use e-signatures to speed approvals, retain audit trails, and centralize compliance records for installations and inspections.

Tim Martin — Founder

Tim uses digital signing for field service documentation to eliminate paper delays.

Faster approvals on mobile devices.
"I can process and execute all of these documents online with 100% compliance and built-in security. Whether on mobile or working offline, I can get forms back to their necessary parties efficiently."

Brian Fitzgibbons — COO

Brian adopted eSignatures to simplify customer-facing compliance paperwork.

Reduced turnaround across projects.
"The interface is simple and easy-to-use for our team; more importantly, it is just as easy for our customers."

Practical Tips for Accurate and Efficient Completion

Follow these best practices to minimize rework, avoid municipal rejection, and create a defensible compliance record.

Verify Installer Credentials

Confirm the installer's state license and certification before work begins; keep a scanned copy in the agreement file to support permit inspections and to avoid delays if the utility audits the installer.

Use a Consistent Device Identifier

Record the device model and serial number exactly as stamped on the unit. Consistency prevents mismatch when test reports are matched to the installed hardware and reduces administrative rejections.

Attach Required Permits and Test Reports

Always attach municipal permits and the certified test report when submitting the agreement; missing attachments are the most common reason utilities return submissions for corrective action.

Keep a Tamper-Evident Signed Copy

Store a PDF signed with an audit trail plus exported metadata; include signer emails, timestamps, and IP addresses to support future disputes or insurance claims.

Key Processing Milestones

Sequential milestones show the typical flow from permit application through final utility acceptance.

01

Permit Application

Submit permit application and receive approval to schedule work.

02

Installation Completion

Complete physical installation and record device identifiers.

03

Performance Testing

Certified tester completes test and signs certification form.

04

Utility Acceptance

Submit documents; utility issues final acceptance or requests corrections.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Agreement

Answers to common questions about electronic execution, signatures, notarization, amendments, and retention for Backflow Device Installation Agreements.

Need help? Contact support

Can this agreement be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the federal ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted; ensure the signer demonstrates intent, consents to electronic records, attribution is clear, and the record is retained reproducibly.
Who must sign the agreement?
Typically the property owner (or authorized agent) and the licensed installer or plumber. A certified tester may also need to sign test results or certification attachments required by the local utility.
Is notarization ever required?
Most backflow agreements do not require notarization, but some municipalities or specific permit processes may request notarized affidavits; check local rules and state notary requirements before submitting.
What if a device fails certification?
Record the failure in the test report, correct the issue per tester recommendations, and schedule retesting. The agreement should specify repair timelines and responsibility for reinspection and associated fees.
How do I amend the agreement after signing?
Execute a written amendment signed by all original parties; electronically signed amendments must meet the same e-signature validity tests as the original document and should reference the original agreement by date and identifier.
How long must I keep records?
Retain signed agreements and test records for the active term plus relevant statutory periods: federal tax records are typically 3 years (IRC §6501(a)); healthcare-related records follow HIPAA 6-year retention (45 CFR §164.530(j)); check state rules for longer periods.

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