There is a big difference between backwater valves and backflow preventers.
A backwater valve prevents raw sewage or storm water from backing up into the home through floor drains, toilets, showers, etc. A backflow preventer deals with protecting potable water sources from being contaminated by a reverse flow of foul water.In today’s modern world, maintaining the supply of safe, clean drinking water can be challenging with so many potential chemical contaminants. In addition, there are many different ways that potable water systems can be cross connected with other systems. Regulated water suppliers have a responsibility to provide water that is usable and safe to drink under all foreseeable circumstances. Backflow into a public water system can pollute or contaminate the water in that system and make it unsafe to drink. For this reason backflow prevention devices, and municipal cross connection programs that govern them, are essential to our modern potable water supply systems. The need for cross-connection control exists in all types of buildings: industrial, commercial and residential. Backflow preventers help prevent potable water contamination in such critical areas as municipal water systems, food processing plants, medical and dental water supplies and many industrial applications.A preventer is a crucial part of a lawn irrigation or exterior plumbing system. It keeps soiled water from entering drinking water lines. Backflow can carry pesticides or fertilizers. Those who drink it can become ill. “A backflow preventer is an important tool to protect you and your family from accidentally drinking these chemicals,” says Ken Weaver, Licensed Plumber and certified backflow tester at Reliable Contractor Services in Lorain Ohio.
Backflow Preventer Costs
A new backflow preventer costs between $103 and $900 for the parts. The size and age of your system affects the cost. Older systems may require more upgraded parts to match current codes. Larger lawns may require a more expensive preventer.Backflow preventers will last many years. Newer ones made with stainless steel can be expected to last longer.
Replace a Sprinkler or Sewer Backflow Preventer Costs
Replacing a preventer will likely cost between $103 and $1,150. This includes the parts and a labor fee between $103 and $250. Most of the time, you won’t be installing a new preventer into an existing system. Most housing codes have required them for decades. So, you’ll probably be replacing one. Old age or improper maintenance are major causes of replacement. Do not wait until late in the season to winterize. If you do, your lines might freeze, causing your preventer to break and need a replacement.
Backflow Repairs Costs
Backflow preventer repair costs vary depending on the size of the problem. Common repairs, like replacing worn-out parts, may cost only $103. Larger problems, such as broken lines, could cost hundreds of dollars. It’s more cost-effective to replace the entire unit when repair costs get high.
Backwater Valve Installation Costs
Installing a valve with a new system costs about $125 to $250. Retrofitting a new valve into an existing system cost more. In that case, expect to pay around $500 to $1,000. Installation is a plumbing and sewer job. Hire a plumber for this work like those from Reliable Contractor Services serving Northeast Ohio.
These costs are the homeowner’s responsibility. They will also need to get a regular inspection. Ohio requires this yearly. An annual test costs around $125. Reliable Contractor Services provides expert Northeast Ohio residential, commercial, municipal and industrial plumbing, drainage and foundation waterproofing services. With Over 10,000 customers since 1999, we have a Better Business Bureau A+ rating and are a multiple recipient of the Angie’s List Super Service award. OH license #23730.
Schedule your appointment today by calling Reliable Contractor Services 24/7 at 440-641-2123.