Backflow Preventer Dripping

Renato

The backflow preventer is dripping on my heating system. Is this normal? Should the outlet (1" dia, 1" long cylinder coming out of bottom of valve) be routed via a hose to the floor drain? Right now it drips on my basement floor. We've lived in this house for 4 yrs and never seen water dripping from this valve.

tim smith

backflow leak

The outlet relief line should go to a drain or if approved by inspector to the outside. They are not suppose to leak, you may need to have the backflow serviced.

John S_2

backflow preventer

If it really is the backflow preventer and it's dripping then it's likely doing what it's designed to do. It drips on the floor so you'll call a plumber to fix the problem instead of ignoring it like you would if it just went to a drain.

Unknown

99 percent of them

99 percent of them leaks or stuck shut which I don't replace them as they are more trouble than they worth, the pressure reducing valves on heating systems been doing their jobs for years and never had problems til same get clogged from INCOMING water not other way around... Til they make and prove a better backflow units, I'll use them again... Watts units are totally junks.

Ken_40

It is not supposed to leak!

But may, if you recently turned the water off in the house to fix a hose bibb, sink faucet or toilet?

They are required by code, but can be a pain. Just like the safety relief valve atop the boiler, no provisions are really necessary for the thing to be near a drain. If it leaks on the floor, it is faulty and must be replaced.

The cause of the problem should be examined however; so it won't happen again!

For now, put a coffee can under it. Perhaps use the "Find a Professional" link at the top left of this page to get a qualified pro to help. Simply replacing the BFP is all taht's usually required, but just in case... you don't want a repeat! Get a pro to scope it out, unless you're more than just a pair of hands around the house? Some torch work may be required.

Unknown

The code is there for a reason.

I know someone will post the link to the Center for Disease Control or other Goverment organization with the results and case studies about backflow prevention.

You dont want the boiler water leaking back into the potable water system. Glycol poisoning and all other kinds of health problems can result.

Backflow preventers are a pain, but with proper Isolation valves they can be cleaned, flushed, and checked when needed.

- Norm

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Dave Belisle

RPZ dripping

A problem we have been having for the last four or five years is a water hammer that is only showing up at the backflow on the boiler feed. It is being caused by the use PEX of tubing , before you guys go off the deep end ,it is the only problem PEX is causing us. I love the stuff.

You will need a plumber or someone who repairs backflows to install a repair kit if it is a RPZ. As those things are above what a home owner is going to be able to rebuild.
If it is something like a 9D just replace it.

What we have done to solve this problem is install a 1/2 spring loaded soft seat check with a brass close nipple into the inlet valve of the RPZ or backflow. This stops the valve from operating constantly and it won't where parts,
Also it will only be a matter of time before something gets caught in one of the checks causing it to leak.....

Dave in NH