Table of Contents
- Average Cost to Install a Backflow Preventer
- Backflow Preventer Installation Cost Breakdown
- Factors That Influence the Cost of a Backflow Preventer Replacement
- Cost of Common Add-Ons for Backflow Preventers
- Ongoing Costs Associated With a Backflow Preventer
- How to Save Money on a Backflow Preventer Installation
- Cost of DIY Backflow Preventer Installation or Replacement vs. Hiring a Professional
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Backflow preventer installation costs between $105 and $1,400, with the average property owner spending $325 per backflow preventer. Backflow preventers are essential in many commercial and some residential properties as they keep contaminated water from flowing backward out of your home and into the public drinking water supply.
Backflow preventers are often required in business properties and multi-family properties, but some single-family homes may need them, too. They’re most common in homes with automatic irrigation systems and fire sprinkler systems.
Key Takeaways
- Installing a backflow preventer typically costs around $325 per unit, varying from $105 to $1,400. This total cost encompasses the device’s price and the labor needed for installation.
- Several factors, including the type of preventer being installed, the valve size, the condition of existing pipes and the permits needed, can all impact the cost of replacing a backflow preventer.
- Once installed, backflow preventers require regular maintenance and annual testing, which typically costs between $100 and $200.
| AVERAGE COST TO INSTALL A BACKFLOW PREVENTER | |
|---|---|
| Average Cost | $325 |
| Highest Cost | $1,400 |
| Lowest Cost | $105 |
Backflow Preventer Installation Cost Breakdown
The cost to install a backflow preventer breaks down into two main categories: the backflow preventer cost itself and the labor to install it.
Device Cost
On average, a backflow preventer device costs between $35 and $600, though in some extreme cases, you might spend as little as $5 or as much as $1,000 for the device. For instance, the backflow preventer installation cost for a garden hose may only be $5 for the unit while a basement drain backflow cost can reach $1,000 for the system alone.
Labor Cost
In most cases, labor will make up the bulk of the cost to replace a backflow preventer. This work must be done by a licensed professional, which means you’ll need to hire a plumber to complete the task. On average, expect labor costs to run between $100 and $400.
Factors That Influence the Cost of a Backflow Preventer Replacement
While the device and labor are the two core backflow installation cost factors, prices can vary according to some of these other factors:
Type of Preventer
The type of backflow preventer you install will have the largest impact on your overall costs. Backflow preventers for garden hoses are the most affordable while the backflow preventer installation cost for a basement drain can reach $1,000. The cost to replace an irrigation backflow preventer sits somewhere in the middle.
| TYPE OF BACKFLOW PREVENTER | TYPICAL DEVICE COST |
|---|---|
| Garden hose | $5 - $35 |
| Home appliance | $20 - $100 |
| Irrigation or sewer system | $100 - $600 |
| Floor or basement drain | $150 - $1,000 |
System Size
Backflow preventer installation costs also vary by the size of the valve. Measurements refer to the diameter of the valve; these typically range from 0.5 inches to 12 inches. The table below shows how size affects the typical cost range ($35 to $600) for device costs only.
| DIAMETER OF VALVE | TYPICAL DEVICE COST |
|---|---|
| 0.5 inches | $35 - $55 |
| 1 inch | $50 - $100 |
| 2 inches | $75 - $200 |
| 6 inches | $100 - $300 |
| 8 inches | $100 - $400 |
| 12 inches | $400 - $600 |
System Condition
The condition of existing pipes can also impact the backflow replacement cost. Working with older pipes either requires that the plumber installs new pipes for an easier installation or retrofits the system onto the existing pipes. Either way, this can increase both parts and labor costs. On average, the cost to install new plumbing is $6,000.
Permits
In some cases, municipalities require that business owners and homeowners obtain a permit before installing a backflow preventer, especially because the devices are connected to the main water supply. If this is the case, budget between $50 and $100, though the licensed plumber will likely obtain this permit for you.
Cost of Common Add-Ons for Backflow Preventers
You may also encounter some add-on costs when installing your backflow preventer, including a thermostatic freeze relief and an anti-theft device.
Thermostatic Freeze Relief
If you live somewhere with extremely cold temperatures in the winter, you may need to spring for a thermostatic freeze relief valve for your device. These valves prevent the system from freezing when temps drop and cost roughly $100 on top of the base device cost.
Anti-Theft Device
Because backflow preventers use copper and brass components, they can be targets for theft. If your preventer is in an easily accessible outdoor location and you’re worried about it being stolen, you can spend between $200 and $300 on an anti-theft device.
Ongoing Costs Associated With a Backflow Preventer
While the cost of backflow preventer installation is a one-time fee (until it’s time to replace it), you will encounter ongoing costs associated with maintaining the system.
Backflow Testing
Backflow preventers need an annual test to ensure they are working optimally. If you are required to have a backflow preventer for any system or appliance in your home, your water company may even shut off your water if you don’t get an inspection by a certified backflow inspector every year, in the month that it was originally installed.
Backflow testing costs vary across the country, but the average homeowner should budget between $100 and $200 for this service.
Maintenance And Repairs
If your backflow preventer stops working—or if the plumber spots an issue during annual testing—you’ll also need to pay for repair work. On average, plumbing repair costs $45 to $200 an hour, depending on where you live, the type of work and the urgency of the repairs.
How to Save Money on a Backflow Preventer Installation
Looking for ways to save money on your backflow preventer installation? Here are a few tips to consider:
- Get multiple quotes: Never go with the first contractor you find. Get at least three bids for the job, and move forward with the most affordably quoted option, assuming the plumber has good reviews and they can tackle the job within your preferred schedule.
- Look for rebates: In some cities and towns, you may be able to get rebates for installing a backflow preventer. Check with your municipality to understand if you’re eligible for any incentives.
- Bundle the work: Have any other plumbing work you need done? Installing a backflow preventer is easy work for a plumber, but you’ll be paying a large fee just to get them out. Think about having them tackle other small projects all at once, like fixing a leaky pipe or installing a new toilet.
- Make sure you actually need one: Backflow preventers are typically required for businesses and multi-family homes, but they’re less common for individual residences. Check with the city to ensure you actually need one before hiring a plumber.
Cost of DIY Backflow Preventer Installation or Replacement vs. Hiring a Professional
If you are required by the municipal water provider to install a backflow preventer for a system or appliance in your home or commercial property, you’ll need to hire a licensed installer. This is not a DIY task. Instead, get quotes from multiple plumbers near you who specialize in this line of work, and go with the most affordable—but still well reviewed—contractor.
To arrive at the average costs in this article, eight contractors and cost databases were surveyed on national and local levels. All averaged figures were correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a backflow preventer?
A backflow preventer is an essential plumbing component designed to prevent dirty, contaminated water from flowing back into public drinking water after entering a home or business. They are usually required in multi-family homes, businesses and homes with an irrigation system.
When should I replace the backflow preventer?
You’ll need to have your backflow preventer tested every year. During that inspection, the plumber can let you know if it’s time to replace the device. On average, these devices last between five and 10 years.
Where should a backflow preventer be installed?
The best place to install a backflow preventer is in an above-ground enclosure, though sometimes, you can install them in an underground vault. When you hire a plumber to handle the work, they’ll be able to recommend the best location for installing the device.
What is the difference between a backflow valve and a backflow preventer?
Backwater valves protect your home from being contaminated by water from the public water system while a backflow preventer keeps your home’s contaminated water from entering the public water system. That’s why cities often take an active role in ensuring your backflow preventer gets an annual inspection by a licensed plumber.
Who is required to have a backflow preventer?
In general, commercial buildings and multi-family homes are required to have backflow preventers installed and regularly tested. Residential homes may also need a backflow preventer, especially if they have an outdoor sprinkler system installed.
