How much does a backflow preventer cost?
How much does a backflow preventer cost?
$200 – $1,000 average total cost
Average backflow preventer cost
A backflow preventer costs $200 to $1,000 with installation, depending on the type. Backflow preventers keep contaminated water from getting back into your clean water supply. Many cities require them for commercial businesses, multi-family homes, and single-family homes with an irrigation system, septic system, or inground pool.
| Factor | Average total cost |
|---|---|
| Device & installation | $200 – $1,000 |
| Testing | $30 – $300 per year |
Most residential sprinkler or irrigation systems just use one backflow preventer valve, while commercial systems need 2 to 3.
Backflow preventers also need an annual test to make sure they’re working properly.
Backflow preventer cost by type
Choosing the right kind of backflow preventer is essential when keeping your water supply safe from contamination. These valves come in many sizes and types, as shown below:
| Preventer type | Average cost (materials only) |
|---|---|
| Garden hose | $5 – $40 |
| Appliance | $40 – $100 |
| Sprinkler / sewer | $100 – $600 |
| Basement drain | $150 – $1,000 |
Garden hose
A small backflow preventer for a garden hose costs $5 to $40 on average for materials only. These devices are more budget-friendly but can only handle the water pressure from a simple hose.
Appliance
Backflow preventers for larger appliances or devices like power washers cost $40 to $100. These units are a little larger, and you usually must install them downstream of your home’s water meter for it to be effective.
Sprinkler / sewer
Backflow preventers for sprinkler or sewer systems cost $100 to $600 for the device alone. These systems are bigger and more complicated than a hose, so their backflow preventers are larger and use multiple valves. Your installer will have to install these preventers on your main water line or sewer pipe.
You may be tempted to use an inexpensive hose preventer for your sprinkler system, but smaller preventers are not built to handle that level of pressure. A broken valve and contaminated water supply is dangerous to your health and will cost much more to fix than installing a slightly more expensive valve in the beginning.
Basement drain
Backflow preventers for basement drains are less common and cost $150 to $1,000 for parts alone. These devices usually cost more to install because of the complexity of the job, which may include digging up buried pipes.
Backflow prevention device cost by size
The most common types of backflow prevention devices cost about $40 to $600, not including labor. Larger, more complicated, more efficient devices cost $1,000 or more.
| Valve diameter (inches) |
Average cost (materials only) |
|---|---|
| ½" | $40 – $60 |
| 1" | $50 – $100 |
| 2" | $80 – $300 |
| 6" | $100 – $600 |
Backflow preventer installation cost factors
Installing a backflow preventer involves multiple steps, and the parts vary slightly depending on the type of preventer. A backflow preventer for a hose will cost much less than for a basement drain or large irrigation system.
| Factor | Average cost per device |
|---|---|
| Materials | $40 – $600 |
| Labor | $160 – $400 |
| Total cost | $200 – $1,000 |
Several factors can influence the total cost of installing a backflow preventer:
Labor costs: Professional plumbers charge $75 to $150 per hour. A handyperson or general plumber may charge less, but you should make sure the professional you choose has experience testing backflow preventers.
Pipe condition: Older, non-plastic pipes may cost more to work with, especially if the plumber will have to retrofit anything. If they have to clean up any flood water or mud, the service may cost more.
Add-ons: Adding a thermostatic freeze relief valve or an anti-theft device can cost anywhere from $100 to $300.
Travel: Some professionals charge a modest fee to cover travel costs if you live in a remote area.
Testing: Backflow testing costs $30 to $300 per device, depending on your location. If you have an irrigation or septic system, your city will probably require annual testing.
Repairs: If the plumbing needs repairs, you’ll end up paying more for the repairs as well as retesting the system afterwards. Water line repair costs $400 to $1,500 on average. Sprinkler system repair costs $100 to $400.
Backflow preventer FAQs
What is a backflow preventer?
A backflow preventer is a valve that makes sure your water only flows one way and that contaminated or dirty water does not flow backwards into your clean water supply. A faulty backflow preventer can allow wastewater into your plumbing system, which could make you sick.
How does a backflow preventer work?
Backflow preventers keep water moving in one direction by using multiple gates, or check valves, and either a vacuum breaker or a relief valve:
Vacuum breakers stay open when water flows normally but close immediately if the water pressure drops.
Relief valves open to release water if the water pressure in its chamber gets too high.
Why do I need a backflow preventer?
You need a backflow preventer if you have an irrigation system, swimming pool, or septic system. Backflow preventers help prevent families from drinking or showering with unsanitary water, which can cause health issues. Many city building codes require all homes with sprinkler systems or inground pools to have a backflow preventer to avoid contaminating the public water supply.
Getting estimates from backflow preventer installers
Follow these tips to make sure you get accurate estimates from a plumber or backflow service near you:
Contact several companies for estimates and compare their costs and services.
Read reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Confirm they have experience specifically with installing backflow preventers.
Ask whether they’ll charge a flat fee or an hourly rate.
Ask about any hidden costs like service fees or material charges.
Questions to ask about backflow preventers
Ask these important questions before hiring a plumber or service provider:
Are you licensed and insured?
How much experience do you have installing backflow preventers?
How much will this cost? Does that include parts and labor?
Can you give me references from previous customers?
How long will the installation take?
Do you charge a flat rate or an hourly fee?
Will you handle any necessary repairs to the pipes?
Which size and type of preventer will I need?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.