American Backflow Products Company

What American Backflow Products Company does

American Backflow Products Company is a privately held industrial distributor founded in 1976 and headquartered in Tallahassee, Florida. The company specializes in OEM and aftermarket backflow preventer repair parts, complete assemblies, testing equipment, specialty tools, and related waterworks components, distributing products from 15+ manufacturers including Watts, Wilkins (Zurn), Apollo/Conbraco, Febco, Ames, Cla-Val, Beeco, Deringer, Hersey, Rain Bird, Flomatic, and A.R.I. It claims the largest backflow parts inventory in the United States, covering assembly sizes from 1/4 inch to 12 inches, and offers same-day shipping with 1-2 day nationwide delivery from its single Tallahassee warehouse.

The company's core product offering is organized across nine categories: repair parts, complete assemblies, specialty tools, accessories, testing equipment, enclosures and cages, shutoff valves, automatic control valves (ACV), and fire protection equipment. Revenue is generated primarily through hardware sales of these distributed parts via its e-commerce site (backflowparts.com) and phone-based ordering, supplemented by a backflow test kit calibration service priced at $109.99 per unit. The company differentiates itself from pure e-commerce competitors through free phone and live chat technical support staffed by experienced technicians, a proprietary Backflow Preventer Repair Manual, an online repair matrix tool, instructional videos, and step-by-step repair procedures.

American Backflow's go-to-market targets a horizontal customer base of professional plumbers, irrigation technicians, fire protection contractors, and DIY homeowners across the United States. Professional and retail account registration is available, and the company supports professional associations including ABPA chapters, USC and ASSE backflow approvals, and IAPMO. The business is operated by a team of approximately 25-35 staff under a leadership team including a Chief Operating Officer (Mark Inman), General Manager (Johnathon Cotton), and National Sales Manager (Doug Taylor), with a dedicated Fire & Control Valve Division (John Sloniker) handling ACV and fire protection product lines. No public funding, acquisitions, or institutional investment is disclosed.

Name

American Backflow Products Company

Legal name

American Backflow Products Company

Website

https://backflowparts.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1976

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

American Backflow Products Company is a privately held Tallahassee-based industrial distributor, founded in 1976, that sells OEM backflow preventer repair parts, complete assemblies, testing equipment, and fire protection products from 15+ manufacturers to plumbers, technicians, contractors, and DIY homeowners across the United States.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Plumbing Equipment Distribution

NAICS

Refrigeration Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers (42374), Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive and Electronic) Repair and Maintenance (811310)

SIC

Wholesale-Professional & Commercial Equipment & Supplies (5040), Wholesale-Machinery, Equipment & Supplies (5080)

akta.pro primary industry

Backflow Preventer Repair & Rebuild (HSAOALAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Backflow Device Testing & Certification (HSAOALAA), Backflow Preventer Installation & Replacement (HSAOALAB), Backflow Prevention Testing & Service (Fire/Water Systems) (IMAIAJAG), Backflow Preventer Maintenance & Winterization (HSAOALAD)

Keywords

• Backflow preventer parts
• Plumbing parts distribution
• Test kit calibration
• Fire protection equipment
• Automatic control valves

Headquarters

HQ city

Tallahassee

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Parts and Products Distribution: The company generates revenue by selling backflow preventer repair parts, complete assemblies, specialty tools, testing equipment, accessories, shutoff valves, ACV control valves, fire protection equipment, and enclosures/cages sourced from multiple manufacturers including Ames, Apollo/Conbraco, A.R.I., Beeco, Cla-Val, Deringer, Febco, Flomatic, Hersey, Rain Bird, Watts, Wilkins, and others. Revenue is derived from product sales with pricing either listed (for some items) or requiring account/login to view.
2. Test Kit Calibration Services: The company offers backflow test kit calibration services at $109.99 per calibration, including shipping. This is a service-based revenue stream performed by their gauge calibration department.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels3 records

Core offering

American Backflow Products Company distributes OEM backflow preventer repair parts, complete backflow assemblies, specialty repair tools, testing equipment, accessories, enclosures, shutoff valves, automatic control valves, and fire protection equipment sourced from all major manufacturers (Ames, Apollo/Conbraco, A.R.I., Beeco, Cla-Val, Deringer, Febco, Flomatic, Hersey, Rain Bird, Watts, Wilkins, and others). It also offers a paid gauge calibration service at $109.99 per unit and publishes a Backflow Preventer Repair Manual, operating through its e-commerce storefront and phone-based sales with same-day shipping nationwide.

Product overview

American Backflow Products Company operates as the nation's leading distributor of backflow assembly repair parts, repair information, and technical assistance through its e-commerce platform at backflowparts.com. The company offers a comprehensive product portfolio organized across nine main categories: Repair Parts (OEM replacement components for backflow preventers from brands including Ames, Apollo/Conbraco, ARI, Beeco, Cla-Val, Deringer, Febco, Flomatic, Hersey, Rain Bird, Watts, and Wilkins); Complete Assemblies (pre-built backflow prevention units); Specialty Tools (seat removal tools, check tools, and repair instruments); Accessories (theft prevention, check valves, strainers, meters, arrestors, and test fittings); Testing Equipment (test kits, gauges, and calibration services from Duke Barton, Mid-West, Watts, and Arbiter); Enclosures & Cages (protective housings and freeze protection); Shutoff Valves (OS&Y, NRS, butterfly, and ball valves); Automatic Control Valves (ACV repair parts); and Fire Protection Equipment (fire pump repack kits, relief valves, and accessories). The company also provides gauge calibration services and publishes a Backflow Preventer Repair Manual. With same-day shipping, 1-2 day delivery nationwide, and free technical assistance, the platform serves plumbers, technicians, contractors, and DIY homeowners across the United States.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Backflow Repair Parts OEM replacement parts for backflow preventers across multiple manufacturers including Ames, Apollo/Conbraco, A.R.I., Beeco, Cla-Val, Deringer, Febco, Flomatic, Hersey, Rain Bird, Watts, and Wilkins. Parts cover assembly sizes from 1/4 inch to 12 inches.
• Complete Backflow Assemblies Pre-assembled backflow prevention units ready for installation, available from Ames, Apollo/Conbraco, A.R.I., Beeco, Deringer, Febco, Watts, and Wilkins brands.
• Specialty Tools Specialized repair and maintenance tools including seat removal tools, check tools, check removal tools, clapper retainer clips, repair bolts, and general tools for backflow assembly repair, stocked from Ames, Apollo/Conbraco, Febco, Flomatic, Watts, Wilkins, and Universal.
• Backflow Preventer Repair Manual A comprehensive printed manual providing step-by-step instructions for repairing backflow assemblies, diagnosing problems, and replacing parts, written for plumbers, technicians, contractors, and DIY homeowners.
• Accessories Supporting products including theft prevention devices, soft seated check valves, wye strainers, flange accessories, lube, water meters, water hammer arrestors, thermal expansion tanks, freeze protection valves, backflow tags, and test fittings/adapters.
• Testing Equipment Backflow testing equipment including test kits, gauges, test fittings, and related accessories from brands such as Duke Barton, Mid-West Instrument, Watts, and Arbiter (Mako).
• Gauge Calibration Services Backflow test kit calibration service ensuring accurate differential pressure readings, including 100% manufacturer warranty honoring, 1-2 day turnaround, and service for all gauge models. Priced at $109.99 per calibration including shipping.
• Enclosures & Cages Protective enclosures and cages for backflow valves including SafeTCover enclosures, small and large fiberglass enclosures, rock-style enclosures, backflow cages, and insulated bags for freeze protection.
• Shutoff Valves Shutoff valves including Outside Stem & Yoke (OS&Y) gate valves, Non-Rising Stem (NRS) gate valves, Butterfly Gate Valves (BGV), general use ball valves, gear operated ball valves with tamper switches, bolt & gasket kits, test cocks, and OSY packing repair kits.
• Automatic Control Valves (ACV) Automatic control valve repair parts and replacement valves from Ames, Apollo/Conbraco, Bermad, Cla-Val, Flomatic, OCV, Singer, Watts, and Zurn/Wilkins manufacturers.
• Fire Protection Equipment Fire pump products including repack kits from AC Pump, Pentair Aurora, Fairbanks Morse, Patterson, Peerless, and SPP; fire pump accessories such as gauges, coupling guards, packing materials, and alignment tools; casing relief valves, fire pump relief valves, pressure switches, pressure reducing valves, hose valves, test headers, riser equipment, altitude control valves, and supervisory/flow switches.

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

22 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Apollo / ConbracocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmerican Backflow distributes Apollo/Conbraco backflow preventer products including pressure vacuum breakers, double check valve assemblies, double check detector assemblies, reduced pressure assemblies, and reduced pressure detector assemblies. Popular models include 40-500, PVB-4A, 40-100, DC-4A, RP-4A, DCDA-4A, and RPDA-4A. Sizes range from 1/4" to 12".
• WattscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmerican Backflow distributes Watts brand backflow preventer products across all types including pressure vacuum breakers, double check valve assemblies, reduced pressure assemblies, and detector assemblies. Popular models include 009, 909, 919, 994, 957, 007, 709, 719, 774, 757, 800M4, and 008. Sizes from 1/4" to 12".
• Wilkins (Zurn)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmerican Backflow distributes Wilkins (Zurn) backflow preventer products across all types including pressure vacuum breakers, double check valve assemblies, reduced pressure assemblies, and detector assemblies. Popular models include 720A, 420XL, 950XL, 950XLT2, 350XL, 350AST, 350DA, 975, 975XL, 375, and 375XL. Sizes from 1/4" to 12".
• FebcocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmerican Backflow distributes Febco backflow preventer products across all types including pressure vacuum breakers, double check valve assemblies, reduced pressure assemblies, and detector assemblies. Popular models include 765, 805Y, 805YD, 850, LF850, 870V, 806YD, LF856, 825Y, 860, LF860, and LF880V. Sizes from 1/2" to 10".
• A.R.I.minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmerican Backflow distributes A.R.I. backflow preventer products including pressure vacuum breakers, double check valve assemblies, and reduced pressure assemblies. Popular models include VB-501, DC-500, DC-501, RP-500, and RP-501. Sizes from 1/2" to 2".
• BeecominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmerican Backflow distributes Beeco backflow preventer products including pressure vacuum breakers, double check valve assemblies, double check detector assemblies, reduced pressure assemblies, and reduced pressure detector assemblies. Popular models include PVB, FDC, DCDA, FRP, and RPDA. Sizes from 1/2" to 10".
• Cla-ValminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmerican Backflow distributes Cla-Val backflow preventer products including double check valve assemblies, double check detector assemblies, reduced pressure assemblies, and reduced pressure detector assemblies. Also distributes Cla-Val control valves and fire pump accessories including the 34AR air release valve and 55L-60 casing relief valve.
• DeringerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmerican Backflow distributes Deringer backflow preventer products including double check valve assemblies, double check detector assemblies, reduced pressure assemblies, and reduced pressure detector assemblies. Popular models include Model 20, Model 20X, Model 30, Model 30X, Model 40, Model 40X, Model 50, and Model 50X. Sizes from 1/2" to 8".
• FlomaticminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmerican Backflow distributes Flomatic backflow preventer products including double check valve assemblies, double check detector assemblies, reduced pressure assemblies, and reduced pressure detector assemblies. Also distributes Flomatic control valves. Popular models include PVB, DCV, DCVE, RPZ, RPZE, RPZII, and RPZIIE.
• HerseyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmerican Backflow distributes Hersey backflow preventer products including double check valve assemblies, double check detector assemblies, reduced pressure assemblies, and reduced pressure detector assemblies. Popular models include FDC, No. 2, DDC, FRPII, and 6CM.
• Rain BirdminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmerican Backflow distributes Rain Bird backflow preventer products including double check valve assemblies, double check detector assemblies, reduced pressure assemblies, and reduced pressure detector assemblies. Popular models include PVB, DC, DCA, DCQT, DCQT-1, RP, RPA, and RPQT.
• Mid-West InstrumentminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmerican Backflow distributes Mid-West backflow test kits including models 830, 835, 845-3, 845-5, 845-5-NP, and 855, along with hose sets and accessories.
• Duke Barton (Barton Test Gauges)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmerican Backflow distributes Duke Barton (Barton) test gauges including 3-inch and 6-inch dial models.
• Arbiter (Mako Test Kits)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmerican Backflow distributes Arbiter (Mako) backflow test kits including models MK3 and MK5.
• BermadminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmerican Backflow distributes Bermad automatic control valves and repair parts.
• OCV (Operating Control Valve)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmerican Backflow distributes OCV (Operating Control Valve) automatic control valves. OCV is described as a global leader in manufacturing and supplying automatic control valves for waterworks, fire protection, aviation fueling, and commercial plumbing applications.
• SingerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmerican Backflow distributes Singer automatic control valves and repair parts.
• SafeTCoverminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmerican Backflow distributes SafeTCover enclosures for backflow valve protection.
• Cla-Val (Fire Pump Products)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBeyond standard backflow products, American Backflow distributes Cla-Val fire pump products including the 50B/2050B-4KG1 angle or globe fire pump relief valve, 34AR air release valve, and 55L-60 casing relief valve.
• KunkleminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmerican Backflow distributes Kunkle fire pump products including the Model 20 casing relief valve factory set at 175 PSI.
• Watson McDanielminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmerican Backflow distributes Watson McDaniel fire pump products including the 3/4" casing relief valve (75-300 PSI).
• AC Pump, Pentair Aurora, Fairbanks Morse, Patterson, Peerless, SPP (Fire Pump Manufacturers)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAmerican Backflow distributes fire pump repack kits from AC Pump, Pentair Aurora, Fairbanks Morse, Patterson, Peerless, and SPP. These kits include packing rings, lantern rings, swing bolts, cover gaskets, bearings, seals, and sleeves.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Ferguson Enterprises: Largest US plumbing and water-management distributor; carries Watts, Zurn, and other backflow lines at scale. Comparable because it serves the same plumbing-trade customer base with the same OEM brands, but is a broad-line distributor rather than a backflow specialist.
• HD Supply / White Cap: National construction and plumbing distributor serving contractors, including water-system and backflow parts. Comparable on customer base and distribution model, but operates across a far wider product portfolio.
• Winsupply: Co-op-style wholesale distributor serving plumbing contractors with repair parts and OEM product lines. Comparable in serving the plumbing-trade channel with multi-brand inventory, but at a much larger scale and broader scope.
• Watts Water Technologies: Major OEM of backflow preventers (009, 909, 919 series) and other water products. Comparable because it is both a brand carried by the subject and increasingly a direct seller of parts online, creating channel conflict.
• Zurn Industries (Wilkins): Manufacturer of Wilkins backflow preventers (720A, 950XL, 375 series) and broader water-management products. Comparable as a core OEM partner and as a direct competitor for parts sales.
• Apollo Valves (Conbraco): Manufacturer of backflow preventers and valves distributed by the subject. Comparable as a key OEM partner with growing direct e-commerce presence that could disintermediate the distributor channel.
• Febco: Manufacturer of backflow preventers (765, 805Y, 850, 870V series). Comparable as an OEM partner whose direct-sales posture is a structural risk to third-party distributors.
• Reliance Worldwide Corporation: Global water-control products manufacturer including backflow solutions. Comparable as a large, branded supplier in the same category with potential direct-to-customer threat.

Direct peers

• PlumbMaster: Specialty plumbing parts distributor serving professional contractors. Comparable because it focuses on plumbing repair parts and OEM product distribution, mirroring the subject's GTM motion with similar SKUs.
• Backflow Direct: Specialist backflow parts distributor serving the same plumbing and irrigation-trade customer base. Comparable as a direct niche competitor with overlapping OEM brands and a similar online-distribution model.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/americanbfp
• Facebookfacebook.com/AmericanBackflowProducts
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/american-backflow-products

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about American Backflow Products Company