Backflow News

How to Replace a Backflow Preventer

Wednesday November 17, 2021

Are you wondering whether you should repair or replace your backflow assembly? Many a times, when an assembly fails, it’s hard to determine whether it needs to be replaced or whether it can simply be repaired. American Backflow provides the much sought after answers pertaining to the assembly repairing vs. replacing dilemma. Repairing vs. Replacing […]

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Pressure Loss in an RPZ Backflow

Friday August 27, 2021

I will be installing a 6-inch Reduced Pressure Principle Assembly on an existing system. Can you tell me what the “pressure loss” or CV factor is for that particular assembly? Mark This is a very common question that is asked by plumbing contractors, fire line contractors, and even engineers for new or retrofit backflow assembly […]

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Wilkins 975: How To Repair

Thursday June 24, 2021

I am working on a 1 ½” Wilkins 975 RPZ. I am having an issue with the second check valve failing the differential test but holding against backpressure. I have already replaced the check rubber and seat. Do I need to replace the spring or can I just stretch it to make it stronger? Doug: […]

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1” Febco 765: How To Repair

Thursday June 3, 2021

I have a 1” Febco 765 that I think has been damaged from freezing over the winter. Is it worth trying to repair this assembly or should I just replace it with a new one?  Can you give me some information on repairing this unit? Mark:  It is that time of year again. As spring […]

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Flomatic RPZ: How To Repair

Friday April 16, 2021

I am servicing a 1 1/2″ Flomatic RPZ (reduced pressure assembly). This is the first time that I have had to go inside this assembly. I was wondering if you guys could tell me a little more about this manufacturer and this model so I will be pre-pared. Doug: Although Danfoss Flomatic has been building […]

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Conbraco 40-200 (RP40): How To Repair

Wednesday March 31, 2021

I need to repair a 2” Conbraco 40-200. Can you guys give me a little overview of this device so that I’ll know what to expect when I arrive? Also let me know if I’ll need any special tools for disassembly. Mark: The Conbraco 40-200 (AKA RP40) started production in 1989 and was discontinued in […]

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4″ Febco LF850: How To Repair

Friday March 12, 2021

I am servicing a 4” Febco LF850. Is this unit different from the standard 850 model? What are the repair procedures for the check valves? Mark:  The 4″ Febco LF850 is a lead free double check valve assembly. Production of this series began in 2011. Although it may look similar in outward appearance, the internal […]

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Wilkins 720A: How To Repair

Thursday February 11, 2021

I have to repair a 1″ Wilkins 720A. Can you tell me if there are any special tools that I’ll need, or any helpful hints that will help with this repair? Doug: Before we go over the repair steps, let’s take a quick look at this unit. The Wilkins 720A is a pressure vacuum breaker […]

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Watts 709: How To Repair

Thursday January 28, 2021

I have a 6” Watts 709 double check valve assembly with a badly worn and pitted first check valve seat. I am planning to replace the seat, but upon inspection, I did not notice any bolts holding the seat into place. Are these seats threaded into the body? If so, do I need a special […]

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Wilkins 450DA: How To Repair

Monday January 25, 2021

I am working on a 4” Wilkins 450DA. Can you tell me how to remove the check valves and replace the check valve discs? Mark: The Wilkins 450DA is a double check detector assembly. The 450DA series is unique because it is designed to be used in the “N” shaped configuration. This unit has a […]

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