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 preventer 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!
Name | Image | Size | rating | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Wilkins 34-975XL2 Lead-Free Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventer |  | ¾” | 9.5/10 | |
Watts 63190 Backflow Preventer |  | ½” | 9/10 | |
Habitech Drip Irrigation Faucet Adapter Kit |  | ½” | 8.5/10 | |
Wilkins 2-975XL2 2-Inch Lead-Free Reduced Pressure Backflow Preventer |  | 2-inch | 9.5/10 | |
Plumb Craft 7032000N Backflow Preventer |  | ¾” | 8.5/10 |
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 preventer 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 preventer 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 principle backflow preventer 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 relief valve for easy maintenance
- Lead-free
- It works well
- It connects to ¾” hose/tubing
- Very easy to install
- Prevent back-siphonage and backpressure of contaminated water from entering into the potable water supply
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
- 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 faucet 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-siphonage and backpressure of contaminated water from entering into the potable water supply
- It has a wye design for separate access to each check valves and relief valve for easy maintenance
- Low-lead complaint
- Works well
- Connects to 2” hose/tubing
- Very easy to install
Cons
- Very expensive
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 Vacuum Breaker Backflow Preventer
The Homewerks Worldwide VACBFPZ4B vacuum breaker backflow preventer 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 preventer ¾” NPT thread outlet is compatible with standard hose and end 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 Worldwide VACBFPZ4B vacuum breaker backflow preventer 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 Backflow Preventer-Vacuum Breaker
If you have backflow in your portable water supply system, the Mueller/B & K 108-904RP backflow preventer-vacuum breaker can successfully help you prevent it.
Plus, it is cheap and comes in two packs. This backflow preventer 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 backflow preventer-vacuum breaker is that it reduces water flow.
Pros
- Simple to install
- Cheap
- It comes in two packs
- It works well
Cons
- It reduces water flow
A backflow preventer 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 home.
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.
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 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, saving you time in future maintenance tasks.
Final Words
Backflow preventers 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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