Backflow Preventer Valve
#1
04-29-19, 08:44 PM
Backflow Preventer Valve
My landscaper/sprinkler guy noticed my backflow preventer valve and PCV line to the sprinkers are cracked. He said it was due to a weeping valve that had a slow leak and caused excess pressure. Does that sound right? I was thinking it might be related to water that expanded in the line during winter. He said he can fix the valve/line for $400 but asked me to get a plumber for the valve. Wouldn't a plumber be able to handle both?
Last edited by PJmax; 04-29-19 at 09:40 PM. Reason: enlarged picture
#2
04-29-19, 09:42 PM
Group Moderator
Is the white PVC pipe broken in the upper right corner ?
If yes...... that set up looks like it was hit. Something hit the backflow preventer cracking it and bending the PVC until the elbow cracked. Possibly a wayward garden tractor.
If it was a freeze issue..... the PVC would have cracked down lower.
With that valve below the preventer.... nothing should have frozen..... unless it was closed.
If yes...... that set up looks like it was hit. Something hit the backflow preventer cracking it and bending the PVC until the elbow cracked. Possibly a wayward garden tractor.
If it was a freeze issue..... the PVC would have cracked down lower.
With that valve below the preventer.... nothing should have frozen..... unless it was closed.
#3
04-30-19, 01:58 AM
Member
The valve and line experience pressure all the time so that is not the cause, a broken line, and a broken valve, are likely the result of not being drained and freezing cracked them open.
Yes a plumber should be able to do both however if the lines were not drained it's possible there may be other breaks!
Yes a plumber should be able to do both however if the lines were not drained it's possible there may be other breaks!
#4
04-30-19, 05:21 AM
I don't think anything could have hit it given it's against the house with a TON of shrubs blocking it. I guess it's possible something off the roof but that would have to fall flush against the siding. The valve had a SLOW leak from the weeping valve I am guessing right before the backflow one. The only explanation I got was the slow leak from an internal weeping valve caused pressure build up. Either way, I guess I need both fixed. I just was curious the root cause.
#5
04-30-19, 08:30 AM
Group Moderator
Ahhh..... yes.... a slow leak but probably from the main water shutoff valve inside the house. It allowed the system to keep filling with water. Makes sure to have the shut off valve inside replaced or at least checked.
#6
04-30-19, 08:37 AM
There is a valve right at the wall of the house in the drop ceiling. That MUST be leaking to allow water to get outside. With that said, was it the freezing that caused this? Or pressure as told to me?
#7
04-30-19, 08:41 AM
Group Moderator
#8
06-03-19, 08:52 AM
Resolved. $200 or so and the plumber banged it out. He agreed it was due to the water freezing.
Thank you
Thank you
