How Much Does It Cost to Install a Backflow Preventer?

Have you ever had dirty water flow back into your home via a toilet, sink, or other fixture? Saying that it’s an unpleasant sight would be quite an understatement. Dealing with backflow is a nightmare and that’s why you need to put measures in place that will prevent it.

One thing you can do to stop wastewater from moving into your home is to install a fixture known as a backflow preventer. The backflow preventer can be installed on hoses or irrigation systems to prevent the improper movement of water. It can be a very useful addition to your home, although it can also be a bit costly.

The price of the backflow preventer changes based on where it will be used. Backflow preventers for garden hoses are available for $19 while the fixtures meant for appliances cost an average of $55. A backflow preventer designed for a residential irrigation system costs $350. The average cost of installing the backflow preventer for an irrigation system is $250.

Installing a backflow preventer ensures that the water moving into your home will always be clean. Find out how much installing a new backflow preventer will cost by continuing with the rest of this article.

First off, we need to discuss the backflow preventers that are compatible with garden hoses. They are the smallest as well as the cheapest type of backflow preventer. You can purchase a backflow preventer for your garden hose for just $19.

This small backflow preventer can stop dirt and debris from entering your water supply. Considering the price, it’s also a great value purchase.

You should also know that this type of backflow preventer is the easiest one to install. More often than not, a small backflow preventer can thread easily onto the end of a garden hose. You don’t even need special tools to install it.

Next up, we have the backflow preventers that are meant to be used together with appliances and pieces of equipment. These are larger than the first type of backflow preventer we detailed above. Backflow preventers that are designed to be paired with appliances cost an average of $55.

These items stop the improper flow of water inside hoses. The difference this time is that those hoses are connected to appliances or pieces of equipment around your home.

Because they’re larger, these backflow preventers can control more water. The tradeoff is that they’re also harder to install. They often have to be installed by professionals to ensure that they’re working properly.

To round out the list of backflow preventers, let’s now talk about the ones that are used for irrigation systems. These are the backflow preventers you will need if you have a sprinkler system at home. Expect to pay $350 for a backflow preventer that can work with a residential irrigation system.

You’ll notice that these backflow preventers feature a more complex design. That sophisticated design allows them to effectively stop the incorrect flow of water into your home.

Installing backflow preventers designed for irrigation systems must also be done by professionals. Since these fixtures often have to be installed on sewer pipes, you cannot mess around with them.

Do you need to account for labor expenses when calculating how much installing a backflow preventer will cost? That depends on which type of backflow preventer you need to get installed.

The backflow preventers that go on garden hoses are easy enough to install. Follow the instructions provided and you should be able to install them successfully.

The fixtures meant for appliances are trickier to work with. Consider hiring a professional to install them. They will usually charge $150 for that service.

Backflow preventers that are meant to be used together with residential irrigation systems should be installed by professionals. The place where you’re installing that large backflow preventer will determine how much you’ll have to pay.

If you’re going with basement installation, that will cost you $200. Sewer line installations typically cost $250. Homeowners who need a backflow preventer for their sprinkler system should expect to pay $300 for labor expenses.

Some areas in the country require homeowners to secure a permit before installing a backflow preventer. If you live in one of those areas, you can expect to pay $50 for the required permit.

You can find out if securing a permit is required for your intended installation by consulting with local officials. They should be able to give you an answer and they may even be able to help you secure the permit.

Another option is to hire a plumber. They can tell if you a permit is required.

The presence of additional features can drive up the cost of your backflow preventer. The increase can be quite noticeable too.

Backflow preventers that have extendable tops are three times as expensive as the basic models. One that features a plastic lid may cost five times as much as the default option.

Those additional features can improve the performance of the backflow preventer. They can also make maintenance easier. Whether or not those additional features are worth the extra money will be up to you to decide.

Related Questions

Can I Install a Backflow Preventer Myself?

Whether you can install the backflow preventer depends on what type you’re working with. The ones that are designed for garden hoses are very easy to install. The backflow preventers that must be installed on water lines or other fixtures should be handled by professionals.

How Long Does a Backflow Test Take?

A backflow test shouldn’t take that long. It should be completed in about 25 minutes.Backflow tests only take longer than that if the tester discovers an issue with your plumbing. In that case, repairs may have to be administered before the test can be completed.

How Long Does a Backflow Preventer Last?

Backflow preventers can last for several years and even decades potentially. You just have to test them regularly and keep them properly maintained so they can last that long.