
- Step 1 – Gather the Materials and Supplies. You must know the make and model of your backflow preventer. ...
- Step 2 – Tools and Equipment. The tools you need are relatively simple.
- Step 3 – Turn off the Water. There may be a ball valve in the water supply line between your backflow preventer and the water supply connection.
- Step 3 – Repair the Backflow Preventer Valve. Opening the valve to repair the internal parts may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. ...
- Step 4 – Replacing Gaskets and O-rings. The repair kit may also contain new gaskets, washers, or O-rings for the various connections to the water supply and the irrigation distribution ...
- Step 5 – Re-assemble the Backflow Preventer. Reassemble the backflow preventer making sure that you keep any debris or dirt out of the open valve.
- Step 6 – Turn the Water On. Slowly turn on the water feeding the irrigation system. If you have used the main water supply valve, proceed slowly.
How to remove a backflow preventer?
Tools and Materials
- Wrench or Vise
- New Backflow Preventer
- Dry Cloth
- Pipe Dope
What is a backflow preventer and how does it work?
Technically speaking, a backflow preventer is a valve that works to prevent contaminated water from entering your main potable water supply. This valve works by preventing liquids from flowing in the opposite direction. Backflow preventers are usually installed on apartments or residential homes to help keep drinking water sanitary. More ›
How to test a backflow preventer?
Regardless, the main elements being tested during a backflow test are:
- Inspection of the valves and water lines to verify that everything is installed properly and up to code.
- One-way flow of water in the backflow prevention assembly, preventing contaminated potable water.
- No corrosion or leaks in the backflow prevention device.
What is the purpose of a backflow preventer?
Partial list of backflow prevention devices and assemblies
- Air gap (AG the purest form of backflow prevention)
- Atmospheric vacuum breaker (AVB)
- Check valve (usually not a legally approved method of backflow prevention.)
- Chemigation valve (primarily used in agriculture)
- Double check valve assembly (DCVA)
- Dual check valve (A dual check is not a testable device and is mainly used on residential customers)

How do you stop a watt backflow preventer from leaking?
0:187:04Watts LF009 ¼”-2” Trouble Shooting & Service - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first action you will want to perform is to close shutoff valve number two. If the drip stops itMoreThe first action you will want to perform is to close shutoff valve number two. If the drip stops it indicates that a fouled second check with the back pressure condition. Exists.
How do you rebuild a Watts 909 backflow preventer?
6:4621:04909, 009, 990 and 992 Backflow Preventer Repair | Watts RepairsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd slide it into place next lubricate and replace the o-ring and the valve cover the bolt should beMoreAnd slide it into place next lubricate and replace the o-ring and the valve cover the bolt should be tightened by hand and then with a wrench in a crisscross.
How do I fix my 957 watt backflow?
5:428:02957 & 957RPDA 212'' 6'' Backflow Preventer Repair | Watts RepairsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDisconnect the e clip and remove the piston and spring from the housing. Inspect each checkMoreDisconnect the e clip and remove the piston and spring from the housing. Inspect each check component for cuts Knicks or debris. Clean a replace any damaged parts as necessary.
What causes a backflow preventer to fail?
Backflow prevention assemblies are designed to provide decades of protection. 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.
How do I fix 800m4 Watts?
0:042:46Watts 800M4 Pressure Vacuum Breaker Repair Video - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis can be done by hand followed by the bonnet o-ring. And vent assembly next remove the CzechMoreThis can be done by hand followed by the bonnet o-ring. And vent assembly next remove the Czech assembly by pressing down on the Czech retainer and rotating to remove the spring.
Why is my boiler backflow preventer leaking?
0:333:02What causes nuisance dripping of backflow preventers and how is it ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou've got the potential for that to get stuck between that seat and the valve mechanism there. AndMoreYou've got the potential for that to get stuck between that seat and the valve mechanism there. And then they're going to seep or drip from the from the minute you put a minute.
How do you install a watt backflow preventer?
0:222:29Watts LF009 ¼”-3” Installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen installing an assembly make sure the direction of flow indicator on the valve body matches theMoreWhen installing an assembly make sure the direction of flow indicator on the valve body matches the direction of water flow of the piping.
How do I know if my backflow preventer is bad?
Water Flow Is Slow One of the simplest signs that your backflow preventer is bad stems from the flow of water. You may not know until it's too late—like if the fire sprinklers go off for the first time in a while.
How long does a backflow preventer last?
How often does my backflow preventer need to be tested? Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) assembly needs to be tested annually and rebuilt every 5 years.
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.
Can a Watts 909 be installed vertically?
Series 909/LF909 may be installed in a vertical or horizontal line and in an accessible location to facilitate testing and servicing.
Can a Watts 009 be installed vertically?
It can be installed vertically or horizontally (vent elbow required for vertical installation).
How do you install a watt backflow preventer?
0:222:29Watts LF009 ¼”-3” Installation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen installing an assembly make sure the direction of flow indicator on the valve body matches theMoreWhen installing an assembly make sure the direction of flow indicator on the valve body matches the direction of water flow of the piping.
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