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Backflow preventer
- Thread starter MDrost1
- Start date
I.B. Washincars
Car Washer Emeritus
They're not complicated at all. I've rebuilt a couple of mine myself.
At one point in my life I was a state certified BAT tester. Like I.B. Washincars said they are not very complicated. So before I’d have it replaced I’d open it up and clean out any debris that might be inside. I would also consider putting in a rebuild kit. Most of the time a good cleaning and reversing the rubber on the check valve plungers will solve most problems.
definitely look into a rebuild kit. I just rebuilt one of ours earlier this year. Check out: https://www.backflowpartsusa.com/
I.B. Washincars
Car Washer Emeritus
The big benefit in rebuilding it is that you can do it while it is installed and only have your wash shut down for an hour or so. Regarding your leaky ball valve, that may require a plumber to come in and replace it.
copperglobe
Active member
I'm guessing Randy left out "not" in complicated. I've rebuilt many over the years. Getting the kits online, even on Amazon, cleaning things out, replacing the components and they will work. Last kit I purchased (2 inch Watts) on Amazon was $67 on Prime. Took an hour or so to clean out the housing and replace the components. Works great, no leaks.
WHOOPS!! I left out the "NOT", thanks for calling me on that Pat. They aren't very hard to work on. The biggest problem with replacing them is the cost, they are expensive. Depending on the model they can run up to a grand, that why they are repairable.
Randy, I fixed your earlier post.
I.B.
Randy, I fixed your earlier post.
I.B.
MEP001
Well-known member
Can you not just order the kit and rebuild it and not tell anyone?
I.B. Washincars
Car Washer Emeritus
My thoughts exactly.
Fatboy769
Living the American Dream
You could do that if it's leaking water and you catch it before it is inspected. However, if it's not leaking and everything seems normal and they come for the yearly inspection and it fails, you have to have someone who is certified with the proper paper work, so you can give it to the inspector when he/she comes back to re inspect. If you don't have the proper paper work proving that the person rebuilding it is certified, they can shut you down.
What size? My watts 2" backflow preventer can be bought for less than $500. 1" are only a couple hundred bucks. See if you can replace without sweating pipe. My guess is getting a plumber to rebuild is going to cost close to what a new unit costs.
Locally certified backflow testers can repair them. They don't have to be certified plumbers, and will work on them for a lot less than plumbers do.
Locally certified backflow testers can repair them. They don't have to be certified plumbers, and will work on them for a lot less than plumbers do.
