My home was built in 2015 by DR Horton in Bastrop and had a failed backflow preventer test last week. Is it normal for these valves to fail after only three years? What kind of cost might I expect to repair this valve?
Do you have a pic or model #?CalebMcCreary06 said:
Is $450 a reasonable cost to replace? Can these not simply be repaired? That was my quote.
CalebMcCreary06 said:
Watts TK99E
Considering that a new one runs about $105 plus shipping and tax for a 3/4" and about $135 plus shipping and tax for a 1" BFP, you could replace 3 of them for that replacement cost considering labor costs may be around $100 (WAG estimate).CalebMcCreary06 said:
Is $450 a reasonable cost to replace? Can these not simply be repaired? That was my quote.
Yessir, that's a good website. Has the parts breakdown and repair procedures. Repair of that particular valve looks to be well within the abilities of the average homeowner with any DIY skills at all.TexAg1987 said:
Parts seem cheap enough. Probably could repair it yourself.
http://backflowparts.com/febco-model-850-lf850-dc/
Not to derail this thread, but HumbleAg, you appear to be very knowledgeable with BFVs so I thought I'd ask you here; or anyone else knowledgeable, please don't hesitate to chime in. Our last house, which is actually 2 houses up the street (imagine that ) had the Febco 850 type BFV device installed aboce ground on the side corner of the house. It was installed in 2007 when we had the sprinkler system installed.HumbleAg said:
Lots of folks had Febco backflow valves for their sprinkler systems freeze and break a few weeks ago. The valve body is generally OK but the bonnet poppet assembly is plastic and that is the part that breaks. You can get a repair kit on Amazon for about $35 (for the Febco 765). It's very easy to replace. You loosen the nut on top to remove it and get access to the internals (bottom pic). If it's broken, the plastic assembly will come out in 2 (or more) pieces.
Thanks HumbleAg, I appreciate you responding. I checked into it last year and came to the conclusion that the 850 was the one that could be installed below grade but it may have been another type so I'll check and see what I can find as I'll need to do something here soon. I'll post what I find here for others to see for future reference!HumbleAg said:
Gary - I am really only familiar with the Febco 765 via personal experience (i.e. learned about need for freeze protection the hard way). I read a little bit about the 850 out of interest in the discussion here. I've seen generally where in-ground installation necessitates using a double-check valve type backflow preventer. The installation instructions for the 850 (double-check type) shows installing it 12" minimum above ground (or highest outlet) but I guess I don't understand why that would be necessary. The 765 is a vacuum breaker so it needs to be elevated to prevent back pressure.