7 Best Backflow Preventer 2021 [Reviews & Buying Guide]

Drinking water from backflow contamination can lead to serious health hazards.

Therefore, the protection of potable water supplies from backflow is of utmost importance.

The most effective way to achieve this is by installing a backflow preventer in your water supply system.

However, finding an effective and efficient backflow prevention device can be a daunting task. A lot of them are poorly made and don’t work as they should. We researched and compiled this in-depth review of the 7 best backflow preventers that have been proven to work well.

Each of them is of high-quality and will keep your drinking water safe from contamination. Have a read!

Our 7 Best Backflow Preventer Picks:

Here are the top 7 backflow preventers that we have found worth spending money on-

1. Wilkins 34-975XL2 ¾” Lead-Free Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventer

To kick off this review is the Zurn Wilkins 975XL2 reduced pressure principle backflow preventer.

This backflow prevention device is useful for protecting potable water applications from high health hazards such as back-siphonage and backpressure of polluted water.

Thanks to its wye pattern construction with individual access to the check valves, and the relief valve, you won’t spend much money and time during repairs/servicing.

This backflow prevention device has a short lay length to reduce replacement price as well as installation time. It comes with all the essential parts for managing your system.

Furthermore, it is free of lead, which means there won’t be any form of lead poisoning with this backflow preventer. However, there are issues of it leaking after installation.

The Wilkins 975XL2 reduced pressure breaker principle backflow stopper is very easy to install. It has a dimension of 10.2” L x 13” W x 6.75” H. Note that it has to be installed horizontally and not vertically.

That is, the relief valve should be in the downward orientation for smooth discharge of the right quantity of water should backflow occur. Also, ensure you check with your local community laws/policy on testing.

Pros

• It has a wye design for separate access to each check valves and pressure differential relief valve for easy maintenance
• Lead-free reduced pressure zone assembly
• It works well
• It connects to ¾” hose/tubing
• Very easy to install
• Prevent backflow and backpressure of contaminated water

Cons

• It may leak after installation
  

2. Watts 63190 Backflow Preventer ½”

The Watts 63190 backflow preventer is made from heavy-duty brass with stainless steel interior parts.

It has ½” BBFP dual rubber check valves with an intermediate atmospheric vent that stops the backflow of hot or cold contaminated water from penetrating the potable water supply. It is cheap and offers excellent value for money.

This backflow preventer is perfect for use in constant pressure, non-health hazard applications in shorter supply lines like processing tanks, dairy equipment, to mention a few.

The minimum PSI for this backflow preventer is 25, while the maximum PSI is 175. You can trust in it as it meets all standard certifications. It also has internal strainers that help you keep your checks from fouling.

You can install the Watts 63190 backflow preventer vertically or horizontally to suit different applications. It is also easy to install.

Pros

• Cheap Atmospheric vacuum breaker
• Easy to install
• It can be installed both horizontally and vertically
• Heavy-duty brass construction

Cons

• None
  

3. Habitech Drip Irrigation Faucet Adapter Kit

The Habitech drip irrigation systems adapter kit comes with a backflow preventer, a mesh filter, 25 PSI pressure regulator, and an adapter that works with all ½” tubings with an inner diameter ranging from .520 to .620. , outer diameter ranging from .620 to .710” and wall thickness ranging from .045 to .055.

Each compartment in this kit comes pre-assembled and will require assembly before you can use them as a whole. However, once put together, they will give you an accurate and reliable drip system performance.

This backflow preventer will protect the potable water supply from the backflow of contaminated water. It attaches in seconds to any standard ¾” male outside faucet, garden hose.

Thanks to the 150 mesh filter pre-installed inside the backflow preventer, debris won’t pass through. Plus, the mesh filter is removable for easy cleaning.

The premium-quality senninger 25 PSI pressure regulator reduces higher inflow water pressure to lower outflow water pressure. Be informed that if you don’t use a regulator, your irrigation system is likely to blow.

The Habitech drip irrigation faucet adapter kit is very affordable. The components are made from durable plastic, so they last longer. However, the washers included are of low-quality and may cause leakage.

Pros

• Easy to assemble and install
• This kit comes with all you need for your drip irrigation system installation
• The 150 mesh filter is removable for easy cleaning
• It saves money and water

Cons

• Low-quality washers
  

4. Wilkins 2-975XL2 2-Inch Lead-Free Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventer

The Zurn Wilkins industries make our list again with their 2-975XL2 2” lead-free reduced pressure backflow preventer.

This backflow preventer is perfect for preventing back-siphonage and backpressure of contaminated water from entering your potable water supply.

It has the wye pattern construction, bronze body for short lay length that helps reduces replacement labor costs.

Furthermore, this backflow preventer connects to a 2” hose/tubing. It is low-lead compliant and is useful for applications where lead-free valves are needed.

You don’t have to bother about any lead poison if you use it for your water supply. However, it costs above $500.

The Zurn Wilkins 2-975XL2 2” lead-free reduced pressure backflow preventer PSI rating is 175. And it is straightforward to install.

Pros

• Prevent back-siphon and backpressure of contaminated water
• It has a wye design for separate access to each check valves and air relief valve for easy maintenance
• Low-lead complaint
• Anti-siphon valve Works well
• Connects to 2” hose/tubing
• Very easy to install

Cons

• Very expensive backflow preventer
  

5. Plumb Craft 7032000N Backflow Preventer

The Plumb Craft 7032000N backflow preventer is very cheap. It is made from heavy-duty brass/antique brass. So you can bank on its quality. It has a size of 4.5” L x 1.4” W x 3.1” H and will fit any ¾” hose bibbs and sillcocks.

Plus, it has a screw that helps hold the hose to the faucet firmly.

This backflow preventer will prevent contaminated and polluted water from returning to the portable water supply. It is straightforward to install and uninstall if you want to carry our repairs/maintenance.

However, the rounded washer included with it is of low quality and may cause water leakages when you turn off the water flowing to the backflow preventer.

Pros

• It works perfectly
• Heavy-duty brass/antique brass construction
• It has a screw that helps hold the hose
• Easy to install
• Cheap and offers excellent value for money

Cons

• Its inferior washer may cause water leakages
  

6. Homewerks Worldwide VACBFPZ4B Pressure Vacuum Breaker

The Homewerks Worldwide VACBFPZ4B vacuum breaker is another cheap backflow preventer worthy of your consideration.

Not only does it effectively prevent harmful contaminated water from entering into the potable water supply, but it also stops water from freezing and protects against back siphoning.

This backflow prevention device ¾” NPT thread outlet is compatible with standard hose and end control valves such as sillcocks, garden hose, wall faucets, and hose bib. Its maximum temperature rating is 180° F/82° C and maximum pressure is 125 PSI.

Furthermore, it is built from corrosion-resistant, durable brass so that it lasts for years. It even meets and exceeds ASSE 1011/CSA B64.2 and ANSI/NSF 61-9 safety regulations.

The Homewerks pressure vacuum breaker has a break-off screw that offers a long-lasting installation solution by tightening and breaking off.

Note, the lock screw is meant to break off to attach to the faucet permanently. It is also lead-free, so you don’t have to worry about lead poisoning.

However, it tends to shoot water out whenever the hose is turned on as it releases the pressure. Homewerks Worldwide has a five-year warranty on it.

Pros

• Lead-free
• Affordable
• It meets and exceeds ASSE 1011/CSA B64.2 and ANSI/NSF 61-9 safety regulations
• 5-year warranty
• It prevents contaminated water from entering into the potable water supply, stops water from freezing, and protects against back siphoning

Cons

• It shoots water whenever the hose is turned on
  

7. Mueller/B & K 108-904RP Vacuum Breaker

If you have backflow in your portable water supply system, the Mueller/B & K vacuum breaker can successfully help you prevent it.

Plus, it is cheap and comes in two packs. This backflow prevention device will fit any hose with a ¾” thread outlet. Its hose threads meet ANSI B1.20.7; ASSE 1019 standard. Also, it is simple to install.

The downside to using the Mueller/B & K 108-904RP vacuum breaker is that it reduces water flow.

Pros

• Simple to install
• Cost effective backflow prevention device
• It comes in two packs
• It works well

Cons

• It reduces water flow

A backflow device works to help safeguard the water supply. It is a device that can be installed on your home's water main so that it prevents any contaminated or dirty water from flowing backwards into clean, potable drinking water. If you are considering installing one of these devices yourself, then this section will give you some helpful tips to consider when buying and installing one for your residential system.

What is a Backflow Preventer?

A backflow preventer is a device that can be installed on your home's water main so that it prevents any contaminated or dirty water from flowing backwards into clean, potable drinking water. There are many backflow preventer types to choose from to install in your plumbing systems.

Benefits of Backflow Preventers

Backup Prevention: If you live in an area where there are many homes and the risks for contamination to the water main are greater, a proper backflow preventer will keep the contamination from spreading to other homes.

Drinking Water Safety: 

A backflow prevention device on your home's water main can help you avoid any health risks that come with drinking contaminated or dirty water.

Saves Money: 

Installing a quality backflow prevention device is much less expensive than the cost of replacing contaminated water or paying for expensive medical bills.

Future Maintenance: 

A backflow prevention device is simple to maintain and can be installed permanently on plumbing or sprinkler systems, saving you time in future maintenance tasks.

Final Words

Backflow prevention devices ensure that the potable water supply only goes in one direction and doesn’t flow back.

Having one of these devices installed in your home will prevent contaminated water from mixing up with your water, which will be hazardous to your health should that happen.

To sum up, each backflow preventer that made it to our list has been thoroughly reviewed, covering their construction, type of hose they fit, and many more. We hope you have found the best one for your water system. Good luck!

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Can I use a check valve instead of a backflow preventer?

A backflow preventer is a device on the end of your water supply line that prevents contaminants from being drawn into your drinking water system.

A check valve, by contrast, prevents the contaminated fluid (such as wastewater) from flowing in the opposite direction and getting sucked out of your piping system. They are not interchangeable devices for these purposes.

Is an RPZ the same as a backflow preventer?

Yes, the RPZ is a type of backflow preventer. It can be triggered to activate in case of a water supply interruption or downstream pressure drop from the device. 

The RPZ also has an isolation valve that when closed stops any potential cross-contamination upstream and downstream of it.

Does a backflow preventer reduce water pressure?

Yes, a backflow preventer does reduce water pressure. A backflow preventer is a device that prevents the flow of dirty or contaminated water into clean potable water supplies such as public drinking systems and home plumbing fixtures.

When installed properly where there are no leaks in pipes between the house’s main supply line (known as an “incoming service line) and your plumbing fixture, this device can help to protect against potential contamination from sewage backups, burst pipes, or other sources of pollution.

In its process of preventing backflow, it reduces water pressure quite a bit.

When should you use a backflow preventer?

Do you have an outdoor hose or just a sink? Do you live near any natural water sources, like lakes or creeks?

If so, then it is very important to use a backflow preventer. Water from your hose could flow backward into the pipe and contaminate the supply for everyone downstream of that point. You don't want this happening! 

This can lead to many problems: illness, property damage, decreased quality of life--the list goes on. The only way to stop it is with a backflow prevention device installed in-line before the connection between your house's plumbing system and anything else (like a spigot). It needs to be able to handle pressure surges caused by turning off appliances like dishwashers or washing machines.

How do I know if my backflow preventer is bad?

If you notice a water leak coming from the pipe connection, your backflow preventer may be bad. If this is happening, it’s recommended that you replace the device. Another way to tell if your device is bad is by checking for leaks in other areas of your home like toilets or sinks.

These are indicators that there could be problems with your backflow prevention valve and needs to upgrade as soon as possible.

How much does it cost to install a backflow preventer?

A backflow preventer can cost anywhere from $50 to thousands of dollars. The most significant factor in the price is water pressure, which dictates how many gallons per minute flow through a pipe and helps determine if you need just one or multiple valves for your house.

For example, if there are leaks on your property that were caused by high-pressure systems nearby (like firefighting equipment), then it may be necessary to install an expensive double check valve assembly system.

Some other important factors include: whether any plumbing pipes near yours will need a replacement; what kind of piping material is used throughout the home's plumbing distribution network; and whether you want copper or plastic piping materials installed as part of the work order. A plumber with knowledge about these factors is best suited to provide you with the information you need.

The other consideration when it comes to new plumbing systems are which type of water supply system your house has: a traditional well or municipal tap water from an outside source.

The former will require another valve and drainage piping installation, while in the latter case one can forgo this step if there is enough space between one's property line and where the city pipes intersect on their side.

Do you need a backflow preventer for drip irrigation pipes?

The answer is probably yes. The risk of backflows in drip irrigation systems can be minimized by installing an appropriate, functioning backflow preventer or device at the irrigation water source before it enters your well.

It's best to install one on every plumbing fixture that feeds into your private drinking water supply as well-faucets, showers, and even toilets.

What happens when a backflow preventer fails?

A backflow preventer is a device that works on water systems to prevent contamination. When the BP fails, contaminated water can flow into another system which could cause problems to both drinking water and wastewater treatment plants.

Where should a check valve be installed?

A check valve is usually installed downstream of the device that needs to be protected, such as a washing machine or dishwasher. It’s important not to install it upstream where there may be upstream pressure issues and other potential hazards.