Replace recent install PVB with double check valve?

[u/6100315]

I recently installed a PVB referencing the city's website for examples of backflow devices. Got it inspected and inspector said had to be a double check valve. So I ordered one, but then talked to someone else who said they are allowing PVBs in some situations and would reach out to schedule an inspection.

So here's the problem, I can't return the double check valve because I ordered it on ebay, so I'm wondering if it's worth replacing the PVB since it sounds like that is ultimately what will be required. I would then need to get it tested for $50.

Either way I wasted money but if i swap them then at least I wouldn't have to winterize the pipe sticking up, and wouldn't have to look at it. But it is more work.

What would you recommend? Keep the current or worth the time to swap out?

[u/CoffeeHero]

Looks good as far as backflow certifications go but this will be a nightmare to repair in about 10 years

[u/6100315 → u/CoffeeHero]

Why do you anticipate a problem? The angle was such that it ended up that way, but I tried to have the inflow a little lower so they didn't touch and misjudged a little. (Wanted to save a much pvc for the future in case things didn't work haha)

[u/CoffeeHero → u/6100315]

Install looks clean but pipes like to move when valves are opening and closing. With those elbows touching it could wear a hole in them. Seen it happen a million times.

[u/6100315 → u/CoffeeHero]

Ah even with the thicker plastic of the joints? Would sticking something between them prolong it you think?

[u/MereCoincidences]

Keep the current and see if it passes. Double checks are atleast 200% a PVB where im from.

Considering the main-line width is different. A pvb-to-doublecheck conversion is alot of work.

Worth the risk imo.

And worst case scenario you already have the double check if its required.

[u/6100315 → u/MereCoincidences]

Id only be dealing with the 1" pvc so the swap itself shouldn't be toomuch of a pain.

I'm more just thinking long term, if I'm going to have to change things I'm wondering if I should just do it now. But I can always try and sell the double check and wait until the pvb fails.

[u/Packman714]

Why isn’t everything straight? It appears nice above dirt then gets a fd below but putting a valve box over the valves will appear straight but mean while it’s like you left your one leg in a bar saying buddy come home but it’s going no !!!! You’re not my real dad don’t tell me what to do 😂😂😂

[u/6100315 → u/Packman714]

I was working with what I was dealt haha. I could've made it straight and added more elbows i guess but I opted for fewer points of failure, or so I hope.

[u/Packman714]

Oh wait never mind I’d fire myself if I had purp primer drips like that. They make grit cloth to clean that up

[u/Panamericas → u/Packman714]

I would have zero employees if I fired them for dripping on Sch 40

[u/6100315 → u/Packman714]

Practice makes perfect and I don't have a ton of practice haha. Better too much than too little? Plus I was going to cover the exposed pvc with pipe insulation so I didn't care.

[u/Panamericas]

Keep current and sell the dbl check. Btw your handles are backwards 🤣. Guessing that’s DIY. If not, get your money back.

[u/6100315 → u/Panamericas]

Ha I know about the handles but I didn't want to take that apart and reassemble so that it was correct. Plus, now I don't have to look at them haha.

[u/canopache]

I pity whoever inherits this nightmare.

[u/6100315 → u/canopache]

What should I have done differently?

The before was definitely worse. It's a DIY job, yes, but it's way better than what it was, and functional which is mostly what i care about!

[u/canopache → u/6100315]

I'm sure it will be fine. I just can't deal with glued manifolds. One little issue and you're digging up the entire thing.

[u/6100315 → u/canopache]

Yeah I get that. That's why I was nervous turning the water on for the first time!

I was constrained by the previous pipes to some degree so I just rebuilt it more or less how it was and added the PVB. I don't plan on moving for the foreseeable future so I figured if things went wrong I would at least know who to blame!

[u/Burnt_Timber_1988]

PVB works if your backflow is at least 12" above the HIGHEST emitter in your system.

If backflow is below or level with your system PVB is ineffective, you need to install RPZ or DCVA. In my state only RPZ is allowed for below-grade installation.

[u/6100315 → u/Burnt_Timber_1988]

I made sure it's slightly more than 1ft above than the highest, and it did pass testing.

[u/Burnt_Timber_1988 → u/6100315]

PVB is perfectly fine unless you are planning on using lots of agricultural products with human or aquatic hazards, then your state may require the double-valve. Might also be required in agricultural zoned land.

[u/agingeasy]

The PVB should of not stay under constant pressure. Use an RP. I would utilize the PVB INSTALL a ball valve then a 1.5” Master valve. Then feed your valves.

[u/6100315 → u/agingeasy]

This is news to me. So you turn it to pressure when you want to irrigate? Couldn't I just turn the inflow valve off and achieve the same effect?