Backflow Prevention Installation & Replacement in Atlanta Metro

Is Your Water Suddenly Discolored, or Did You Get a Failed Test Notice?

Did you just receive a notice from your local water authority about a failed backflow test? Are you installing a new irrigation system and need to protect your water supply, or is your old device visibly leaking and corroded? These aren't just minor plumbing issues; they are critical warnings that your home's drinking water could be at risk of contamination. Head's Plumbing Sales and Service, Inc. is ready to install or replace your backflow preventer to ensure your family's water is safe.

Warning Signs You Need a New Backflow Preventer

Discolored or Foul-Smelling Water

If your tap water looks cloudy, brown, or has a strange tint, that's a major red flag. An unusual smell, like sulfur, metal, or sewage, is an even more urgent sign. This means contaminated water from an outside source—like your sprinkler system or a neighbor's plumbing—is likely being siphoned back into your potable water lines because your backflow device has failed or you don't have one at all.

Sudden, Unexplained Drop in Water Pressure

Are your showers weak or does it take forever to fill a pot in the sink? While several things can cause low pressure, a failing backflow preventer is a common culprit we see across the Atlanta Metro. The internal check valves or springs can get stuck or clogged with sediment, creating a bottleneck that chokes the water flow to your entire house.

Visible Leaks or Water Pooling Around the Device

A backflow preventer should be a sealed unit, period. If you see water dripping, spraying, or pooling around the assembly in your yard or basement, it's compromised. This is often caused by freeze damage from a cold snap, worn-out seals, or a cracked casing, and it means the device can no longer do its job of keeping your water supply isolated and safe.

A Failed Annual Test Report

Receiving an official failure notice from your municipality isn't just paperwork; it's a legal and a health warning. A certified tester has confirmed that your device's internal components are not holding the required pressure to stop a back-siphonage or back-pressure event. Ignoring this can lead to fines or even a water shutoff, and it leaves your home vulnerable to serious contamination.

Common Causes for Backflow Preventer Replacement

Aging and Worn-Out Internal Parts

Like any mechanical part, a backflow preventer wears out. After years of constant pressure and thousands of gallons of water flowing through it, the internal springs lose tension, rubber seals degrade, and check valves get fouled with mineral buildup. In many older Atlanta homes, these devices have simply reached the end of their service life and need to be replaced with modern, reliable equipment.

Environmental Damage from Weather and Exposure

Backflow devices, especially those installed outdoors for irrigation systems, take a beating from the elements. The intense summer sun can degrade plastic components, and even a mild Georgia freeze can be enough to crack the brass body or internal parts if it wasn't properly winterized. Once the device's integrity is compromised by a crack, replacement is the only safe option.

Incorrect Device or Improper Installation

We often find that the wrong type of backflow preventer was installed for the specific hazard. For example, a simple pressure vacuum breaker might have been used where a reduced pressure zone (RPZ) assembly was required by code for an irrigation system. A poor installation by an unlicensed handyman can also lead to constant leaks and premature failure, making a full replacement necessary to bring the system up to code.

Changes to Your Plumbing System

Your home’s plumbing isn't static. If you’ve added an extensive new irrigation system, a pool, or a boiler, you may have created new cross-connection risks that your old backflow preventer wasn't designed to handle. When your system's demands change, your protection needs to be upgraded as well, which often means replacing the main device with one rated for the new level of hazard.

What to Expect During Your Installation or Replacement Visit

When you call Head's Plumbing Sales and Service, Inc. for a backflow preventer replacement, you're getting a team built on generations of hands-on plumbing expertise. Our GA Certified Backflow Tester will arrive at your home and start with a complete diagnosis of your system. We don't just swap parts; we identify the root cause of the failure and assess any potential cross-connection risks throughout your property to ensure the new device is the correct one for your specific needs and local codes.

We’ll walk you through our findings and explain exactly what needs to be done and why, so you can make an informed decision. Once you approve the work, we’ll shut off the water main, carefully remove the old, failing unit, and prepare the pipes for the new installation. We only use high-quality, code-compliant backflow prevention assemblies designed for long-term reliability.

After the new device is professionally installed, we perform a rigorous, state-certified test to verify it is functioning perfectly and protecting your water supply. We then turn your water back on, check for proper flow and pressure, and clean up our work area completely. You’ll receive all the official testing documentation required by your local water authority, giving you peace of mind that the job was done right.

Backflow Prevention Installation & Replacement Coverage Across Atlanta Metro

Our family has served homeowners across the region since 1981, providing expert backflow prevention services to protect your home’s water supply. We have a certified technician ready to help in your neighborhood.

North Metro Atlanta: Marietta, GA, Smyrna, GA, Vinings, GA, Doraville, GA, Dunwoody, GA, Norcross, GA, Roswell, GA, Sandy Springs, GA

West Metro Atlanta: Lithia Springs, GA, Mableton, GA, Austell, GA, Douglasville, GA, Powder Springs, GA

Central & East Atlanta: Atlanta, GA, Decatur, GA, Avondale Estates, GA, Clarkston, GA, Grayson, GA, Scottdale, GA, Snellville, GA

Southeast Metro Atlanta: Forest Park, GA, Conley, GA, Ellenwood, GA, Hampton, GA, Jonesboro, GA, Locust Grove, GA, Lovejoy, GA, McDonough, GA, Morrow, GA, Redan, GA, Rex, GA, Riverdale, GA, Stockbridge, GA

Southwest Metro Atlanta: College Park, GA, East Point, GA, Fairburn, GA, Hapeville, GA, Union City, GA, Fayetteville, GA, Newnan, GA, Palmetto, GA, Peachtree City, GA, Sharpsburg, GA, Tyrone, GA

Related Services

Proper backflow prevention involves more than just installation. We also offer comprehensive backflow prevention repair for devices that can be salvaged, as well as annual backflow testing and certification to keep your home compliant with local water authority regulations and ensure your system is always ready to protect you.

Get Your Water Supply Secured the Right Way

Don't leave the safety of your family's drinking water to chance or a quick fix. A properly installed and functioning backflow preventer is one of the most important safety devices in your entire home. With a legacy of trust built since 1981, Head's Plumbing Sales and Service, Inc. delivers the professional, long-term solutions needed to protect your home.

If you suspect an issue or need a new backflow device installed, don't wait for a contamination event to happen. Reach out through our website today to schedule a visit with one of our certified specialists.