If there is water leaking out of your backflow preventer, then there is a severe problem. Thus, you need to take action to fix it before backflow enters your water supply and causes damage.
A backflow prevention valve uses a vacuum and ball valve to prevent water from contaminating your drinking water. There should be a small amount of leaking from the backflow preventer valve at the start. But, it will seal inside the pipe after a few minutes and provide 100% protection for your plumbing system.
In this guide we’ll teach you how to fix backflow preventers from leaking:
Backflow Preventer Gushing Water
If water is gushing out of your backflow preventer, something is likely wrong. There might be a problem with the backflow prevention assembly. Start by turning off the water flow at the water central if possible. This may not be possible if you installed the backflow valve on a sprinkler system or city drain lines. This first step is essential to prevent water damage, minimize potable and irrigation water contamination, and provide you with a clean space to diagnose the problem.
Typically, leaks like this come from one spot in the system and are relatively easy to fix as long as the vacuum breaker is still in a good form. Start by tightening all of the valves so that the system is water-tight – make sure not to overtighten if you have a plastic valve or PVC piping or could cause a crack.
Once the valves have been tightened it is time to create the high pressure zone in the drainage line and the low-pressure zone in the waterline. Most valves need a little configuration but are relatively easy to set up. Once complete start backflow testing the water system at a faucet and spigot to check for contaminated water in your water supply.
Need A New Backflow Preventer?
Our favorite backflow preventer is the Homewerks Worldwide VACBFPZ4B. It prevents backflow, is easy to install and affordable on any budget.
Fixing Small Backflow Leaks
Some water coming out of a backflow preventer is not unexpected if the backflow valve was just installed. Most systems take at least 5 minutes for the ball valve to seal and the lower pressure system to start to fully protect your potable water from your irrigation system and city lines.
If the backflow prevention device does not stop leaking after about 5 minutes you might need to make some adjustments to the pipe or relief valve. 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. Try not to damage the swing valve or the ball valve inside the backflow device or check valve.
Fixing Sprinkler Backflow Valve Leaks
Sprinkler systems are another place in your home where you might find a backflow valve – and from time to time, they will leak. When this happens, you can fix it like a standard valve! All you have to do is turn off the water at the water main, clean the valve, and reattach it to the lines. Once it has been attached, test the sprinkler system for at least 10 minutes to ensure it is no longer leaking.
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FAQ
Why is my backflow preventer leaking?
Backflow preventers can leak because of dirt in the valve or problems with the high pressure and low pressure inside the valve body.
Why is water coming out of my backflow preventer?
Some water will come out of your backflow preventer when you install it, but once the pressure is created on both sides of the valve, it will only allow water to flow one way.
Can a backflow preventer go bad?
Backflow preventers can go bad and fail over time. The most common parts to fail are the ball valve, pressure gauge, and cracks in the valve body.
How do you fix a leaking backflow?
You can fix the leaking backflow by cleaning the inside of the valve and securely attaching the backflow preventer, relief valve, or check valve securely onto the lines.
