Most preventer repairs come down to a few parts: check discs, seats, springs, o-rings and relief valve diaphragms. We match parts to your make and model, rebuild the device and test it again before we leave.
- PriceFree quote
- Time1–2 hours
- RetestIncluded
- ApprovalPrice first
Want to get on the schedule? Call or book online.
Repairs we do most
- Fouled or worn check seats
- Tired springs
- Leaking vacuum breaker caps
- Relief valves that spit or dump
- Cracked test cocks
Repairing RP assemblies
RP repairs usually start with a relief valve that's dripping, spitting or dumping water. Most of the time the cause is the first check valve, not the relief valve itself. Debris on the seat or a worn disc lets pressure creep up between the checks, and the relief valve does exactly what it's designed to do.
We open the first check, clean the seat, and replace the rubber if it's worn. If the relief valve diaphragm is torn or the relief valve seat is pitted, we rebuild that section too.
After the repair, the full RP test is run again. A passing result goes to your water district right away. If the relief valve keeps discharging after a rebuild, there may be a pressure issue upstream, and we'll explain what we see.
Fixing a double check that won't hold
A double check that fails its test almost always has one check valve that won't close tight. Debris and worn rubber are the usual suspects, the same as with an RP.
The repair involves shutting off the water, removing the check valve covers, pulling out each check module and cleaning or rebuilding it. Springs are replaced if they've lost tension. Then everything goes back together with new o-rings.
Double checks on fire lines need extra care. Shutting one down affects the sprinkler system, so we coordinate with you before starting and keep the downtime short. Once repaired, the device is retested and the report is filed.
Repairing PVBs and SVBs
PVBs and SVBs live outdoors in the sun and weather, so their rubber parts break down faster. The usual symptoms are water spitting from the top, a check that leaks and an air inlet that sticks open or closed.
A rebuild kit with a new disc, poppet and o-rings fixes most of these. A cracked bonnet gets swapped for a new one.
Repairs are typically fast, and we retest right away. For very old devices where parts are scarce, a new device can cost close to what a rebuild would, so we'll give you both prices.
Matching the right parts to your device
The devices we work on come from several major manufacturers, and each model uses specific parts. We stock kits for the most common ones and order anything else.
We stick with the manufacturer's parts for your exact make and model. Off-brand or mismatched parts can get a device to pass once and then fail again soon. We check the model and serial number before ordering.
If we need to order, we'll give you an arrival estimate and book the follow-up visit. Parts usually show up within a few days, and every repair ends with a retest and a filed report.
Signs your preventer needs attention
Some problems show up before the yearly test. Watch for an RP relief port that drips or sprays, a PVB that spits from the top, leaks at fittings or a sudden loss of pressure past the device.
Calling early usually means an easier, less expensive repair than letting it fail completely.
Repairs on fire line devices
Repairing a fire line device takes a bit more coordination. Shutting it down affects the sprinkler system, so the alarm company or building staff may need a heads-up.
We plan the work with you and keep the downtime short. These devices are often 4 inches or larger, and you'll get a quote before any work begins.
Booking a repair
Repairs often happen right after a failed test, on the same visit. If you need time to decide or get approval, we'll leave the quote with you and come back when you're ready.
Did someone else fail your device? Forward their report. The readings show us which parts to bring, which usually means a single visit.
Can it be saved?
Usually yes. If the body is cracked or parts are gone, we'll go over replacement.
Questions
Do you use original parts?
Yes. We use the manufacturer's repair kits for your make and model.
Which brands do you repair?
The common ones: Watts, Febco, Wilkins and Ames, plus most others we can get parts for.
Is the relief valve always the problem when an RP leaks?
Usually not. Most of the time the first check is fouled or worn, and the relief valve is doing its job.
How long do repairs last?
A good rebuild often lasts years. Debris in the water is the main thing that shortens it.
Do I need a new test after a repair?
Yes, and it's included. The district only accepts a passing test after the repair.
Why does my preventer keep failing?
Debris in the line and age are the usual reasons. We'll tell you if replacing it makes more sense.
What to expect when you book backflow preventer repair
Booking takes a couple of minutes by phone or online. We confirm the address, the device and how to reach it, and we'll give you a time window that works for you. For most homes, you don't need to be there.
On the visit, a certified tester does the work with a calibrated gauge and explains anything that comes up in plain terms. If a repair is needed, you'll get the price before anything happens. When the device passes, we send the report to your water district and email you a copy. Our office is open seven days a week, 6am to 12pm, and emergency calls are answered around the clock.
Where we offer Backflow Preventer Repair
Our testers handle backflow Preventer Repair across Fontana and the surrounding area, from Rialto, Rancho Cucamonga, Colton, San Bernardino and Ontario. Call for the next opening or schedule online.