Backflow Repairs

After a backflow has failed its test the valve must be repaired within ten days.  This repair should only be done by certified backflow repair technician. This is a separate certification from the backflow tester certification. Backflow prevention testers attend a course to become certified tester. This does not mean that a tester knows how to repair a backflow preventer. A repair technician is able to read the test data and will recommend the parts and best procedure to repair the backflow. After the backflow prevention assembly is repaired, it will require to be tested again. The valve should return it to its original factory specifications.

There are many parts to a backflow. These parts must be working correctly to pass the backflow test. These parts consist of the valve body, inlet shutoff, outlet shutoff, o rings, checks, relief valve, diaphragm, springs, rubbers, seats, and test cocks.

Not all backflows can be repaired. If a valve is repaired and it fails the test again, the problem is more than likely the valve body. This can happen after a valve has experienced a freezing condition or from deterioration due to age and water conditions. If this is the case the backflow valve will have to be replaced.