Wondering how to keep your water clean and your plumbing safe? Real homeowners trust these backflow preventers because no one wants dirty water flowing the wrong way.
First Things First—What’s a Backflow Preventer, Anyway?
Backflow preventers do one simple but extremely important job: they prevent dirty or used water from contaminating your clean water line. It might not sound like a big deal at first, but imagine garden water, pool water, or even water from the street ending up in your kitchen tap. Yikes.
That’s where the best backflow preventer comes in. Whether you’re hooking up a sprinkler system, garden hose, or just updating your home’s plumbing, having one installed gives peace of mind—and sometimes, it’s required by your city.
How to Pick the Right One for Your Homemaintena
Shopping for a backflow preventer isn’t something people do every day, so it’s normal to feel unsure. Here are a few things to think about before buying:
- What’s it for? Lawn sprinklers? Main water line? Just a garden hose?
- Where do you live? Cold weather needs freeze-proof options.
- DIY or professional? Some are plug-and-play, others might need a pro.
- Water pressure? High-pressure homes need sturdier builds.
- Local codes? Some cities only accept certain approved models.
Let’s break down the top picks so you don’t have to second-guess.
These Are the 10 Best Backflow Preventers That Homeowners Use
These picks are based on real-world use, performance over time, ease of installation, and—of course—what actual customers are saying about them.
Watts 009M2QT Double Check Valve
Best Overall Choice for Most Homes
Reliable, long-lasting, and fits most common plumbing setups. This model is a go-to for a reason. It checks all the boxes: quality, performance, and ease.
✔️ Great for sprinkler or main line use
✔️ Stainless steel parts = no rust worries
✔️ Mid-range price with top-tier protection
Zurn Wilkins 1-975XL2
Best Option for Cold Weather
Live in a place where winter hits hard? This one’s made for freezing temps and won’t crack under pressure.
✔️ Rugged bronze body
✔️ Built for tough climates
✔️ Super durable and corrosion-resistant
Febco 765 PVB
Best for Lawn and Garden Systems
If you’ve got an irrigation setup or a green thumb, this one’s ideal. It’s made specifically for outdoor water lines and keeps the garden safe.
✔️ Easy for DIYers
✔️ Fits most lawn systems
✔️ Budget-friendly without cutting corners
Apollo Valves 4A505T2
Best for High-Pressure Homes
Got strong water pressure at home? This one’s made for it. It won’t wear down or leak over time like cheaper options.
✔️ Solid brass construction
✔️ Works great under pressure
✔️ Built to handle daily use
Watts LF909QT
Best Long-Term Value
This model’s a favorite for folks who want serious protection and zero headaches down the line. It’s especially good for older homes with more complex setups.
✔️ Lead-free and safe
✔️ Reduced pressure zone design
✔️ A little pricey—but worth every penny
Homewerks VACBFPZ4B
Best for Quick and Easy Installs
Just need a basic fix for your outdoor spigot? This one’s simple, effective, and super easy to install without any tools.
✔️ Great for hose bibs
✔️ Takes minutes to set up
✔️ Lightweight and dependable
Rain Bird CP100
Best for Automatic Irrigation Systems
Rain Bird is a well-known brand in the irrigation world, and this model shows why.
✔️ Designed for automated setups
✔️ Rust-proof design
✔️ Works well with irrigation timers
Wilkins 375XL
Best for Older Homes With Risky Water Lines
This one’s for people dealing with older plumbing or slightly unpredictable setups. It’s a heavy-duty unit with dual protection.
✔️ Combines double-check and RPZ
✔️ Handles water pressure changes like a pro
✔️ Good pick for serious water safety
Orbit 67759 Anti-Siphon Valve
Best for Hose Connections
Worried about dirty hose water going the wrong way? This attaches right to the spigot and stops that from happening.
✔️ Quick install
✔️ Great for everyday home use
✔️ Small but mighty
Caleffi 573 Series
Best Compact Choice for Tight Spaces
Need something small that fits under the sink or in tight corners? This sleek Italian-made valve does the trick without taking up much room.
✔️ Smart and compact
✔️ Great for indoor systems
✔️ Clean finish and smooth performance
People Also Ask: How Often Should You Replace a Backflow Preventer?
It depends. If it’s being used regularly, especially outdoors or in hard water areas, plan on replacing or at least servicing it every 5–10 years. Annual inspections are a good idea—some areas even require it.
What Happens if You Don’t Have a Backflow Preventer?
The short answer: contamination. Water from outside sources (like your garden hose or sprinkler system) can flow backward into your clean drinking water. It sounds rare, but it happens more often than you’d think. And when it does, it’s not just gross—it can be dangerous.
So, Which Backflow Preventer Should You Get?
If you want one that does it all, go for the Watts 009M2QT. It’s reliable, solidly built, and works in a wide range of setups. If you live somewhere with cold winters, the Zurn Wilkins is a safe bet. And if you’re just looking to protect your garden hose, the Orbit 67759 has your back.
Final Tip Before You Buy
Make sure to double-check your city’s plumbing codes. Some areas have strict rules about which type of preventer you can install. And if you’re unsure, give your local plumber a quick call—they’ll point you in the right direction.
