Right Backflow Preventer Installation
Вставка
- Опубліковано 7 вер 2024
- In this video you will see the right way to install a double check Backflow preventer. I recommend that you always face the test cocks up, that way the assembly can be tested easily and serviced easily.
✅ SUBSCRIBE HERE: www.youtube.co...
When you are ready to install a sprinkler system, one thing you must get right is the backflow preventer. First you must check with your city to find out what type of backflow preventer that they require. If it is a double check backflow preventer like this one, here is the best way to install it. Using the double valve box set up like we do here will keep dirt from building up around the backflow and it make it easy to test and maintain. I also like to use schedule 80 fittings going in and out of the double check. It helps make this connection much stronger. In this video I have the "Y" strainer facing up, which there is a lot of controversy around that, but manufacture specs to say face it down. I believe it works just fine either way and facing it up helps fit it all in the valve box easier.
Watch this video of how to assemble a double check backflow preventer:
▶️ • How to Assemble a Back...
You may also like this video of a double check backflow:
▶️ • Best Way To Install A ...
🔷 Looking for a great platform to sell digital and information products?
Check out what I use. Podia. Click the link BELOW:
➤ www.podia.com/...
* this is an affiliate link where I will earn commissions on qualifying purchases *
🔷 American Irrigator's Website:
➤ www.americanir...
Here is an updated video describing the Texas rule change on double check backflow assembly installation: ua-cam.com/video/UvGviXOe81g/v-deo.html
Well done. Test cocks up. Easier on the tester to fit the hoses in there. You're the type guy I love. I'm a Backflow tester, nothing worse than a poorly installed Backflow. Great work!
You are welcome. Some inspectors will not pass you unless it is done right and installed so it is easy to test, but some cities let guys get away with bad installation. Hopefully you will see more good stuff than bad.
install backflows above ground. always fun when you can't keep your tester level with with backflow because it won't fit in the box. This isn't up to code
We don’t allow a wye strainer upstream. Can be a point of a cross connection
I can tell you take great pride in your work!!! 👊🏻
i work for the city and will double box everything from now on lol
It really is a good way to do it. Once I saw this and was taught how to do it, I started doing it on everything and have done it this way ever since.
i have a 6 valve irrigation install tommorrow. boss was like why so many valve boxes🤣🤣🤣
I'm no expert but I believe the y-strainer cap should point down, not up as you have it.
Your lucky u can but them in the ground in my area we can’t and have to install cages around them to prevent theft
Bleeding the air out of the device also requires the nipples to be at the top or air might not get fully removed.
I'm in Washington state, we use 1 box but fasten 1/4" hardware cloth to the bottom to keep moles and all from filling up our boxes.Here we just have to have 1" clearance from the bottom of the backflow.
Thats a great idea. Thanks for sharing. We have to have a minimum of 12 inches clearance so the double box things works well for us down here in Texas.
Thank you for the helpful video. What is the right tool to use when one of those valves with the blue handles is stuck and won’t turn?
So does the lid of the top box match up with grade elevation? Or do you have it sticking up a little higher?
Usually you want the top box lid sticking up a little bit. We install it to be 1 to 2 inches above the grade
Just came across this video and hoping someone can answer this question. I just had an irrigation system put in and I’m not sure if they installed a Backflow preventer. They DID put a check valve off my main water line though. Is that sufficient? Or did they just cut a corner? I don’t know much about plumbing but I’m reading that check valves aren’t as good as actual Backflow preventers. Wondering if I should call the sprinkler company and ask about this and request a Backflow.
It is required to have a backflow device on a sprinkler system. And it needs to be a testable device. A simple check valve is not the right thing. A call to the contractor is a good idea. They need to walk the system with you and show you everything. If they are licensed and a good irrigator , they will know all the current rules, and would have put the right stuff in.
No response... Your rude & you're selfish... seems like you got what you deserved!
do you have a step by step on how to install one? cutting city line etc and how it attaches?
I don’t right now. I will work on getting something like that produced.
Great Video!
I have a question. How would you go about insulating the pit? Would you use an insulated blanket over the top pipe assembly?
Something like an insulated blanket of a simple piece of insulation over the top of it should work. Of course it depends on how cold you get and for how long it stays cold.
Yeah, that's my question... installation in Bend Oregon. Very cold. I'll ask the water folks and maybe be able to answer my own question. I'll put it here if I learn anything interesting.
I am replacing my set up which is exactly like yours pictured with a Febco 850 1 " Double Check Back Flow Preventer and a Zurn - Wilkins Strainer. The only difference is that mine has a 1" Quarter Turn Shut Off valve between the inlet side and the Zurn- Wilkins Strainer. Is this additional cutoff valve really necessary?
Yes. It is code to have a shut off valve before the backflow device of any sort. I always put mine a foot or so before the double check in a different box. That way when one needs to be repaired or replaced you can shut off the water right before the double check without having to shut off the main water. When the shut off valve or ball valve is butted up close to the double check and in the same box you have to shut off the main water to replace it. So I recommend putting some space between the shut off valve and the double check and put a separate box over it.
@@AmericanIrrigator Thanks. One follow up question. I am considering placing a 1" PVC Union on the discharge side of the backflow preventer in order to make it easier to remove the backflow preventer for service. What is you opinion?
Do you have a video on how to adjust the test cocks if they needed to? My double check cracked over winter and I need to install the new one.
thx for the video. Do you have a preference on brand of double check? I looked at the Zurn 350XL and the design made sense. Also, the installation shows vertical installation with waterflow going up. Can water flow go downward on a double check in a vertical installation?
I don't really have a preference on brand. The ones we buy are febco 850 double checks. That is the one the supplier carries for us here. They are all pretty comparable. As far as vertical installation, I will be honest, I have never installed one vertically. I would think it would be fine with flow going down but I'm not real sure about that. Horizontal installation is probable the most common way to install a double check backflow preventer. One of the biggest to make sure of, is that is can be tested easily.
Thanks for the video. When using a backflow preventer such as the Febco 850 which is not rated lead free (low level lead), is it safe to install it on a sprinkler system that gets is water supply from a well that provides drinking water? Thanks!
I have never heard of it hurting or being bad. We install Febco 850 double checks all the time on wells and have never had a problem. Not to say there has never been a problem or there will never be a problem, but I feel comfortable with it. Hope this helps. Thanks for the question and comment.
How far the febco 850 non lead free needs to be install from the water meater 😅
Thanks for this great video!
How much should I expect to spend on a double check backflow preventer?
It can depend on a lot of different things, like size, complexity of the job, location of the back flow. etc. I say that because every job is different and that is why some may cost more than others. And depending on your area and what the going rate is there. So the numbers I am going to mention may or may not be good or accurate. But to give you a ball park, you can expect to spend anywhere from $500 to $750 installed. But I've heard of people paying as much as $1200 for a one inch double check installed. I think this is a little high but then again, that job may have been hard to do and that's why it cost more. I hope this helps you get an idea.
Can they be installed down stream of water meter?
Yes. It is always installed after the water meter.
Are you a certified backflow device tester?
Do you still need a shut off valve after this? Or you don't have to???
Right now what the rule is and what most inspectors want to see is a shut off valve before the backflow device and a master valve after the backflow. Now that is in the state of Texas. It may differ from state to state. You no longer need a Y strainer before a double check backflow device in Texas.
@@AmericanIrrigator thank you for the response. My next question. Can you still use this type of backflow/ underground in texas?
My house has this type of backflow and it's underground. I asked some local irrigation people for a quote and replacement. They keep telling me they can't replace the exact one/ type of backflow that I have. They are selling me the above-ground or do they call it PBB??? Is this true??? They are charging a lot too. Help, please.
@@tzxsr Some cities do allow double checks to be installed in a valve box underground but some do not. I don’t know if your city changed its code and does not allow it anymore which could be the case. The licensed irrigators there will know the most recent up to date code and requirements of your city. Un fortunately the going rate for any backflow replacement is high, But there are permit costs, testing and testing documentation, inspections not to mention the price of these devices went way up this year. So expect to pay a lot, but to use your sprinkler system, you have to have a backflow device. You can still call your local city department and ask what type of backflow devices are allowed there. I hope this helps.
My guy is telling me i must use union connections Well thats going to make the valve way bigger then the box Claims thats code ?
I hope all is well. I have a quick question sir. Are there any programs available for folks like me that explain how you can become a certified in irrigation in Texas? Any and all help would be appreciated.
You can go to the TCEQ website and look up occupational licenses. They do a good job of explaining all the requirements to become licensed. I am working on some stuff to help explain it as well and we are working on a certified course to help people become licensed as well as continuing education. Stay close for the announcements.
www.tceq.texas.gov/licensing
Why you people keep installing the strainer facing up? It should drain down.
I have gotten a lot of controversy on that. I had and inspector tell me to install it that way years ago and I actually liked the way if fit in the box better. But I must admit, I looked up manufacture specs and it says to face them down. I had an inspector on an out of town job, the first of last year, almost not pass my job because of this. He almost made me change it.
Agreed the strainer does not work in the vertical position. It's supposed to be to lowest part of the assembly so it captures debris and it cannot fall back in the line.
@@AmericanIrrigator He should had made you fix it. In Texas, irrigation code says Manufacturer specifications never should be modified/exceeded. Whoever inspector let you pass this also should have better training.
Looks below grade.
So does your mom!