Backflow Preventer Repair in Houston | Fix It, Don't Just Replace It

Licensed BPAT Testers & Master Plumbers. We carry the internal rubber kits to rebuild your device and save you money.

24/7 Emergency ServiceHonest Pricing

Schedule Your Repair – Call (281) 427-8325

INTRODUCTION

A backflow preventer is a mechanical device with moving parts. Like the brakes on your car, the internal rubber seals eventually wear out. When they do, the device will either leak water into your yard or fail its annual city inspection.

At Blackmon Plumbing, our first instinct is to REPAIR, not replace. While many competitors will see a leaking valve and immediately quote you $800+ for a brand new unit, we open it up. In 90% of cases, a simple rebuild kit (springs, seats, and rubber discs) will restore the device to factory standards for a fraction of the cost.

Signs Your Backflow Preventer Needs Repair

How do you know if your device is broken?

Constant Leaking: Water is dripping (or spraying) from the relief valve or the test cocks.

Failed Annual Test: The city inspector (or our tester) flagged the device because the check valves aren’t holding pressure.

Low Water Pressure: A jammed internal check valve can restrict water flow to your house or sprinklers.

Uneven Cycling: Your sprinkler pump cycles on and off rapidly (short cycling).

The "Rebuild" Process: How We Save You Money

We stock “Total Rubber Parts Kits” for the major brands: Febco, Watts, Wilkins, and Ames.

Step 1: Diagnostics
We disassemble the valve body. We check for:

Debris: Often, a tiny pebble or grain of sand is stuck in the seal (common after city water main work). We flush it out, and the leak stops.

Wear: If the rubber discs are torn or the springs are weak, we recommend a rebuild.

Freeze Damage: If the brass body itself is cracked from ice expansion, it cannot be repaired. In this case, we must install a new unit.
Step 2: The Rebuild
We remove the old “guts” and install new, manufacturer-approved internal components. We use food-grade grease to lubricate the O-rings ensuring a watertight seal.
Step 3: The Re-Certification
You can’t just fix it and leave. The city requires proof that the repair worked. Immediately after rebuilding, we hook up our gauges and perform the official BPAT Certification Test to “Green Tag” the device.

Freeze Damage: Repair vs. Replace

Houston freezes are the #1 killer of backflow preventers.

The “Bonnet” Pop

Many devices (like the Febco 765) have a plastic “bonnet” designed to break first if the water freezes. This acts like a fuse. If only the bonnet is cracked, we can repair it cheaply.

The Body Crack

If the solid brass body has a hairline crack, the device is structurally compromised. It cannot be welded. It must be replaced.

Is water spraying everywhere?

It’s important to understand what a yard line replacement covers:

Find the Shut-Off: Look for the two ball valve handles on the device itself. Turn them perpendicular to the pipe.

Call Blackmon: If the handles are broken or won’t turn, call us immediately at (281) 427-8325. We will locate your main water meter to shut off flow and stop the waste.

Commercial vs. Residential Repairs

Residential

We specialize in 1-inch irrigation PVB repairs.

Commercial

We repair large 2-inch to 8-inch Fire Line and Domestic Water assemblies. Our Mobile Warehouses carry the large wrenches and gaskets needed for these heavy-duty jobs.

Common Questions

Q: Why is my backflow leaking from the bottom?

A: If it’s an RPZ device, it is designed to dump water if it senses a pressure drop. This often means there is debris in the #1 Check Valve. It needs cleaning or a rebuild.

Q: How much does a rebuild kit cost?

A: Significantly less than a new device. A kit might range from $100-$300 depending on the size, whereas a new device is $600-$2,000.

Q: Does the repair include the city report?

A: Yes. If we repair it, we must test it. Our price includes the BPAT test report submission to your water district.

Q: How long does a repair take?

A: Most repairs are completed in 1-2 hours. We carry the rebuild kits on our trucks, so we diagnose, rebuild, and re-test in a single visit.

Q: What brands can you repair?

A: We stock parts for Febco (Series 850, 765, 825Y), Watts (Series 009, 919), Wilkins (Series 375, 975XL), and Ames (Series 2000SS). If you have a different brand, call us—we can usually source the parts same-day.

Get Flowing Again

Don’t let a leak waste your money. Let us rebuild your device and get you back in compliance.