How to activate Your Irrigation System Backflow Preventer

How to activate a sprinkler system in the spring. Backflow prevention device, also know as a Pressure-Vacuum Breaker (PVB) or an Reduced Pressure Assembly (RP unit)

[@ScottStruzik]

Thanks for the tutorial! I didn't understand how it all worked and I started off by only putting a little pressure into the system. I thought the back flow preventer was broken, but really the problem was that I didn't have enough pressure in the system.

[@hochbob]

Thanks for not under estimating the simplicity of this tutorial. Today, I tried to activate my system, which I've never done before. Not knowing that I needed to close the two test cocks, I experienced the gushing your video illustrated. Took an hour on Google to find this post. Glad I did. Thanks again.

[@alfonsoflores3973]

Same exact thing with me. I didn't want to turn any screws for fear of messing anything up. This explains how to actually start it up and not just installation

[@drsg9124]

Thanks.
Just moved into my new place, and that's something the lawn service company wanted to charge me $120 to do.
Checked out the backflow system in my house and whoever was servicing it completely mangled a pvc screw cap at the bottom of the system that was causing a slow drip.

[@stiksandstones]

I’m getting a $327 estimate to activate my sprinklers from the company that winterized my house that I bought in October.

[@jeromyshoup1728]

You beautiful creature you! This explains so much.

[@Btenda75]

Thank you!!!

[@Alexander6283]

Mine seals up like shown and if I slowly open the line to the sprinklers the backflow stays sealed until the line is full open. Then it leaks again. Any idea what that means

[@namuxco]

THANK U!!!!

[@kathyspears]

What if the water continues to spew after opening fully?

[@professionalnerd5654]

THANK YOU! I thought I installed mine wrong. Just had to shut off the little drain

[@ryanwestlake6268]

great vid! thanks.

[@johnelstad]

Short and sweet. Just what I needed. Thanks!

[@chadtalford8296]

So...what does it mean if all the above works...except "test cock" or valve...the last one turned in the video will not turn...may turns...1/12th of an inch.

[@Stephenak47]

Hot dang. My pbv may not be broken then.. However, the black plastic cap on top does appear to be in rough shape.

[@asianangler]

you turn counter clockwise on those 2 screws?

[@adamben-shimon7513]

That was easy. I hope I didn’t have any problems like I do every year!