A backflow preventer keeps dirty, potentially hazardous liquids from flowing into your house or business through the drain. This simple tool can help to keep your house clean. Most people are familiar with the technology but they don’t about the cost to install a backflow preventer. Here, you’ll find a comprehensive breakdown of costs.
How Much Does it Cost to Install a Backflow Preventer?
According to the 2023 research, the average cost of installing a backflow preventer is $300-$400. For a high-level backflow preventer on average, you have to pay $800-$1000 & for a low-level backflow preventer, the estimated cost is anywhere near $130-$200.
The price varies depending on the system model and size. You have to pay between $130 and $999 depending on the model and size of the system. For backflow prevention tools or materials, you will have to pay anywhere from $30 to $650.
The cost of a licensed plumber or professional is between $80 and $400. Most of the state doesn’t need the permit but I need then it’s not more than $50. So before the installation inquire about the permits.
Backflow Preventer Installation Cost
To save your time and understand the cost factor easily we try to provide a summary of the total cost of installing a backflow preventer.
| Installation Types | Price Range |
| Average Cost | $300-$400 |
| High Cost | $800-$1000 |
| Low Cost | $130-$200 |
| Device Cost | $30-$650 |
| Labor Cost | $80-$400 |
| Permit Fee | $50 |
| Backflow Testing Cost | $70-$90 |
| Thermostatic freeze Relief (If need) | $80-$100 |
Important Cost Factor to Install a Backflow Preventer
There are many factors that fluctuate the cost. Like Backflow preventer device cost, labor cost, permits cost, backflow testing cost, thermostatic freeze Relief (If need), etc. Understanding the cost factor leads to a better understanding of the total cost.
Knowing the cost factor makes it easier to estimate total the cost. Here are the top 5 factors:
- First, you need to get the permit if it needs.
- You have to choose the high-level or low-level cost process.
- Then you have to choose the device you wanted to install (Sizes range from half to twelve inches).
- You have to determine the professional Labor costs.
- You also need to find the other equipment and testing fee.
If you want to do it yourself then you have to know the installing a backflow preventer process fully. And you need to ensure the safety measurement before you start the work.
Backflow Prevention Installation Average Cost 2023
The cost of backflow preventer installation is between $300 and $400. However, you might have to pay between $800 and $1000 (or more) if extensive labor is required. If you lack the budget, you can complete the installation process for $130-$200. You can also do it yourself. DIY cost depends on only tools or material costs.
Labor cost plays a big role here because backflow preventer work is very complex. The complexity of the work depends on your house’s layout and types of the plumbing system you choose. The more complex the work, the more you’ll have to pay.
On average you have to pay $80-$400 for labor costs in 2023. Initial construction of the pipe with the preventer results in a cost of $80 to $250. A retrofit of an existing pipe can cost between $120 and $400. Regardless of whether you hire a pro, you may have to pay up to $50 for the permit.
An overview of Average Backflow Preventer Installation Costs
You have to choose the system based on your budget. Each level has its own price and unique cost of backflow preventer installation
| Installation Level | Price Range |
| Low-level Cost | $130-$200 |
| High-level Cost | $800-$1000 |
| DIY Cost | $100-$600 (all device cost) |
| Average Cost | $300-$400 |
Backwater Prevention Systems Total Cost
The cost of backwater prevention systems varies based on the size and function of the unit. You can get the tools from anywhere near $30-$650. You have to choose the right device for your system on an affordable budget.
Cost Summary of Backflow Prevention System Size & Price in 2023
In the market, different type of device is available. The most common size is one-half to twelve inches. According to HomeAdvisor, the average estimated cost of one-half inches system is anywhere near $35-$55, and a 1-inch system costs you $50-$100.
The size will increase the price. An average 2-inch system costs $75 to $200, and a 6-inch system costs $100 to $300. The bigger one is more expensive than the smaller one.
For a backflow prevention system 8 inches in size, you have to pay on average $100-$400. You can expect to pay between $400 and $600 for the largest 12-inch system.
Backflow Preventer Replacement Costs
The labor cost for backwater prevention replacement is $80 to $150 depending on the amount of pipe cutting required. The total backwater prevention replacement cost is anywhere near $200 to $400 just for the work.
Related: How Much Does it Cost to Install an Electric Meter?
How Much Does it Cost to Sewer Backflow Preventer Installation?
Usually, these are located at the end of your main sewer pipe or sewer lines, or in your basement near your furthest exit point. Installation and maintenance of the system are the homeowner’s responsibilities.
The average installation cost to Install Sewer Backwater Preventer is $250-$400. The average device costs $30-$70. Labor can charge $120-$350+. The cost will depend on the complexity of the layout of the house. The permission cost is not more than $50.
How Much Does it Cost to Install Sprinkler Backflow Preventer?
According to the data in 2023, installing a sprinkler system can cost between $100 and $600. The cost of installing a sprinkler system is typically included in the overall cost.
But if you want the full Sprinkler systems that will cost $2400-$2600 on average for the recent years.
How Much Does it Cost to Install Backflow Preventer in Garden Hose or Appliance?
Backflow preventers prevent foreign elements from entering the water supply such as dirt, fertilizers, or herbicide. An inexpensive garden hose valve backflow prevention device costs between $5-$35.
Larger types, such as those found in home appliances like power washers, cost around $20-$100.
Related: How Much Does it Cost to Install a Sub Meter?
The installation cost of backflow prevent in Commercial or Multi-family?
There are backflow preventers installed on most pipelines in the main water supply. It involves the entire structure of a commercial building or a complex of multifamily residences.
For this type of backflow installation, an estimate between $1,000 and $10,000 is conservative. In some instances, however, you have to bear a huge cost running a facility as vast as a food or manufacturing plant and it can reach $30,000.
Other Important Cost Factors of Installing a Backflow Preventer
You have to spend some money on testing and maintaining the system smoothly. One should be careful to note that the budget for backflow prevention is not limited only to the installation cost.
There are other costs that are unrelated to backflow prevention parts or to a professional plumber. They are permit fee, backflow testing cost, Thermostatic freeze Relief (If need), etc. We try to give you a short brief about this type of cost.
1. Permit Fee Cost for Backflow Preventer
Different state has different rules to get the permit. In some states, you have to pay a permit fee but most of the states don’t take any charge.
We suggest you ask the local government for more information. The application process is simple and you don’t need to worry about the cost because the average permit fee doesn’t cross $50.
2. How much does backflow testing cost?
If the customer is not familiar with the effectiveness of the installed apparatus, he or she can hire an expert to do an assessment. It takes 15-30 minutes to check. A licensed plumber or The expert cost will vary from city to city. Usually, the typical cost is somewhere in the range of $70 to $100.
3. Thermostatic freeze Relief Cost Backflow
During the winter, some areas could experience freezing temperatures and backflow preventers could be disabled as a result. Backflow preventers may fracture in extreme cold. One of the best ways to prevent this is to install thermostatic freeze relief valves on pipes directly exposed to the elements.
This pipeline is automatically decompressed by cold water pressure. The ballpark cost of $100 is usually the range for such additions.
Can I Install a Backflow preventer?
Your costs can be cut to more than half of you have plumbing and piping experience. In contrast, a system containing several valves requires professional assistance. An expert can recommend the correct preventer and the correct size, as well as ensure that it’s installed correctly.
An expert will assess your specific requirements prior to the beginning of the labor. But if you want to do it by yourself then you have to spend only on equipment. The estimated cost of DIY is around $100-$600 (Only backflow assemblies).
When should I replace the backflow preventer?
How do I know if my backflow preventer is bad? Let me clear, if the water coming from your tap should be free of interruptions, clear, clean, and odorless, with a pleasant taste that means polluted water. Contaminated water may look like this:
- You will first notice that the color of the water will change. It is possible for water to be discolored, brown, yellow, or even pink.
- Then You find a bad smell from the water.
- The flow of the water may be slower compared to the time of installation.
- It may be possible to see rust particles in the water.
- When you drinking the water it tastes like horrible juice.
- If you notice that some drains are draining slowly and others are draining slowly, there might be a problem.
If You see this kind of tainted water then backflow repair is must work for you. An annual inspection will also help you.
What is a backflow preventer?
By blocking the flow of dirt and potentially hazardous liquids into your house or property, a backflow preventer is installed. In addition to connecting to sewage pipes, it can also be connected to sprinkler systems.
What are backwater valves?
When water attempts to flow upstream onto your property, backwater valves shut themselves off. As a result, the water remains clean throughout the system.
What is a floor drain backflow preventer?
In-floor drains, a backflow preventer isolates the drain if the level of water in the drainpipe rises above a certain level. Once the water has drained, the valve automatically reopens. In most cases, it’s found in basements. Most of these systems use a rubber float that prevents water from entering the basement when the water level rises.
How long do backflow preventers last?
Most people don’t know when they should recheck their system. The assembly of the Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) needs to be tested annually and rebuilt every five years.
How does the backflow preventer work?
In some plumbing systems, backflow is caused by backpressure or back-siphoning. A backflow preventer is a device installed on the end of a pipe that restricts water flow in one direction. A water supply system with this device cannot allow water to flow back in. A backflow device is installed where the water main enters the home.
Does a backflow preventer reduce water pressure?
Yes. Every backflow preventer, every fitting, and every length of the water pipes reduce the water pressure.
Where should the backflow preventer be installed?
Install a backflow preventer higher than 5 feet. Tests, maintenance, and repair of the equipment must be conducted in optimum and safe conditions below five feet from the ground.
What is the difference between a double check valve and a backflow preventer?
It is important to remember that both backflow prevention devices work well when they are installed correctly. Backflow preventers, however, are designed to stop backward water flow when there is a high hazard, whereas check valves prevent backward water flow in low-hazard situations, but sometimes do not have the same fail-safe functions.
Who is required to have a backflow Preventer?
A domestic irrigation meter is not required to be connected to potable (drinking) water sources or auxiliary water sources used in irrigation systems. These systems must also have a backflow preventer.
I hope this useful guide will help you reduce the cost of installing a backflow preventer. Keep reading and stay with us to learn more about backflow preventers, grease traps, ballast replacement, home improvement, and other related cost guides.
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