How To Repair a Backflow- A Quick Guide to a Reduced Pressure (RP) Back flow/ Febco 825Y

This video will help you identify the different parts for a Febco 835y and some basic repairs on this type of back flow device. Also, there are prices for repairs and parts at the end.
Maintaining your backflow preventer is essential for safeguarding your water supply from contamination. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the importance of backflow preventers, discuss their key components, and provide you with essential maintenance tips. Whether you have a FEBCO 765 backflow preventer or a similar model, this knowledge will help you keep your water system clean and safe.
Understanding Backflow Preventers
Backflow preventers are vital components of your plumbing system designed to ensure that water flows in only one direction, preventing the contamination of the public water supply. They consist of several critical parts, with the bonnet and poppet being two of the key components.
Key Components of a Backflow Preventer
1. Bonnet and Poppet: These components control the flow of water and are crucial for the preventer’s proper functioning.
2. Check Valves: Check valves allow water to flow in one direction only, preventing backflow.
3. Relief Valve: In the event of excessive pressure, the relief valve opens to release the pressure.
4. Ball Valve Shutoffs: These valves are used to shut off the water supply during maintenance or emergencies.
Maintenance Tips for Backflow Preventers
Proper maintenance of your backflow preventer is essential to ensure its continued effectiveness. Here are some key maintenance tips:
1. Regular Inspection: Periodically inspect your backflow preventer for signs of damage, leaks, or wear. Look for any visible cracks or corrosion.
2. Check Valve Operation: Test the check valves to ensure they open and close properly. If they don’t, it’s a sign that maintenance is needed.
3. Bonnet and Poppet Examination: The bonnet and poppet are subject to wear over time. If you notice signs of damage or wear, such as dry seals or O-ring issues, it’s time to replace them.
4. Clean the Preventer: Remove dirt, debris, and any contaminants from the backflow preventer. Make sure it’s clean and free from obstructions.
5. Check for Leaks: If you notice any water leaks or dripping from the preventer, address the issue promptly. Leaks can compromise the preventer’s function.
6. Pressure Relief Valve Inspection: Test the pressure relief valve to ensure it operates as intended. If it fails, have it repaired or replaced.
7. Lubricate Moving Parts: Some components may benefit from lubrication to ensure smooth operation. Be sure to use lubricants recommended by the manufacturer.
8. Winterization: In regions with cold winters, it’s crucial to properly winterize your backflow preventer to prevent damage from freezing temperatures. This may include draining the preventer and insulating it.
Replacing the Bonnet and Poppet
If you’ve identified issues with the bonnet and poppet, such as freezing, worn-out seals, O-ring problems, or damage, it’s important to replace them promptly. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do this:
1. Shut Off the Water: Close the ball valve shutoffs on both sides of the preventer to stop the water supply.
2. Release Pressure: Open the relief valve to release any built-up pressure within the system.
3. Disassemble the Preventer: Carefully disassemble the bonnet and poppet components. Be sure to note the order in which they were removed to aid in reassembly.
4. Inspect and Replace: Examine the removed bonnet and poppet for damage or wear. Replace them if necessary.
5. Reassemble the Preventer: Carefully reassemble the preventer in the reverse order of disassembly, ensuring all components are securely in place.
6. Test the Preventer: Turn the water supply back on and test the preventer to ensure it’s functioning properly.
Thanks for watching/ reading!
Febco 905045 Relief Valve Assembly Repair Kit for 3/4" 1" & 1-1/4" Febco 825-Y -YA -YS -YAS -YAR Backflow Preventer 905-045
Febco 825EBV 825Y Quarter Turn Reduced Pressure Zone Assembly, 1"
Febco 905045 Relief Valve Assembly Repair Kit for 3/4" 1" & 1-1/4" Febco 825-Y -YA -YS -YAS -YAR Backflow Preventer 905-045
back flow preventer
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#backflowrepair #febco825yrepair
#backflowprevention #backflowpreventerrepair

[@CapitalCityLandscape]

I have a backflow that is different than this one. It is a febco 765 . nice video btw

[@helpmylandscaping]

Thanks for your comment. I will make a complete video on that backflow, but I do have a video on how to replace a bonnet and poppit for the backflow. Let me know how else I can help😃

[@mwbiggs]

I have this valve and it is giving me some strange problems. I noticed a few days ago that one of my downstairs toilets' sounds like water is running a little through the pipes all the time. The only way to get it stop whining to cut off the main water valve to house. Well this morning, I saw that my Febco was leaking. I turned off both ball joints to it. But when I turned on main house water, the toilet still sounds like water is running (can't find water leak anywhere) again. A few days ago I tried isolating sprinkler system to see if that would fix issue. Febco made strange sound on returning pressure to it. Maybe I have two failures now. Maybe the Feco rubber gasket failed then, and there is somewhere else in my main water line (under cement slab maybe?) Any ideas? Also, I think I may have gotten back flow into main water lines. I guess a good water flush would do the trick.

[@helpmylandscaping]

Regarding the sound of water in the toilet- it could be the float inside the tank. Or the seal at the bottom that drops when flushed. The back flow could be something different. If you open the ball valve on the inlet side and shut off the outlet side ball valve, then more than likely, it isn’t the back flow. Either way I would recommend a licensed plumber to investigate the issues.

[@mwbiggs]

​I got a professional out to fix the water line. A copper line that went into the slab connecting the sink to the toilet line was leaking under the foundation. They fixed that. I am disassembling the back flow preventer now. It looks like one of the check valves rubber seats is pretty bad. I will order some new gaskets and seats. I am trying to take apart the relief valve. I got the 4 bolts out easy. But the cover is really stuck to the assembly. I tried tappng it lightly with hammer, but it is really stuck. The edge of the rubber diaphragm peaking out looks really weathered and hard. I'm guessing the sun practically baked the rubber and fused it with the brass. Any suggestions on how to unstick the cover? I can always use more force. The only thing I can easily grab on the cover is the brass relief valve. I don't want to break anything.@helpmylandscaping

[@helpmylandscaping]

@mwbiggs if there is still a water supply to the backflow, you can carefully turn it on and it will put pressure on the relieve valve. This might be enough to pop it loose. Be careful turning it on all the way, and don’t stand in front of it, or be too close when you turn the water on. Just a quick burst of water. If that doesn’t work, then slight tapping on it from different angles can loosen it too. If the diaphragm already looks like it needs replaced, then you may use a screwdriver and wedge it between the plate and the diaphragm too.