How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Backflow Preventer

A well-maintained backflow preventer protects your drinking water, keeps you in compliance, and reduces emergency costs.

The good news? With a few proactive habits, you can dramatically extend the life of your RPZ, DCVA, PVB, or SVB. Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend focusing on prevention, environment, and documentation to keep your device performing for years. Atlas Backflow Services is here to help you do just that.

Quick Answer: The Big Levers for Longer Life

• Test annually (or as required) and fix early.

• Control pressure and water quality to reduce wear and scale.

• Protect the installation from sun, heat, freezing, flooding, and vandalism.

• Exercise and service components on a predictable schedule.

• Keep a clean paper trail so nothing gets missed.

Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend treating your backflow preventer like a critical piece of safety equipment—not a “set it and forget it” valve.

Know Your Device, Risks, and Environment

Not all backflow assemblies age the same way. Usage patterns, water chemistry, and where the device is installed all matter.

• Identify your assembly type: RPZs have relief valves sensitive to debris; DCVAs are reliable with clean water; PVBs need freeze protection; SVBs are common on irrigation.

• Understand your water: Los Angeles water can be hard, creating scale that degrades rubber and springs. If you have high sediment or chloramines, parts may wear faster.

• Check the surroundings: Direct sun, high heat, coastal air, or landscaping chemicals can accelerate deterioration.

  
  

  Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend a quick site survey each year to note conditions that could shorten lifespan.

Test on Time—and Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Annual testing isn’t just a box to tick—it’s your early warning system.

• Annual testing: Confirm performance and capture exact differential pressures, relief opening points, and shutoff valve operation.

• Rebuild cycles: Even passing devices can benefit from preventative rebuilds. Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend rubber kit replacements every 3–5 years for typical commercial sites, sooner for harsh water or high-duty applications.

• Post-repair retesting: Any repair or rebuild should be followed by a documented retest to verify performance.

• Gauge calibration: Ensure your tester’s gauge has current calibration; inaccurate readings lead to missed issues.

  
  

  Atlas Backflow Services can set reminders by device, not just by property, so rebuilds and tests stay on schedule.

Control Pressure, Shock, and Thermal Expansion

Excess pressure and water hammer are silent killers for springs, seats, and seals.

• Regulate static pressure: Keep downstream static pressure within manufacturer limits using a pressure-reducing valve (PRV) if your supply runs high.

• Add water hammer arrestors: Fast-closing solenoids (common in irrigation) create shock waves that damage internals. Arrestors protect both the backflow preventer and your plumbing.

• Manage thermal expansion: Closed systems with water heaters need expansion tanks. Over-pressurization causes nuisance RPZ discharges and premature wear.

  
  

  Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend checking pressure at different times of day—morning, midday, and night—to catch spikes.

Keep It Clean: Strainers, Flushing, and Debris Control

Debris and scale are leading causes of failures and leaks.

• Install upstream strainers where appropriate: Especially for irrigation or older galvanized lines. Clean them regularly.

• Flush lines after plumbing work: Any cut-and-thread, main breaks, or construction upstream can push debris into checks and relief valves.

• Protect test cocks: Replace caps and ensure they’re not clogged with dirt, mulch, or paint.

• Stay chemical-aware: If you inject fertilizers or chemicals, confirm you have the right assembly type and take extra care with cleaning and rebuild intervals.

  
  

  Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend a quick flush before testing in debris-prone systems to get accurate readings and reduce fouling.

Protect the Installation: Weather, Vandalism, and Location

Backflow assemblies last longer when the environment is controlled.

• Shade and UV protection: Sun degrades elastomers and plastic components. Outdoor enclosures extend life and improve security.

• Freeze protection: While Los Angeles rarely freezes, inland or elevated areas can get cold snaps. PVBs and exposed piping should be insulated or heated.

• Flood and drainage: Don’t install in pits that can submerge the device. RPZ relief valves must discharge freely—add proper drainage to prevent water damage and corrosion.

• Clearance and accessibility: Maintain working clearance so devices can be serviced without cutting or forcing parts.

• Seismic bracing where required: Secure supports reduce mechanical strain and leaks.

  
  

  Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend tamper-resistant, ventilated enclosures for street-facing or high-traffic areas.

Exercise Valves and Service Rubber Before It Fails

Small, routine actions help avoid big repairs.

• Exercise shutoff valves 2–4 times per year: Prevents seizing and ensures full isolation during emergencies.

• Lubricate stems where manufacturer allows: Use approved lubricants sparingly.

• Replace rubber kits on schedule: Diaphragms, O‑rings, and check discs harden with time and chemistry. A kit today can prevent a replacement tomorrow.

• Use OEM or high-quality compatible parts: Inferior parts can cause leaks, chatter, or constant discharge.

  
  

  Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend logging the part numbers used so you can reorder quickly next cycle.

After Any Plumbing Work: Re-Commission the Backflow Preventer

Any upstream changes can disturb your assembly.

• Flush thoroughly: Remove debris introduced during work.

• Retest the device: Confirm checks and relief valves still meet standards.

• Verify discharge piping and air gaps: RPZs need clear, unobstructed discharge and properly sized funnels/drains.

  
  

  Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend scheduling a quick post-project check to avoid surprise failures later.

Documentation That Extends Lifespan

Good records help you spot trends and intervene early.

• Keep a device inventory: Type, model, size, serial, location, hazard, and due dates.

• Save detailed test reports: Include measured values, not just pass/fail.

• Track repairs and parts: Build a history to predict rebuild windows and budget accurately.

• Store gauge calibration certificates: Ensures credibility and consistency.

  
  

  Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend maintaining at least three years of records per assembly for pattern analysis.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring minor discharge or chatter: Often a sign of debris, pressure issues, or failing rubber.

• Blocking RPZ discharge: Never plug or restrict the relief port to “stop leaks.” Fix the cause.

• Painting moving parts: Paint can lock components and ruin seals.

• Skipping annual tests because “it looks fine”: Internal failures aren’t visible until it’s too late.

• Using the wrong enclosure: Poor ventilation can overheat components and accelerate wear.

Signs It’s Time to Rebuild—or Replace

• Frequent test failures despite cleaning

• Persistent RPZ relief discharge after pressure issues are corrected

• Corroded body or seized shutoffs that won’t hold isolation

• Parts no longer available for older models

  
  

  Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend comparing the cost of a full rebuild versus replacement; sometimes a modern assembly with better materials pays back quickly in reliability.

Why Choose Atlas Backflow Services

Atlas Backflow Services focuses on long-term reliability, not just pass/fail results. We provide:

• Precision testing and trend tracking to catch wear before failure.

• Scheduled rebuilds with high-quality parts tailored to Los Angeles water conditions.

• Site-specific recommendations for pressure control, enclosures, and drainage.

• Compliance-ready documentation for municipalities and insurers.

Our Backflow Testing Los Angeles experts recommend partnering with a team that treats your backflow preventer as a mission-critical safeguard. That’s our promise at Atlas Backflow Services.

Ready to Add Years to Your Backflow Preventer?

Let’s extend the life of your device, reduce emergency calls, and keep your water safe. Contact Atlas Backflow Services to schedule testing, preventative maintenance, or a site assessment today.