What Can I Do To Extend the Lifespan of My Backflow Preventer?
- bill57931
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
Keeping your backflow preventer healthy saves money, reduces downtime, and helps you stay compliant with Los Angeles water regulations. The good news: a few smart habits can add years to the life of your device.
Below, Atlas Backflow Services shares practical, field-tested tips our backflow testing Los Angeles experts recommend to maximize longevity for RP, DC, PVB, DCDA, and RPDA assemblies.
Quick answer (what to do right now)
Control pressure and water hammer with a pressure-reducing valve (PRV), expansion tank, and arrestors.
Shield the assembly from sun, heat, freezing snaps, flooding, and debris with a proper enclosure and drainage.
Exercise valves quarterly and keep test cocks clean and capped.
Maintain water quality: clean strainers, flush lines, and manage sediment/hardness.
Test annually and after “events” (repairs, earthquakes, meter changes). Fix small leaks promptly.
Use certified pros and OEM-grade parts. Document everything.
Our backflow testing Los Angeles experts recommend turning these into calendarized habits so maintenance is predictable, quick, and budget-friendly.
Why lifespan matters
Lower total cost of ownership: A well-maintained RP or DC can last 10–20 years or more; neglect accelerates wear on checks, springs, and seals.
Fewer disruptions: Failing assemblies can trigger water shutoffs, failed inspections, or emergency repairs.
Insurance and compliance: Clean documentation and consistent performance help you avoid fines and insurance headaches.
10 ways to extend the life of your backflow preventer
Manage system pressure and water hammer
Install/maintain a PRV when static pressure regularly exceeds manufacturer recommendations (often ~80 psi).
Add water hammer arrestors for fast-closing fixtures (ice machines, solenoid valves, irrigation zones).
Maintain thermal expansion control on closed systems (domestic hot water): a properly sized expansion tank reduces pressure spikes that fatigue checks and relief valves.
Our backflow testing Los Angeles experts recommend logging pressure at the device during testing to catch trends early.
Protect the assembly from the elements
UV and heat: Sun-baked plastics crack and elastomers harden. Use a ventilated, lockable enclosure or sunshade.
Freeze protection: LA is mild, but cold snaps happen. Insulate exposed piping; for PVBs and RPs, consider insulated covers rated for wet environments.
Flooding and debris: Keep RPs elevated with clear drainage below the relief valve. Clear landscaping, mulch, and soil from around vaults and housings.
Our backflow testing Los Angeles experts recommend at least 12 inches of clear space around the assembly and unobstructed relief discharge.
Anchor and support for seismic safety
Rigid supports and seismic bracing prevent torsion and joint stress during earthquakes.
Flexible connectors where appropriate help absorb movement.
In LA, seismic movement is a real wear factor. Atlas Backflow Services can assess support spacing and anchorage to extend seal and joint life.
Keep the water clean at the device
Strainers: Install and clean inlet strainers where sediment is present (common after main breaks or construction).
Line flushing: Flush upstream lines after repairs, meter swaps, or idle periods before water flows through the backflow.
Hard water management: Mineral scale can seize checks. Consider upstream conditioning or scheduled descaling where hardness is high.
Our backflow testing Los Angeles experts recommend cleaning strainers at least annually and after any utility work nearby.
Exercise and lubricate moving parts (correctly)
Quarterly valve exercise: Slowly close and reopen inlet/outlet shutoffs to keep stems and seats moving smoothly.
Use food-grade, manufacturer-approved lubricants sparingly on appropriate parts during rebuilds—never contaminate check sealing surfaces.
Don’t overtighten: Excess torque on test cocks and bonnet bolts can warp bodies or crush seals.
Keep test cocks healthy
Cap every test cock when not in use to block insects, dust, and vandalism.
Replace worn washers and o-rings during annual testing or rebuilds to prevent weeping that leads to corrosion.
Our backflow testing Los Angeles experts recommend carrying spare test cock kits and replacing at the first sign of wear.
Proactive leak management
Address “minor” drips immediately: Weeping relief valves on RPs or slow shutoff leaks can escalate into internal corrosion or nuisance discharges.
Check for hidden leaks: Vaulted DCs may hold water that masks slow leaks; pump out vaults and inspect routinely.
Smart testing cadence and documentation
Annual testing minimum (or as required by LADWP/AHJ); high-hazard sites may need more frequent checks.
After-events testing: Retest after repairs, meter changes, seismic activity, or line pressure changes.
Keep a clean paper trail: Store reports, calibration certificates, and repair notes for 5 years.
Our backflow testing Los Angeles experts recommend aligning testing with other life safety inspections to streamline access and reduce costs.
Use OEM-quality parts and calibrated instruments
OEM or equivalent, certified kits maintain original performance specs. Cheap parts often fail early.
Calibrated test gauges: Annual, NIST-traceable calibration ensures readings are accurate, preventing unnecessary rebuilds or missed failures.
Protect from people, pets, and vehicles
Install a lockable cage to deter theft and tampering.
Add bollards or curbing where vehicles could strike the assembly (parking lots, alleys).
Clear signage to prevent landscaping crews from damaging piping or enclosure hardware.
Our backflow testing Los Angeles experts recommend a quick site risk audit for every new installation or remodel.
Device-specific longevity tips
RP (Reduced Pressure) assemblies:
Keep the relief valve discharge path clear and sized for maximum flow. Backpressure or blocked drains cause chronic relief leakage.
Avoid installing below grade unless the vault is designed with reliable drainage. Moisture shortens component life.
DC (Double Check) assemblies:
In vaults, ensure sumps and pumps keep the device dry. Standing water corrodes springs and fasteners.
Install upstream strainers to reduce debris on check seats.
PVB (Pressure Vacuum Breaker) on irrigation:
Winterize before cold snaps (drain and insulate).
Install at least 12 inches above the highest downstream outlet to keep the air inlet operating properly.
Fire line DCDA/RPDA:
Coordinate with sprinkler inspections; stagnant loops can accumulate scale—periodic flushing extends check life.
Exercise OS&Y or butterfly valves under supervision to prevent seizure.
Common mistakes that shorten lifespan
Skipping maintenance because “it’s still passing.” Internal wear compounds; a proactive rebuild is cheaper than emergency replacement.
Blocking RP relief discharge with landscaping or covers.
Using pipe dope or sealant on test ports that contaminates checks.
Ignoring pressure spikes from PRV failures or failed expansion tanks.
Letting vaults flood due to clogged sumps or power outages.
Our backflow testing Los Angeles experts recommend a quick annual site checklist that includes drainage, supports, enclosure condition, and pressure logging, not just the pass/fail test.
Signs it’s time to service or replace
Frequent relief valve discharge, even at normal pressures.
Recurrent failures right after passing tests (indicates marginal components).
Corrosion on bolts, springs, or body; seized shutoffs.
Parts no longer available for your model (end-of-life).
Atlas Backflow Services can quote rebuild vs. replacement so you can choose the most economical path.
How Atlas Backflow Services extends your device life
Certified testing and diagnostics: Accurate readings with calibrated gauges and detailed reports.
Targeted maintenance: Strainer cleaning, valve exercise, lubrication, and OEM-grade rebuild kits.
Environmental hardening: Enclosures, drainage improvements, seismic supports, and anti-tamper cages.
After-event support: Rapid retesting after utility work or earthquakes.
Compliance made easy: We submit reports to your AHJ and maintain a 5-year digital archive so you’re always audit-ready.
Our backflow testing Los Angeles experts recommend an annual “health check” pairing your test with a preventive maintenance plan. It’s the simplest way to add years to your assembly while minimizing surprises.
Ready to add years to your backflow preventer?
Extend lifespan, protect water quality, and stay inspection-ready with Atlas Backflow Services. Schedule your annual test and preventive maintenance today—our backflow testing Los Angeles experts recommend getting on a proactive calendar so your system stays reliable, compliant, and cost-effective all year long.