Backflow Preventer Repair

[@Irony58]

You had me at "We're not going to do a lot of talking...". You'll be the place I start when looking for "Fix-it" videos.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hey, glad to hear it! It’s why I started the channel. Just the fix, no bs! Thank you for the comment 👍👍👍

[@Suhaibiq]

This video saved me 450$ , some crooks were asking for 600$ for repairing this exact problem. thank you. Love your beautiful explanation.

[@FastFixYouTube]

You are very welcome! Yes, there are plenty of shady repair people out there giving the trade a bad name. Hope this helps to fight against them. Best of luck!

[@brucesmith5762]

Well done. Concise and to the point without a bunch of BS and trying to be cute. I like this guy!

[@FastFixYouTube]

Yeah buddy! More fix, less talk 👍

[@bryangustafson1642]

Thanks... like others have mentioned, I really appreciate your concise and to the point video, most of these wast your time with nonsense.

[@FastFixYouTube]

You’re welcome! I appreciate you saying that as that was the entire purpose I started the channel. Thank you!

[@rafufisfull]

Thanks to you and this video I was able to repair the leak and didn't even have to buy anything. Just went and made sure all the parts were installed correctly which they were not. THANK YOU!

[@FastFixYouTube]

Excellent! I love to hear stores like this! Thanks for sharing and have a good one!

[@michaellong2865]

Thank you so much for your video. I was able to fix my Febco 765-1 in less then 10 minutes. Great reminder about relieving the pressure before fixing. As a teacher for 22 years you did an amazing job teaching me! 😁

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hey, thanks! I sincerely appreciate the nice words. It means a lot. Glad this helped you 😀👍

[@P17F0]

How do you relieve the pressure?

[@aarema291]

Great video! To the point, "Don't waste your time by lots talking." When I saw other people 's blabla clips, turn off immediately. Fast Fix is great!

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hey, thank you! Short and to the point videos was the point of the channel as I was equally frustrated at “blah blah blah.” I appreciate the comment 👍

[@sr5u]

My wife noticed that there is a leak on the top cover of the valve and I had no idea how to fix that and then I have started researching on KZbin and saw your video. It's pretty straight forward quick fix solution. 👍

[@FastFixYouTube]

Glad to hear the video was a quick fix solution for you. As was the intent! I much appreciate the comment. Always good to hear a success story. Thanks!

[@RetiredAndHappy-]

Thank you so much for this video!! I was able to fix my leak in less than 5 minutes. All I had to do was take it apart and clean off the flat plastic washer, but until I watched your video I had no idea how to even take it apart. You saved me $125 for a visit from my sprinkler guy!

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. Great to hear that! Saving money is why I started this channel. Glad it helped! 👍

[@fctjam]

Thank you! Saved me some $600 in parts and labor. I did have to buy an extra part beyond the ones in the kit you shared (my poppet assembly was a mess), but they are also way cheaper than a whole new valve, and the plumber to do the pipe work.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Excellent! I’m glad this video saved you a good chunk of change! Always a good thing when you can do things yourself and not have to call in the expert. Great job and thanks for commenting!

[@wrx4life44]

This just saved me a couple hundred bucks and was super simple to follow. Thanks a million!

[@FastFixYouTube]

Great to hear and thanks for sharing! 👍👍👍

[@daddy1571]

Most plumbers don't test backflows and would've changed out the whole pvb. You did a good job! 👍👍

[@f.demascio1857]

The training, testing & certification to be a General Tester is very expensive. So is the test gear. So unless you're going to be testing a lot of devices over the course of 3 years (recertification time), it's not cost effective to get certified.

[@daddy1571]

@@f.demascio1857 Absolutely.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Thank you! And I completely agree 👍

[@larissareuer4250]

Thank you for sharing your know-how! Just fixed mine. Mine was blocked by some dead wasps.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Can’t say I’m too sad about dead wasps! Glad this helped 👍

[@IManifestSource]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge! Had no idea what to do and our limited sprinkler fixers in our area are booked solid. Going to give it a good before heading back to the move it around sprinkler! Thanks again!

[@FastFixYouTube]

You bet! Hope you find success!

[@mpoveda7488]

Thanks, You saved my day! Your video is excellent, plain English, not plumber's jargon.

[@FastFixYouTube]

You are welcome! Glad this helped 👍

[@shiftn2gear]

We experienced loss of water pressure in our house, with outside and out was leaking from the top. I stopped it from leaking by pulling up on the valve getting it to seal then turned back on the water. The house now has water but still low pressure. It’s a new build so it’ll be warranted.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hmm…yes, sounds like something was installed improperly or carelessly. That’s what warrantees are for!

[@sringer62]

Hey, thanks so much. I really appreciate your format, concise and to the point, without wasting anyone’s time.

[@FastFixYouTube]

You’re welcome! Expediency is the entire reason I started the channel. Glad you noticed. I appreciate the comment 👍

[@roryaumiller2025]

Thank you so much. Wish I’d found this 2 months ago so could have fixed my system before the Kansas summer. 😞 This video will save me a lot of $$, why I haven’t had someone fix it yet.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. Sometimes the KZbin algorithm is good to us and sometimes it’s bad to us. In any case, I hope this video helps you in the future! Best of luck and thanks for commenting!

[@stevesilver7437]

All I did was cleaned the old washers and used new calk . Works great thanks!

[@FastFixYouTube]

Awesome! The easier and cheaper the better. Nice job 👍

[@TheTroopersCorner]

Right down to the point, no talkie talkie. Thanks! Gotta fix mine today.

[@FastFixYouTube]

You're welcome!

[@TinaRice4]

TY!!!! Great, Very Helpful video! I texted the sprinkler repair person I used last year but have not heard back from him. Then I thought I bet I can do it myself!!! With the help of your very informative video I am going to get the repair kit tomorrow. I took a picture of mine so I knew what I was needing to get and it all matches your information! YAY and TY again!

[@FastFixYouTube]

You are very welcome! I'm surprised they didn't call you back. Easy money for them! But you'll get good experience and save $$$. I appreciate the comment.

[@TinaRice4]

@@FastFixKZbin TY! I love learning new things, the experience I gain and especially those that save me $$$!!! LOL

[@jbocaneg17611]

Excellent information. This was excellent. The funny end was priceless. Thank you!

[@FastFixYouTube]

Haha, you’re welcome!

[@scipiowilliams1510]

DUDE THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! We had a cold snap in Charleston, SC and I think mine froze over.

[@FastFixYouTube]

You’re welcome! Those quick cold snaps kill these things…

[@chin406mt8]

New subscriber! Great content. No bs and straight to the point.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Thank you! Much appreciated 👍

[@hassanbazzi3545]

Well explained. Loved the bonus footage that we all go through it sometimes.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Lol, we certainly do! Thanks for the comment 👍

[@thuthanhnguyen1926]

Sir , I like how you presenting your Clip . Appreciate the abundant information in a very short time . Thanks again .

[@FastFixYouTube]

You’re welcome! Glad this helped. I appreciate the comment 👍

[@MichaelShimniok]

Thanks so much for the concise video!! So rare these days.

[@FastFixYouTube]

You’re very welcome! That’s why I started the channel. No bs and just a fix! Appreciate your comment 👍

[@Buggysbuilds]

GREAT VIDEO!! My only question is, how do we relieve pressure from the system before we unscrew the cap?? Don't want it to explode in my face

[@FastFixYouTube]

Haha, yes avoid that! Simply turn your water valve off that supplies the system then turn on your sprinklers. That will relieve the pressure. If you have check valves on your system like mine, you can turn the screw on those to open the valves. Hope this helps! Thanks for the question 👍

[@riverfu889]

Love the bonus in the end. But, how do I release all water pressure from inside? just turn off the valve?

[@FastFixYouTube]

Correct! Turn off the valve then start your system. That will release the pressure 👍

[@dawnmarieminton6222]

Awesome DIY video! Thax so much! The only problem is the Home Depot here doesn't carry the repair kit. Just the entire unit $97.00. So I just cleaned up and greased the one we had and it stopped the leak.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hey, free is good! Nice job 👍

[@asatar2]

You can buy online from Amazon or other retailers. But the repair kit is around $38 without the canopy and bonnet( just the internal parts)

[@JonnyBlaze325]

Fantastic video! Straight to the point, extremely helpful, and humorous.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Haha, yeah that ending was pretty funny. I’ve done worse I can tell you that HHaha. Glad you like the video and that it helped 👍

[@FreedomLover170]

Thank you for saving me $500 bucks.

[@FastFixYouTube]

You bet!

[@pootz8082]

How do you relieve pressure before you open valve?

[@FastFixYouTube]

I have test ports on mine. If you do not, shut the main sprinkler water line off. Then run the system which will open a few valves controlling each zone. This will take the pressure away. Best of luck!

[@shangshi4609]

thank you! I'm a new home owner and my preventer is leaking slowly so I think it's better to fix it rather than replace it. can you talk about how do I relieve the water pressure from the system in another video?

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello :) Congrats on your home! If the leak is fixable, you’ll relieve the pressure by turning off the valve that supplies the water to your system. The location of valves vary per climate zone, but if in the colder areas like me, check the main water supply line and look for a line that angles off the main line and up to your sprinkler system. Usually pretty easy to spot. Once the valve is off, simply turn on your sprinklers and the pressure will bleed off. Best of luck!

[@shangshi4609]

@@FastFixKZbin I’m in Michigan and I ran it again today, luckily somehow it stopped leaking so I didn’t have to do anything. It works great!

[@kkevinj1]

NICE!!!!! Now I can just screw the air chuck in the preventer. If it makes it leak after a few years, 15 buck repair. They say dont pump air through the backflow but I am lol

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. Lol, you probably wouldn't be surprised how often people comment and tell me not to put air to the system. What they don't realize is that I have shut off valves before and after the air chuck, so it's a safe procedure. I have heard horror stories of backflow preventors failing or misused, so be careful! Cheers!

[@enavy58]

Just repaired a pair of brass anti siphons for some neighbors. Used left over parts (Orbit 53066 rebuild kit). Flat washers completely worn out. Plastic plungers needed replacing. Helps to bring old parts with you when finding replacements. Nice work! Good video!

[@FastFixYouTube]

Absolutely true! It’s always nice when it works out that way. Thanks foe the comment! 👍

[@casketking]

Great video and content. Very helpful and educational. Keep up the great work.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Much appreciated!

[@saturn117]

This is a great video, thank you so much! I have a follow-up question for you: At 1:04 your note says "make sure you've relieved all the water pressure in your system," but I'm not sure how to do that. I couldn't find any info online either so would love if you could share that as well. Thanks again!

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. What I meant by that was turning off the water. There should be a valve near your water main that connects to the sprinkler system. Close that valve then drain the water away or. Activate your sprinklers to alleviate the pressure. Hope this helps!

[@saturn117]

@@FastFixKZbin Thank you, I ended up finding another video that explained it. Unfortunately both of the valves were so rusted that when I finally got them unstuck, they were leaking. But I was able to find replacements and swap them out quickly. I feel very accomplished this weekend! 😁

[@terryc4748]

There's also a valve on mine just under the cap facing towards the front where you can use a standard screwdriver to open/close on the side. For me, I closed both valves from main and to the irrigation system, and then opened up this valve using the screwdriver and it released the water through the front. Once the water stopped, I was able to open the canopy without fear of it being pressurized.

[@forsteryang9087]

Great instruction, looks like pretty easy to fix the leaking. I will do it. The leaking most likely is not to drain water out before winter comes.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Yes! It’s pretty simple. I agree. The water in the winter can freeze these. Definitely need to drain prior to the cold season. Thanks for the comment!

[@richardundlin8593]

Thanks for your no extra chatter video, much appreciated and helpful. One question, mine is mounted outside a bedroom, and in some zones, sometimes it "chatters." More than just the sound of water, sort of a vibration. My irrigation guy fiddled with it but it never seems to go away. Wondering if I could add spring tension? Perhaps use some silicone lubricant internally? The system works fine it's just annoying when it's running it early in the morning. Thanks.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello! Yes, the noises can be annoying. There’s really not much you can do unfortunately. It is usually a pressure related thing causing the noise, so maybe some of the valves controlling the noisy zones are not completely opening or are slow to open. Just a guess there.

[@richardundlin8593]

@@FastFixKZbin Thanks, I did take it apart and all the parts look good. I dried it and added silicone lubricant. At least initially that seemed to quiet it down really well. It would seem to me if I could just cap the stupid thing and leave the internals out, that would solve the problem permanently. What does that really do? I can't see a circumstance in which the city water system would suck water from my house, including my sprinkler system. Even if it did, wouldn't it just suck the clean water out of the system anyway?

[@jrmrael]

Can I (should I) use plumbers tape around the bonnet before screwing it in mine is relatively new and after taking it apart everything seems to be in good condition, but I still have a low slow leak.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hmm…if it were me, I might go with the Teflon paste (not plumbers puddy). I don’t think you’re risking much by trying that. Some will probably yell about it, but sometimes ya gotta do what ya gotta do. 👍

[@cooldog60]

Thanks! I didn't even know what it was called or was for.

[@FastFixYouTube]

You bet!

[@nwsean3654]

My copper bonnet is corroded and beyond a screwdriver to unscrew... is there a lubricant or chemical I can use to slip inbetweeen it and the threads to loosen it up?

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. I think you’d be safe using a standard penetrating fluid. Just don’t use a lot and be careful when applying. 👍

[@wargeocarl]

Check how the popit seats against the bonnet before you install. I had to replace mine because the rubber seal became deformed.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Good tip! Appreciated 👍

[@kendaniels7125]

Awesome very easy to understand and lifesaver, thank you great site!

[@FastFixYouTube]

You’re welcome!

[@ejay0503]

Thanks for the super helpful video!

[@FastFixYouTube]

You're welcome! Thanks for the comment! 👍👍👍

[@inusq192009]

Great, no wasting time.

[@FastFixYouTube]

👍

[@polititguytm6000]

Exactly what I needed. Thanks!

[@FastFixYouTube]

You're welcome!

[@jaspreetgrewal4854]

Thank you for this video man, you helped me out a lot.

[@FastFixYouTube]

You’re welcome!

[@godlike7467]

Thanks for this informative video. What is the name of the repair kit?

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. I don’t recall the name, but you should be able to figure it out using the part number on your existing backflow preventer

[@Bobbyc719]

Very nice and to the point. Thank you!

[@FastFixYouTube]

You bet! I appreciate the comment 👍

[@ahbuhjiumuhnhi1946]

Thanks for the video very helpful for my situation

[@FastFixYouTube]

Glad this video helped!

[@travisdavis9970]

nice video straight to the point

[@FastFixYouTube]

Thank you

[@Jesusislord724]

Thank you so much. You saved me a lot of money. Keep it up!!

[@FastFixYouTube]

You’re welcome! I appreciate the comment 👍

[@Mopar14]

Awesome information. Thank you 👍👍

[@FastFixYouTube]

You’re welcome!

[@patthomas8384]

Thank you for getting right to the video without 10 minutes of talking..

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. You bet! That’s there whole point of the channel. Getting to the point! I appreciate that you noticed and your comment. Thanks 👍

[@ericr8618]

Hello. I just moved into a new home and noticed there is a leak when the valve lever is closed but when I open it, the leak stops.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Yep, the crack is probably close to the ball valve and when opened is stopped by the ball

[@amb7247]

To relieve pressure. That's simply just turning on your sprinkler till no more water comes out?

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. You’ll need to shut off the water supply which will relieve the pressure if your system is on. If the system is off, you have to relieve a check valve or other release system.

[@amb7247]

@@FastFixKZbin ok. So not the intake valve but at the street?

[@joseenriquez5419]

Great video thank you

[@FastFixYouTube]

You're welcome! Thanks for the comment!

[@MrAtlantababy]

Very informative video. I actually need to replace all of the parts under the cap since they're bent up and in bad shape. The issue I'm having is water continues to fill up to the top of my cap and either it refuses to drain out lol, or I'm missing a step. I shut the water off to the sprinkler system. How'd you get yours to drain the water from overflowing from the cap man?

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. Glad this video sort of helped you. So have you replaced all the parts that were bent up? If not, I’d say that’s your problem. If you have replaced all the parts and water is flowing out of the cap, it’s likely you just need to make sure your water valve is completely open. Water may flow out of the cap, but it will stop. This can take several seconds 5-10 or maybe slightly more. You just need to make sure the water open valve is completely open. If the cap doesn’t see enough pressure from the water line, it won’t seal up. So, give it full pressure and several seconds to close itself up. If after 15 to 20 seconds and it’s still flowing water, something else is going on. Please let me know how it goes. Thanks for the question.

[@MrAtlantababy]

@@FastFixKZbin Thanks buddy. My Amazon order for the parts should be here tomorrow. I'll update you on how it goes. I appreciate the advice a lot

[@cspill99]

I have a Scott Model X1649 is that repairable? Where can i get parts? Should it be outside or inside? I live in Michigan.

[@FastFixYouTube]

I always search Amazon for parts. Your local home improvement store will be able to help you as well.

[@cspill99]

@@FastFixKZbin no luck, old model.

[@cspill99]

@@FastFixKZbin Is PVC sch. 40 or 80 need for systems in Michigan. Connecting it to copper lines that are already ran.

[@danielkast6608]

Where is the link for parts? I thought I heard you say they would be in the comments.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. The link for the the parts is in the description, not the comments.

[@TheOgi22]

00:01 - PLS what kind of hanging wall is behind you?

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. It’s pegboard. I believe I bought at Menards. They sell a few different kinds there.

[@onepiece4life380]

Any tips? My bonnet is super tight, I tried with screwdriver but no luck. Update: just broke a screwdriver trying to take the bonnet out.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Wow, really? Geesh, that’s crazy. I’d use a penetrating fluid of some kind. I use PB Blaster which you can find anywhere. Then try the screwdriver trick again or a pry bar if it’s that stuck. You may consider bracing the piping as it sounds like you’ll be applying max torque. Kind of sounds like a 2-person job. One to brace the piping and the other working the pry bar or screwdriver. Best of luck!

[@onepiece4life380]

@@FastFixKZbin we were able to get it off by using 14 in steel wrench. It was a two person job 🤣🤣🤣 but glad it came off. Thanks again for your help.

[@bernardolopez2770]

Great video 👍👍

[@FastFixYouTube]

Thank you 👍

[@Suhaibiq]

Amazing video

[@FastFixYouTube]

Thanks!

[@chrisgrantham2341]

what is the air fitting on the side for? was this a sprinkler system ?

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. The air fitting was there to blow out the sprinkler system for the winter time. I don’t use it however.

[@getitdoneright1938]

Thank you for sharing.

[@FastFixYouTube]

You bet 👍

[@petesspspsps]

Hand tight...proceeds to crank it as hard as possible...Lol! Very helpful video!

[@FastFixYouTube]

Ha! True….. thanks for commenting 👍

[@doriaustin2488]

The part under my cover is stuck on the backflow I can't get it off do you have any suggestions?

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. Did you try using a screwdriver like I did? If so and it’s still not budging, try and use a penetrating fluid like PB blaster. Just use sparingly. You dont want a lot of that stuff going into your system or on your lawn.

[@doriaustin2488]

Thank you for your quick answer. I tried both of those things, while trying to get it off it twisted the PVC and it broke on one side. I took the backflow totally off and the ball valve had cracked. I bought a new one and ended up using it for a water shut off until I can get that part off...

[@FastFixYouTube]

@@doriaustin2488 oh wow. Sounds like it needed to be replaced in any case. Crazy the top wouldn’t spin off to the point that it caused the PVC to fail. That’s the first I’ve heard of that happening, but it’s probably more common than I think. Glad you got it sorted and no problem on the reply 👍 thanks for the comments and questions.

[@doriaustin2488]

@@FastFixKZbin Good afternoon, I got s little help from a friend from church, he got the top off for me, we had to use a vice. I will be fixing everything soon! Thanks for listening!

[@azizhouston84]

@1:15 min3 didn't come off easily rusted ; had to use a vehicle filter wrench to get it off

[@FastFixYouTube]

Yep, sometimes that can be pretty stuck… good idea with the filter wrench!

[@mary7027]

I have a Febco 3/4 back flow preventer. I changed the bonnet and poppet but it is still not working. The check valve seems to be ok, it is brass so no broken legs. Any ideas?

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. Is it leaking or not flowing water? I imagine it’s leaking. Did you also replace the seals and washer? I assume your Febco is similar in construction as mine having roughly the same parts.

[@joserams2245]

I gave the like just for the bonus vid. LOL

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hahaha, thanks! Hope it was worth it 🤣

[@mrrabbittrick1784]

How do you relieve the water pressure before taking it apart?

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. You need to shut the water off or close the in-line valve. You could turn your sprinklers on at that point which will take the pressure away or if your system has test-ports, simply open those. You can see a test port sticking out of mine on the thumbnail used in the video. Hope this helps

[@susanhocking7836]

Thank you so much!!

[@FastFixYouTube]

You're welcome!

[@adam1984k]

How do u relieve pressure

[@FastFixYouTube]

Have to turn the water off then open one of the check valves. Those are the little ports on the side. Let me know if you need more help.

[@watzenggo2446]

Hi Fast Fix, my Febco 765 outlet ball valve was coated with calcium build-up and corrosion and it's so hard to turn it off and on, so I replaced it with just a regular ball valve from lowes. When I turn on the inlet ball valve slowly the PVB won't stop discharging water and did not seal while I waited for a minute and the ground already starts flooding and I start worrying already so I just turn it back off. It was just fine before I replaced the ball valve. My questions are 1) should I turn it to full right away so that it will build abrupt pressure to seal the check valve inside? 2) Is there a specific ball valve to use on the PVB and I was using the wrong one that causes it not to seal? 3) I positioned the ball valve facing up not the same as the original position which was on the side, should it be positioned the same as the original one on the side? Any help and tips, please. Thanks

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. Give her full throttle and it should seal up. Mine does the same thing every spring when I turn the water back on. Sometimes it takes a few worry-some seconds to seal up, but it should if there’s nothing wrong with the PVB. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the way you installed the ball valve. Feel free to update this thread with results.

[@watzenggo2446]

@@FastFixKZbin Thank you for your quick reply I will give it a try tomorrow morning and I will tell you the update I hope it will seal up and stop discharging water. By the way one thing I forgot to mention, while I was wrapping Teflon on the new ball valve I heard a click sound inside the pvb as if something fell inside. I was thinking it's the check valve that fell down when there was no more pressure inside.

[@watzenggo2446]

@@FastFixKZbin Just an update on my PVB, I turned it on full throttle this morning and it sealed instantly. No more worries. Thanks for the tip.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Fantastic! Thanks for the update!

[@f.demascio1857]

If you grease the threads of the bonnet before installation, future disassembly will be much easier.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Good point! 👍

[@noraruelas5296]

Thanks

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. You’re welcome.

[@nanieasedillo1604]

How do you loosen that thing under the cover when it’s so hard?

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. Use a screwdriver like I did. Put constant and equal force on it rather than applying as much force as you can generate. They get stuck on sometimes over time. Try clockwise and counterclockwise force as well. ThT may help to loosen it. Hope this helps

[@wisdomwisdom817]

Awesome job thank you so much

[@FastFixYouTube]

You are very welcome!

[@ElsaAndAnnie]

I really liked your video DYI. Why it is recommended that only a licensed plumber should install back flow preventer? I don’t see any complexity but wonder why? Anyways, thanks for putting together a short, informative and useful video.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. Thanks for the comment and question. Several commenters have scolded me for posting this video asserting that only licensed plumbers should be working on backflow preventers. I have researched this assertion and discovered that a licensed plumber is NOT required to repair a backflow preventer. However, a licensed plumber IS required to install a new backflow preventer. So, unless you’re working on new construction, you can do this job yourself. I would advise you to check your local laws in accordance with my statements, however. But as far as I’ve discovered, you’re completely fine to fix this yourself. Glad this video was of some help.

[@ElsaAndAnnie]

@@FastFixKZbin, Thanks for your prompt response. I will try to replace the back flow preventer myself.

[@TinaRice4]

@@FastFixKZbin This was a question I had too and I am glad CB asked the question and you answered. I know I would never try to install a backflow preventer but I see how repairing it is a whole different issue especially when you are just removing defective parts and replacing them with new ones.

[@conqwiztadore2213]

@@TinaRice4 Aren't they supposed to be tested annually by certified testers?

[@TinaRice4]

@@conqwiztadore2213 Hi There! Yes, I think it is a great idea to have it tested annually by a licensed plumber.

[@ER-wg3oh]

Here for the bonus video

[@FastFixYouTube]

Free showers! 🤣👍

[@dosmaiz7361]

Hi, I replaced the same parts you did, but now my damn pressure relief valves are leaking, no matter which way I turn them. Any idea what they're called so I can order some replacements?

[@FastFixYouTube]

Dang, bad luck! These are known as test cocks, petcocks, etc... I don’t have a specific part number as these vary per application. It’s likely your big box home supply store will have a compatible replacement. I’d remove and bring with you. And for reference, to shut these test valves off, the indent for the flat head screwdriver should be perpendicular to test cock. Hope this helps.

[@BParker55]

Thank you!

[@FastFixYouTube]

You're welcome!

[@Kat-rv5rj]

Why didn't you use the test release valve to remove pressure first, hehe

[@FastFixYouTube]

Lol, I forgot 🤦‍♂️

[@dosmaiz7361]

Do I have to relieve pressure before replacing just the plastic cap? Thanks!

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. No, you don’t need to turn the water off or relieve pressure to replace the plastic hat. Thanks for the question 👍

[@dosmaiz7361]

@@FastFixKZbin thanks man. Subbed to your channel!

[@FastFixYouTube]

Excellent. Thanks for that!

[@joseampie7362]

Great video! Thanks. New subscriber.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Glad this video helped you and thanks for the sub! 👍

[@mikey4eva1980]

I tried to remove bonnet using screwdriver. It's difficult to get off. Any suggestions?

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. If the screws are difficult to remove, try a screw gun if you have one. Borrow from a neighbor if you don’t. An impact version would be best. Otherwise, Make sure to use a screwdriver that fits snugly to the screw head. A mismatched screw driver won’t apply the proper torque and make it hard to work. If all that fails, you could lightly tap (and I do mean lightly) the blunt end of the screwdriver using a hammer. This may break the screw loose assuming it’s stuck because of debris. Be very careful doing that, however. Only use as last resort. There are impact screwdrivers that work great for removing stuck screws as well. Best of luck!

[@mikey4eva1980]

That worked! New problem: The brass piece is so old it won't turn when I turn counter clock wise. Tried using metal bar to turn, will not turn.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Make sure there is no water pressure in the system. If there is, it will be much harder to unscrew the brass piece. When you’ve made sure there’s no water pressure, try again. If it’s still hard to unscrew, apply consistent pressure for 5 to 10 seconds using the metal bar. Use a decent amount of force, but not enough to damage anything. Try tightening the brass piece as well rotating clockwise. This might help to free it up...sort of like if you were stuck in the snow. Reverse then forward, reverse then forward. It should come out eventually and hopefully will be your last difficult piece!

[@mikey4eva1980]

@@FastFixKZbin it worked ! Thanks for all your help! Saved so much $$$ doing it myself

[@FastFixYouTube]

Awesome, nice work!

[@UnknownIdaho]

Make sure you get it inspected according to local codes once it is repaired!

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. Yes, that would be the right and correct thing to do. Will people do it? 99% say no… Ha ha ha ha good advice, though I appreciate it. Take care!

[@UnknownIdaho]

@@FastFixKZbin Sadly most think backflow inspections are a joke. I’ve installed sprinklers since high school and didn’t know it was needed until 2019, so I took a class and became an inspector for the State of Idaho. In school we learned of an incident where a homeowner installed his RP backwards- city water shut down for a few minutes and came back on. It polluted the entire subdivision and sent 4 to the hospital that night! His homeowners insurance wouldn’t cover the cleanup cost. So not getting inspected can cost you…

[@FastFixYouTube]

Wow, that’s crazy! 100% worth it to get inspected looking at it through the lens of a install failure like this. Yikes!

[@sugalumps3447]

It also depends on what kind of hazard it is. A PVB one like this is a light hazard and if it is connected to your water lines AFTER the meter you should be good without the inspections in most places. RPZ and DC are for higher hazards and wouldn't apply to just a local irrigation system. I repair and test backflows in the Southeast for commercial businesses and most of their stuff comes straight from the city water. Your installation is fine.

[@UnknownIdaho]

@@sugalumps3447 wrong, sorry. Sprinkler systems are considered a high health hazard according to the USSC manual. Testing requirements vary depending on the state (Texas recently removed all inspection requirements except for new installs and system changes) but generally the US code requires testing after installation, annual testing and testing with any system changes or repairs. In my experience MOST backflow assembly’s fail the first test I do, generally something in a check valve or a shutoff not properly shutting.

[@EzekielSabrina-x9g]

Welch Crest

[@FastFixYouTube]

👍👍👍

[@asatar2]

Thanks for the instructions! Really helpful. However its not $15, the repair kit by itself is close to $40 and the bonnet is another $20 with shipping. The plastic Canopy is $17 before shipping.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Yikes, prices must have increased. It was $15 at the time this video was made.

[@candyr2773]

Replaced as directed and water still coming out, even after waiting a few minutes...

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. Make sure the valve is completely open. If not, it won’t seal up. Otherwise, inspect your work and make sure all the O-ring surfaces around with no flat spots and make sure the Teflon washer is also damage free. Please let me know if any of those things were your issue.

[@SuperNalabear]

Just two weeks ago I replaced the parts of my FEBCO. It didn't leak for two weeks until today. Are there any other reasons for a leak?

[@FastFixYouTube]

Definitely check the body for cracks. Sometimes they’re very small and seal themselves when you mess with them. It doesn’t sound plausible, but I had one that did that. Otherwise, check your replacement seals and washers. Make sure they didn’t get roughed up during the install. If all checks out, you might have to think about doing a complete overhaul (all internal parts) or replacing the entire unit. Best of luck!

[@carolcurtiss5694]

Why did you need a new bonnet?

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. The old one cracked during the cold months.

[@coderlicious6565]

Is it legal to just get rid of the backflow preventer, and let the next home owner deal with it? I'd let them know of course. It's a cheap house anyway. Tiny lawn, easy to just use the hose and not sprinklers.

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. Laws vary. Best to check with your water system operator on that.

[@z1522]

Do you also advise not draining a system either? Most cities are requiring backflow valves, because if main water pressure falls while your system is operating, water in your lines can be drawn back into the main supply, contaminating neighborhood lines at the minimum. The home owner will deal with, all right, with thousands in fines.

[@Realdidizhou]

Nice if you had explained how to relieved the pressure.

[@FastFixYouTube]

If you have to ask this question, best you don't attempt the repair.

[@backwoods7678]

Ok yes you should put in video's to check you local utility if you can do this yourself ... Most states cities and or counties require a licence to do repair and or install of backflow preventers .. And the last part was proof of failer to state the pressure these have on them ... Also the reason why they give classes on this for them to be done by professional people .. You may want to watch those safety videos before you do one lol ..

[@FastFixYouTube]

Hello. I respectfully disagree. To say “most” require what you specify is misleading. In fact, I couldn’t find any local ordinances that require a licensed person to perform maintenance, which is what this is. What I did find is that an inspection is required by some areas and some inspections are required on an annual basis depending on your location. It makes sense to me that a licensed person would be required to do the installation on new construction. The home owner usually has the right to work on their own home, albeit that work may require an inspection. My $.02. Thanks for the comment.

[@robertmartinez1228]

I can dig it.i can dig it.

[@Bam-BamMoore-zz2vk]

That top part is called the bonnet…

[@FastFixYouTube]

Ahh yes, the bonnet. Thank you!