Febco

Febco was founded in 1924, when Fred Reinecke Sr. and family members Fred Jr., Ed, Bill, and Charlotte began producing automatic sprinkler systems and backflow preventers for the irrigation industry, after a 25 year franchise relationship with the John A. Brooks Company came to an end.

For decades the company has focused on backflow prevention technology designed to protect potable water supplies from contamination, and Febco operates today as part of Watts Brands.

Product Lines

Febco's backflow prevention line includes the 765 pressure vacuum breaker, used to protect against back siphonage, and the 805Y and 805YD double check backflow preventers, available from three quarter inch through two inch sizes.

For reduced pressure zone protection, the 860 assembly, introduced in 1997, uses an in-line check design with a bottom mounted relief valve, and its lead free counterpart, the LF860, is built to meet current plumbing code requirements. The 860 and LF860 are available from one half inch through six inch sizes, and LF860 Large models add SentryPlus Alert flood sensor technology to detect continuous discharge from the relief valve.

Why Contractors Specify Febco

A backflow prevention line with roots going back a century gives installers designs with a long history of field use across irrigation, plumbing, and fire protection systems. The lead free LF860 addresses current plumbing code requirements for potable water applications without changing the reduced pressure zone design contractors already know.

SentryPlus Alert flood sensor technology on LF860 Large models gives building owners and contractors a way to detect continuous relief valve discharge early, before it leads to water damage or a larger repair.

How to Choose Febco Products

Start with the type of backflow protection required by local code and the hazard level of the application: a pressure vacuum breaker like the 765 protects against back siphonage, a double check assembly like the 805Y suits lower hazard applications, and a reduced pressure zone assembly like the 860 or LF860 is required where both back siphonage and backpressure protection are needed.

Size the assembly to the pipe diameter, and confirm whether the installation requires a lead free model such as the LF860 for potable water compliance. On larger assemblies, consider whether a flood sensor equipped LF860 Large model is worth specifying for earlier detection of relief valve discharge.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Febco 765 and the 860?

The 765 is a pressure vacuum breaker that protects against back siphonage, while the 860 is a reduced pressure zone assembly that protects against both back siphonage and backpressure using an in-line check design with a relief valve.

What does the LF in LF860 mean?

LF stands for lead free, and the LF860 is the lead free version of the 860 reduced pressure zone assembly built to meet current plumbing code requirements.

What sizes does the Febco 860 and LF860 come in?

They are available from one half inch through six inch sizes.

What is SentryPlus Alert technology?

It is a flood sensor feature on LF860 Large models that detects continuous discharge from the relief valve.

Is Febco still an independent manufacturer?

Febco now operates as part of Watts Brands.