Sprinkler Backflow Preventer Repair (Sugar Land: 2013, insurance, how much)

[Htown2013]

How much does it cost to have a sprinkler system backflow preventer replaced, and who actually does the replacement?

I'm quite annoyed that I put a lot of effort to protect mine and the darn thing still froze. This cold snap really sucks. I'm actually thinking it's better to NOT shutoff supply and NOT drain the preventer and just insulate add source of heat to that area within the insulation (Christmas lights or hot water in a pot below if lose power)

If vendors are gouging I'm OK doing without this year or attempting to replace it myself if its not hard. I'm just not equipped to replace the shutoff valve feeding the backflow preventer - that shutoff valve survived the freeze just fine and is still holding the water back, as I have no idea where the shutoff to that supply is.

[mojo101]

how old is your sprinkler system?
the company which install these systems would know how to fix it
I used Southwest irrigation systems to replace my old Febco PVB with freeze relief valve and broken sprinkler head.
they are in SUgarland,TX,may be in your city too

[Htown2013]

Originally Posted by mojo101

how old is your sprinkler system?
the company which install these systems would know how to fix it
I used Southwest irrigation systems to replace my old Febco PVB with freeze relief valve and broken sprinkler head.
they are in SUgarland,TX,may be in your city too

I'm in Sugar Land and have a 13 year old Febco backflow preventer that froze. I have no idea who installed it, as we aren't the original owners and the documentation we were given is severely lacking, other than the control unit, which works fine. How much did they cost? Please PM me cost if you don't mind.

[mojo101]

mine is $575 in 2018.including labor.

[Htown2013]

Originally Posted by mojo101

mine is $575 in 2018.including labor.

Good grief!! That much just to replace a simple backflow preventer you can buy for $75-85 in 2021, or was there more than that??

[WRM20]

When ours froze 6 or 7 years ago, it was $250 to replace, with labor. We haven't had an issue since then, after I learned how to drain the backflow preventer by opening the drain screws. Worst case, take the top off.

[mojo101]

Originally Posted by Htown2013

Good grief!! That much just to replace a simple backflow preventer you can buy for $75-85 in 2021, or was there more than that??

there is a minimum labor charge of 95.labor of licensed technician and asistant$.47, PVBwailkens 1" $195,PVC schedule 40 fitttings 1/4 -1" $20,PVC schedule 40 pipe per bell $30,glue and primer as neccessary $13,PVB insulation and tape $25,additional parts $0,wilkins freeze relief valve $150.
it is worth it,as no problem during the winter storm,it is set up to prevent freezing

[Htown2013]

Originally Posted by WRM20

When ours froze 6 or 7 years ago, it was $250 to replace, with labor. We haven't had an issue since then, after I learned how to drain the backflow preventer by opening the drain screws. Worst case, take the top off.

For 2018 freeze, I covered everything really good and didn't drain. No issues. 2021, because of the forecast, I depressurized it, and opened the relief/drain screws - did everything I was told to do. Also covered it really good. When I go to pressurize, a whole bunch of water comes up through the top of the backflow preventer. WTH???

I'm just so sick of wasting money. Feeling stressed between insurance going up, groceries going up, getting no raise/bonus, but still making ever so slightly above to get nothing for a stimulus - had they not lowered the threshold at the last minute, would have gotten majority of it. Ticked.

[houston-nomad]

Same thing happened to ours. I've been putting off dealing with it. Stupid thing to have to spend money repairing.

Also, right there with you on the rest of it. I'm happy we're finally making more money these days, but it sucks that after decades of struggling, help is finally here for working families and we're not benefitting.

[adjusterjack]

There are parts kits you can buy and youtube videos on how to repair them without having to disconnect anything. I was surprised at how easy it is.