Leaky Backflow Preventer? What That Drip Means for Your Los Angeles Property

You walk past your water meter and notice it—a persistent drip, a small puddle, or even a steady stream of water coming from the backflow prevention assembly. Your immediate thought is likely a mix of annoyance and concern. Is this normal? Is it a serious problem?

And is it going to be expensive to fix?If you see water leaking or dripping from your backflow preventer, the simple answer is: No, it is not normal, and it almost always indicates an internal problem that requires professional attention.

A backflow preventer is a robust mechanical device, but it’s not just a simple pipe. It's a critical safety valve filled with precisely calibrated springs, seals, and check valves.

A leak is a clear signal that one or more of these internal components has failed. Our backflow testing Los Angeles experts recommend addressing the issue immediately to prevent water waste, property damage, and potential compliance violations.Let's explore the common reasons why your backflow preventer might be leaking and what you should do about it.

Is it a Leak or a Normal Discharge?

First, it's important to distinguish between a problematic leak and a normal, intermittent discharge. Some types of backflow devices, specifically Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) assemblies, are designed to discharge a small amount of water from their relief valve upon start-up, shutdown, or significant pressure fluctuations in the system. This is normal operation.

However, you have a problem if you notice:

• A constant, steady drip that never stops.

• A continuous stream of water, no matter how small.

• Significant puddling around the base of the unit.

These are signs of a true leak, signaling that the device is no longer functioning correctly.

Top 4 Causes of a Leaking Backflow Preventer

A leak is a symptom of an underlying issue. Based on our extensive field experience, here are the most common culprits our certified technicians find.

1. Debris Lodged in the Assembly

This is by far the most frequent cause of a leaking backflow preventer. Over time, small particles of sediment, sand, rust, or even tiny pebbles from the city's water main can travel down the line.

If this debris gets lodged in one of the check valves or the relief valve, it prevents the rubber seal from closing completely. This tiny gap is all it takes for water to continuously seep through, causing a persistent drip.

2. Worn Out or Damaged Seals and O-Rings

Just like the parts in a car engine, the rubber components inside a backflow preventer wear out over time. The seals and O-rings are constantly under pressure and exposed to water and its additives, like chlorine. After several years, these components can become brittle, cracked, or warped.

Once a seal loses its flexibility and integrity, it can no longer create a watertight barrier, resulting in a leak. This is a primary reason why annual testing is so crucial—it helps catch this degradation before it leads to a major failure.

3. Damaged Springs or Internal Components

Your backflow device relies on a series of carefully calibrated springs to hold the check valves in the proper position. If a spring weakens, loses its tension, or breaks, the valve it controls won't seat correctly.

This allows water to bypass the seal, typically causing a leak from the relief valve opening. In other cases, internal plastic or brass components can crack due to stress or age, also leading to leaks.

4. Freeze Damage

While Los Angeles isn't known for its harsh winters, an unexpected cold snap can be enough to cause serious damage to an above-ground backflow preventer. If water inside the unit freezes, it expands with immense force.

This expansion can easily crack the main brass body of the device—a catastrophic failure that almost always requires a full replacement. It can also damage the internal check valves and plastic parts, leading to significant leaks once the water thaws.

Why You Can't Afford to Ignore a Leak

A small drip might not seem like a big deal, but ignoring it can lead to bigger problems.

• Failed Compliance: A leaking device will fail its annual certification test. Your local water utility, like the LADWP, requires a passing test certificate to be on file. A failed device puts you out of compliance, which can lead to warning notices, fines, and in some cases, the threat of water service interruption.

• Wasted Water and Money: A seemingly small drip can waste hundreds or even thousands of gallons of water over the course of a month, leading to a surprise on your next water bill.

• Potential for Property Damage: A persistent leak can saturate the ground, damaging landscaping, eroding soil, or even seeping into the foundation of your building over time, leading to much costlier repairs.

• Compromised Safety: Most importantly, a leak signifies that the device is not working as designed. It may not be able to perform its essential function: protecting your water and the public water supply from contamination during a backflow event.

Why DIY is Not an Option: Call the Professionals

It can be tempting to search for a DIY fix, but backflow preventers are not a DIY project. State and local regulations mandate that all testing, repairs, and replacements must be performed by a licensed and certified backflow technician.

Attempting to open or repair the device yourself can cause further damage, will not be recognized by the water authority, and could potentially create a health hazard.This is where Atlas Backflow Services comes in.

Our backflow testing Los Angeles experts recommend a simple, three-step professional approach:

1. Expert Diagnosis: Our certified technician will visit your property to accurately diagnose the cause of the leak. We don't guess—we identify the specific component that has failed.

2. Professional Repair: We carry a wide range of manufacturer-approved repair kits and parts. Whether it's flushing out debris, replacing worn-out seals, or installing a new spring, we can perform the repair efficiently and correctly.

3. Testing and Certification: After any repair, we conduct a full certification test to ensure the device is functioning perfectly. We then handle all the necessary paperwork and submit the passing certificate directly to your water utility, bringing you back into full compliance.

Don't let a small drip turn into a major headache. If your backflow preventer is leaking, protect your property and ensure your water's safety. Contact Atlas Backflow Services today for fast, reliable, and certified backflow repair in the Los Angeles area.