How it Works Backflow Preventer | Plumbing 101

[@InvestigativeEye]

This is great timing for me, ive been doing backflow testing and repairs with my journeyman and havent been able to find videos on them

[@RogerWakefield]

Glad I was able to help you out

[@tetsuoak4785]

Interesting vidéo👍. In France we use this system (called "disconnecteur") only at the water filling point of a heating circuit. For tap water, a device called "clapet anti-pollution" is used; it's made of two valves on each side of one way check valve. I like your vidéos, for it shows thé plumbing ways and uses we dont have here. (Sorry for my poor english 😓). Bye 👋🇨🇵

[@TRJ2525]

I'm a Backflow tester in the metro Atlanta area. I actually own the business. This is a great video to educate folks! Love testing!

[@amit687]

Amazing video that explains the science behind pressure differential and was key to my ability to understand versus other content on YT. Thank you!

[@RogerWakefield]

Glad it was helpful! Are you looking at installing one?

[@B-Rad2323]

Great explanation!

[@RogerWakefield]

Thanks!

[@WizardofTruth]

Great video

[@RogerWakefield]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@harryrobinson6568]

thanks for the video. my BPV is leaking very slightly from the top vent (tiny hole with a small plug). i cant work out why and have checked everything. all o-rings are new. might you know why?

[@jackl9922]

Had to add one in Oregon for irrigation system. City requires annual inspection by someone certified. $40/yr so far.

[@bashirgagigi9277]

great job

[@RogerWakefield]

Appreciate it

[@jammybiggs8148]

I had a family member who had an apollo backflow leaking out've the vent. I ordered the repair kit & somehow it still leaked after installing (although it didn't leak when the sprinklers were running). Before I could fully fix it & have it tested, another family member had already replaced it with a vacuum breaker check (also reduced from 3/4" to 1/2"). Just curious as to any issues this could cause (or if it's an ideal fix)? I kinda feel like the RPZ was there for a reason (as they recently bought this home). Any advice is appreciated.

[@louismorejohn586]

What brand of check valve are you holding in your video?

[@sebastianr5019]

This is great. My company is going to send me to get certified for the state and district.

[@officervinnie8693]

Same!! How did you do? I heard it's a bit tough

[@jake48396]

Not sure if its true but i heard that a slaughter house had a back flow issue and siphoned blood into the water system and people got blood out of their faucets and thats when they started getting strict about back flow. Its a story i heard from an old journeyman of who was training me. Might be totally bs

[@eluckeymusic]

There are a lot of horror stories. In the book I use in class, it goes over real incidents that have happened. Aspiration occurred in a line at a morgue, sucking up the blood and embalming fluid back up into the faucet and contaminating the water. Other incidents of chemicals being sucked back into city supplies and even gases. One incident was propane gas being sucked into the water main from the gas company, causing an explosion inside a home downstream.

[@caseyfry1740]

Since you deal with these, I have to have one for my irrigation system. The PVB’s I’ve looked at aren’t lead free will that be a problem long term since I’m tying into my mainline? Or would be better just to use an inline back flow preventer?

[@uterotourettes15]

Depends on if you filter your water or not before drinking?

[@richardbutch1617]

I have a problem once in a while where if I am taking a shower or using my washer or flushing the toilet where I get bubbling noises in my kitchen and bathroom sinks. Is this a back flow problem. I have a well and septic tank.

[@larrytheplumber9851]

Sounds like u have soft clog in the main drain or possible venting issue

[@caseyfry1740]

Roger, are these required when installing irrigation systems?

[@scottryan305]

Yes they are required for all irrigation. Atleast here in missouri, and they have to be inspected yearly

[@caseyfry1740]

@@scottryan305 I’m in Tennessee, to be on the safe side I’ll install one on my irrigation that’s going in my front yard.

[@uterotourettes15]

Depends on your county/state

[@luiscardenas4150]

We install backflows in Washington State when we install outside irrigation.

[@RogerWakefield]

Are they required?

[@luiscardenas4150]

@@RogerWakefield Yes. It needs to pass test every year. If not you can’t use your irrigation system.

[@Chrominance87]

Finally!

[@Fluttershy890]

So i do have a question: Our line was stopped up and when the city had came to check, they said that wipes were found inside. Now, they said it came from our house but no one flushes wipes at all. We are confused where they came from or if it is from another line or neighboring house.

[@jessekatie8985]

possible. find out if you system is pressurized or gravity only.... if you sit higher than a neighbor any air wants to escape upwards- potentially taking other things with it

[@larrytheplumber9851]

Or ur neighborhood line tires in to urs before it goes out to the city main

[@virgil3241]

How do I know if my house has one?

[@charlietaulbee4977]

Just got into the trade

[@jimsyhammond]

Also gotta check the outlet ball valve is shutting off completely. If not the check can fail

[@uterotourettes15]

A shut off valve won't cause a check to fail. You will fail your annual inspection though without a proper working #2 shut off valve.

[@jimsyhammond]

@@uterotourettes15 you just repeated what I said. If the #2/downstream valve doesn't shut off. The test will fail and water will come out of the relief port....because their is no negative pressure, because the outlet valve is still working

[@uterotourettes15]

@@jimsyhammond Are you talking about #2 check valve or #2 shut off valve?

[@jimsyhammond]

@@uterotourettes15 2 shut off valve

[@larrytheplumber9851]

😂

[@UserName-gj1xs]

Certfied backflow tester here yahoo

[@B0nehead85]

I have a question. What is a “greenfield”?

[@andrewrossnagel9433]

Greenfield most people refer to as a style of hanger

[@libsrmarxist]

I installed a backflo preventor in a Lowe's and it started spitting out water from the vent just minutes after I turned the water back on. It's on a 3/4" line that feeds the misting system in the outdoor garden. Would hammering from the use of let's say the toilets and urinals cause this? If I installed a spring loaded check valve in front of the preventor would that eliminate the spitting?

[@officervinnie8693]

Maybe when you turned the water back in, a lot of sediment got stirred up and went through.

[@Deemo1983]

You put the checks in backwards.

[@Cobe1976]

No offense but the design of a Zurn Wilkins 975XL is far superior to that pos in my opinion.

[@larrytheplumber9851]

💯

[@DarkCheeld]

I was how those things work.

[@tromoGRB]

Dirty fire sprinkler water is a prime example of why you need a backflow. Nasty

[@scottryan305]

Always gross black water. Where does the smell come from? When we flow test, I feel like I can smell that for hours after I'm done

[@nashwalker7]

Suck chlorinated water back into chlorinated water lol

[@garethtompkins7232]

Check valve?

[@rreeuuvveenntube]

yes ,i wonder too, my friend has a big house, with 20 backflow preventers, wonder about the logic and the code for that,???!!!!

[@larrytheplumber9851]

Over cooked

[@uterotourettes15]

Its easier to place the RV assembly inside of the brass cap and then place it into the vessel. Make sure all o-rings are lubricated as well.