
How to Repair the Backflow Valve on a Sprinkler
- 1.. Turn off your main water supply.
- 2.. Locate the ball valve lever at the backflow valve's base. Hand turn the lever until it is perpendicular to the valve...
- 3.. Remove the nut on the bell cover using a small wrench. Do not strip the nut when turning the wrench.
- 4.. Slide the bell cover off the valve body.
Full Answer
How to replace the backflow valve on your sprinkler system?
How to Replace the Bonnet and Poppet (you should always change both):
- Turn off the water supply (Warning: Failure to Assure the Water Pressure is Relieved can cause Harm!)
- Close water supply side ball valve first
- Go to the sprinkler controller and manually start each zone or section valve by manually starting the sprinkler system. ...
- Close second ball valve (on outlet side of PVB)
How to fix a leaking backflow preventer?
Stopping the Leak
- Step 1 – Gather the Materials and Supplies. You must know the make and model of your backflow preventer. ...
- Step 2 – Tools and Equipment. ...
- Step 3 – Turn off the Water. ...
- Step 3 – Repair the Backflow Preventer Valve. ...
- Step 4 – Replacing Gaskets and O-rings. ...
- Step 5 – Re-assemble the Backflow Preventer. ...
- Step 6 – Turn the Water On. ...
Are backflow preventers required?
Backflow protection is needed on all types for sprinkler systems. While it may be more essential on larger more complicated systems, it is still indispensable protection on even the most basis installations. We need to again understand that every installation is in some way unique and that backflow prevention is needed.
How to repair a leaking sprinkler system?
Steps for How to Repair a Sprinkler System
- Shut off the water to the sprinkler system.
- Remove lid from valve box and clean out mud from inside of box with hand trowel.
- Pack valve box with dry rags to absorb water.
- Twist out the low-voltage solenoid valve, then wait for excess water to drain out.
- Unscrew the bonnet from the top of the valve using a Phillips screwdriver.

How do you fix a sprinkler backflow?
5:217:46Broken Backflow Preventer, How to Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's important to screw this on. But only to screw it on hand tight. Screwing it down hand tight weMoreIt's important to screw this on. But only to screw it on hand tight. Screwing it down hand tight we can now put the belt. Back on and tighten this down. Before.
Why is my sprinkler backflow valve leaking?
The most common causes are small leaks are debris like dirt, sand, or small rocks causing a blockage inside the valve. Open up the pipes and clean the inside of the valve with running water or a can of compressed air if you have one handy.
How do I fix a leaky backflow valve?
1:404:01How to fix a leaking backflow preventer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNow we're going to use a wrench and unscrew the cover on the number one check valve. It is spring-MoreNow we're going to use a wrench and unscrew the cover on the number one check valve. It is spring-loaded. So have your handover. Once you get to the end of the threats it is and go flying. Off.
How do you replace a sprinkler backflow valve?
1:384:13Backflow Preventer Repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipParts. And here's our replacement kit as you can see we have a new plastic washer. We've got a new oMoreParts. And here's our replacement kit as you can see we have a new plastic washer. We've got a new o-ring. We've got a new bonnet a new cap.
How do I know if my backflow preventer is bad?
Below, we'll discuss how to tell if your backflow preventer is bad....Water Quality Is offA bad smell.Discolored water.Particles in the water.A strange taste.
What causes a backflow preventer to fail?
There are many regional conditions that can shorten the working life of a backflow preventer. Conditions such as excessive pressure, water quality, temperature or turbidity can all cause the assembly to deteriorate in its performance.
Can you replace a valve on a backflow preventer?
0:0011:13FAST and EASY Backflow preventer repair. Ball Valve replacement.YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can buy this as a single unit. But it's about seventy dollars or so where I was able to find theMoreYou can buy this as a single unit. But it's about seventy dollars or so where I was able to find the exact ball valve I needed on Amazon for about fourteen. So big cost savings there.
How do you remove a sprinkler backflow preventer?
0:004:00How to remove a backflow preventer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith mine I had to hold the pipe wrench right here on the top. And then the other pipe wrench on theMoreWith mine I had to hold the pipe wrench right here on the top. And then the other pipe wrench on the bottom and it goes counterclockwise. If you're looking down at it.
Why is my Watts backflow preventer leaking?
Some of the most common problems that could cause your backflow preventer to fail include: Faulty first check valve. The first check valve in a reduced pressure backup preventer opens up at certain water pressures, allowing the water to then pressurize the space between the first and second check valves.Sep 9, 2015Common Problems Found During Backflow Testinghttps://backflowtesterservice.com › common-causes-of-ba...https://backflowtesterservice.com › common-causes-of-ba...Search for: Do backflow valves fail?
How does a backflow valve on a sprinkler system work?
0:187:04Watts LF009 ¼”-2” Trouble Shooting & Service - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf the discharge of water from the relief valve vent becomes less or stops it most likely indicatesMoreIf the discharge of water from the relief valve vent becomes less or stops it most likely indicates you have a fouled first.
How to adjust sprinkler heads?
Sprinkler heads often need to be adjusted if the water isn't reaching all parts of your lawn. Move the sprinkler heads around and try changing the...
How to extend a broken underground sprinkler line?
If you can't use a pipe cutter or don't have an extra section of PVC, you can use a hacksaw to extend the line. Cut two pieces of PVC that are each...
How to install a sprinkler system?
- Locate the area where you want to install the sprinkler system. It's best to install it in an open space, like a lawn or garden. - Mark the spot...
How to winterize a sprinkler system?
If you're interested in blowing out your sprinkler system to prevent water from freezing inside the pipes during wintertime, here's what you need t...
How to replace a sprinkler head?
You can change a sprinkler head by using a wrench or screwdriver. First, make sure to disable the water supply to the sprinkler system and drain th...
How much does a sprinkler system cost?
A sprinkler system typically costs between $300 and $3,000, depending on the size and complexity of the system. However, some homeowners choose to...
How to drain a sprinkler system?
To prevent standing water from damaging your lawn or garden, drain the sprinkler system before you start digging. You can easily do this by turning...
How to cap a sprinkler head?
You can use an adjustable wrench to cap a sprinkler head by gripping the head and turning it counterclockwise until it is completely unthreaded. Th...
How to design a sprinkler system?
Designing a sprinkler system typically involves using an online design tool or buying a guide that you can follow step-by-step. After determining t...
How often should I water my lawn?
You should water your lawn every day to keep it healthy. If you live in an area that sees a lot of sun or wind, water the lawn more frequently. But...
What is the job of a backflow preventer valve?
Replacing a broken or damaged backflow preventer valve is a job for a licensed plumber or an irrigation technician. Any repair to a valve connecting to a domestic water supply requires a licensed technician in most jurisdictions.
How Does A Backflow Preventer Work?
Most irrigation system backflow preventers are simple in their design. An internal valve opens when water flows through the valve in the proper direction. In an irrigation system, the flow is from the water supply to the irrigation heads.
Does Law Require Backflow Preventers?
Most jurisdictions with a community water system require a backflow preventer on residential irrigation systems . In many states, a licensed plumber or a state-certified irrigation technician must install the backflow preventer. In some places, the codes require regular testing of the backflow preventer by a certified technician.
What happens when water flows in reverse direction?
If the water flow reverses direction for any reason, the valve in the backflow preventer closes and stops the flow of water. In most irrigation system backflow preventers, this valve is spring operated.
Why does my backflow preventer leak water?
Backflow preventers will often leak a small amount of water from the weep holes in the valve. This intermittent leaking usually occurs when the irrigation system shuts down. IF another appliance in the home like a washing machine or dishwasher causes a sudden drop in water pressure,
Where is the ball valve on a backflow preventer?
There may be a ball valve in the water supply line between your backflow preventer and the water supply connection. This valve is often placed just ahead of the backflow preventer to make repairs and maintenance on the irrigation system easier.
What happens if you open the main water supply valve?
If you have used the main water supply valve, proceed slowly. Opening the valve suddenly can cause a water hammer damaging other parts of your plumbing system. Allow water to fill the irrigation lines slowly. You may hear the air escaping from the irrigation heads or the drain valve.
Why does my backflow valve fail?
The problem with backflow valves is that they fail over time due to daily pressure and wear. Leaks often occur at the connection point of the cover and the valve body. To repair this, you need to have replacement parts to avoid water leaks that should affect the water pressure in your home. Here are tips on how to fix it.
What happens if a backflow valve is cracked?
Take note that the crack will allow water to leak from the valve which will cause contamination of water and some unnecessary waste.
How to install a nut on a valve?
Installing the Nut to the Valve. Just put the nut on top of the bell cover and tighten it manually into the valve. If possible, try not to use hand tools like wrench or pliers which could damage the threads or nut. Simply turn the base lever of the valve by hand to keep it parallel with the pipe being attached. 6.
How to test sprinkler system after installation?
After installation, you have to activate the sprinkler system and keep an eye on the backflow device. Make sure there are no leaks from the connection points. Try replacing the entire valve if your backflow valve body contains a crack.
Where is the backflow valve located?
The backflow valve is normally located between the water supply connection and the sprinkler system in your home. This is intended to prevent any flow of water from going backward. This will also ensure that your drinking or potable water supply shouldn’t be contaminated with chemicals or debris from the garden.
How to turn off water supply on a water heater?
Try to locate the main valve for turning off your water supply. Upon finding the main valve, you should turn the ball valve lever to the left in a clockwise direction. 2. Removing the Nut on the Bell Cover. Use a wrench to remove the nut from the bell cover.
