If you are the courageous type and want to repair, or replace, your backflow yourself then here’s some tips to help you out.
*see bottom of page for links to recommended websites for parts and devices.
If you would like more information to the most common questions, such as; what is backflow, or a backflow device, then there’s a great article here.
Other great places to get more information on these topics can be found below.
- Wikipedia – what is backflow
- Wikipedia – what is a backflow preventer
- Febco – what is backflow (they also provide a downloadable handbook on cross-connection)
If you do a search for your backflow device there are a few important things you need to know ahead of time.
- All the parts in your backflow assembly have been part of a long vigorous evaluation and approved for that device. Therefor they are the only parts you can use. For more information on this you can visit this page here.
- Unlike an automotive parts dealer the parts you use can greatly affect the working ability of your backflow device. The wrong parts, or generic parts might look the same; might even function the same at first, but they can cause internal complications. So, please use only the approved parts designed for your backflow.
- Another large factor to consider before spending money on parts are the specs.
- What is the make, manufacture (Conbraco, Wilkins, Febco, Watts, etc.)
- Model (825Y, 825YA, 975XL2, 009, etc.)
- Size (¾”, 1”, 1-¼”, etc.) [measured in inches]
- If one of these is incorrect it could make the difference in getting the correct parts. Trust me.
If you order a 1 inch Watts 009 M1 it will NOT work in your backflow device if it is a 009 M2, or M3.
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- There are different types of backflows available. It’s important to know which device your water company requires and which assemblies are approved.
- Make sure you know if the device you are purchasing is “Lead Free” or not. Most cases, you will need a LF (Lead Free) backflow.
- As mentioned above with the different makes and models out there these manufactures also make a leaded and a lead free.
- Some manufactures use the “LF” in the model.
- However, not all use the obvious “LF”
- For example, Wilkins 975XL contains lead and is intended for irrigation or fire systems, whereas the model 975XL2 is lead free and approved for potable water supply.
- Always repair one component at a time.
- I know from working on cars that the instinct is use one side as a reference to restore component back to the proper configuration. However, with a backflow device the number 1 check valve might not be the same as the number 2 check valve. In many cases there are the same but for example if you have an RP (reduced pressure backflow device), which are the majority, then the checks are not the same. If they are then the springs are most definitely different.
- There are different types of backflows available. It’s important to know which device your water company requires and which assemblies are approved.
Here are a few websites I highly recommend for parts or backflow devices.
- Backflow Parts USA
- This company is based out of Arizona and have a wide variety of parts, backflows and accessories at a great price. We recommend this company to any of our customers looking to do their own repairs.
- Backflow Preventer
- These guys are out of New Hampshire. We’re located in Southern California and have had excellent experiences getting parts in a timely manner from these guys.
- Bavco (Backflow and Valve Co.)
- This company is located in Long Beach, California and provide us with next day delivery. This company does require you to have an account with them whereas the other companies listed above do not. They don’t have their part prices listed on their website like the others either. Though, if you need parts right away at a great comparable price they are good choice.