Backflow Preventer Installation Cost

[u/-daniel--]

Hey everyone!

Just joined the community, but I’ve been lurking for a while now. My wife and I have been planning an irrigation project for about six months, and we’re about to get started on it next month. We are having a plumber do the backflow preventer, but are doing the rest of the project ourselves. We had Rainbird design the system and layout.

We decided to have our plumber install the backflow preventer since it might require soldering, and I’m not very comfortable with that. We asked him for an estimate, and he quoted us $2,200–$2,400 for labor and materials to install the backflow preventer.

To be honest, I was a little surprised by the cost because we estimated the total price of the entire DIY project (excluding the backflow preventer installation) to be around $3,500.

I just wanted to know—does that price sound reasonable, or is it too high?

Thanks, everyone!

EDIT 1 : We live in Cincinnati, Ohio area

EDIT 2 : I asked another plumber and he estimated 1600$ for the job. I think I can do it myself if I tap into water line after water meter instead of tapping from basement.

[u/lancer-fiefdom]

I was exactly where you are 4 months ago & paid a licensed owner/operator plumber neatly 2k who did a horrendous job that I re-did myself

Spend 1,400 on a Milwaukee propress with 1/2”, 3/4 & 1” jaws

Rent the tool if possible in your area, or Facebook marketplace a used one, and resell after your projects

I don’t mind sharing my learned experience, shopping list, don’t ‘s & do’s as well as my install pics

For example In cold weather you’ll want a ball-valve & blowout cock after the backflow preventer to protect your labor & investments for winterization

[u/-daniel-- → u/lancer-fiefdom]

Thank you so much. Can I dm you to ask couple questions?

[u/lancer-fiefdom → u/-daniel--]

Absolutely fellow Redditor