What is a Backflow Preventer and How Does It Work

What is A Backflow Preventer And How Does It Work.
Why we need backflow preventers to protect our homes and families from contaminated water in out water system.
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[@rrsblack2]

Finally a clear description as to what these are and what they do! Thank you!

[@getsunset]

This video just saved me some $$$!! Someone turn one of those off and my sprinkler just won't pop up and work..... Thank God I came across this video. You are really a Pro!!

[@Hotweelrace]

Thanks for explaining this. I had one (now I know it was the irrigation BFP). Burst during the recent cold spell and left me confused as to what it did. This video explains it well. Thanks!

[@Solarian2007]

I have a 40 unit apartment complex on a private well that is not hooked up to the city water supply. Yesterday when I turned on the sprinkling system and ran it for an hour, within an hour after the sprinklers shut off I received a call from a tenant reporting discolored water. In the last 10 years no one has ever brought it to my attention, and I am wondering if it could be due to lack of a BFP, or the fact that the pump runs steadily during the sprinkler cycle and the well draw-down was enough to agitate the water in the well and create the discoloration. The pump is usually on for only 3-5 minutes until the bladder tanks are full. The water has cleared up since the turning the sprinklers on.

[@vrgoodwin]

I have a Zurn back flow valve on my house the Black plastic top cover cracks and breaks due to the heat in Phoenix az. Is the re a better or metal cap that fits this zurn back flow valve

[@WayneToups-k7w]

I have an Orbit 4 outlet irrigation timer hooked up to the hose bib that has a simple BFP screwed on it. I am getting pulsation that is blowing out the $60 timer. Where do I install an atmospheric vacuum breaker? Before the HB valve or after the HB & simple BFP?

[@d.i.a.5392]

I have a yard with 24 onch high raised bed with irrigation. I read that we need these PVB s 12 inch higher than the raised bed. Is this correct? Where can I find more info please?

[@dave4882]

This video explains what it does not how it works.. I was looking for a disassembly video that explained all the parts

[@litzya6494]

Great explanation! Thank you!

[@matthewmariano2956]

Can you push air threw this to blow out sprinkler system on the lower side port

[@NotSoLiberal]

Thank you for the information. Is there any sequencing when you shut them off ? I had to shut irrigation supply because my irrigation was running endlessly

[@jluck9161]

Do you have a video showing step by step how to install the irrigation system inside of the basement of a home

[@WordsPhotos]

In my orchard I have a brass vaccume breaker, but now I am installing a Febco Backflow Preventer. My question is can I or should I still use the vaccume breaker in line too and if so will it go after or before the BFP? Or should I not install it and just go with the Febco? Thanks

[@brunettebecca4863]

Thank you I appreciate you explaining how dangerous it could be

[@alice1uu855]

Hi, just want to get some professional advice. We are going to do our irrigation soon with all 1” pvc pipe for drip irrigation, but the feed from the main line is 3/4” copper, (the mainline is a lot bigger than the irrigation feed). what size should we use for the backflow preventer, 1” or 3/4” ? Thanks

[@alfredoduran4858]

Thanks for the video, very helpful. I own a 7 unit apartment building where each water is separately metered. City just passed an ordinance requiring that we have Backflow preventer installed and checked yearly by the city. Question - would we install ONE backflow preventer on the main water line before the splits occur (for each independent unit) or we would we need to install 7 different ones? Any thoughts or recommendations? thanks

[@jluck9161]

Do you have a video of step by step how to install the irrigation backflow system on a water line inside of a basement

[@larryb9758]

If you install a BFP do you need to install a pressure tank on the water heater?

[@kenmccurtain5919]

Good presentation and helpful.

[@xblackjeepx]

Great video. But I think you meant the pressure vacuum breaker will vent under backsiphonage conditions, not backpressure conditions.

[@henrywong8922]

I have a sprinkler system with a double check backflow preventer but when the sprinkler change zones while watering it backs up to the outdoor faucet which is the water supply going to the lawn. Can you explain.. Thanks!

[@cindel8486]

Is it possible to have the zurn 720a valve setup for the whole house? I live here in Las Vegas NV and I replaced my entire valve when they told me they couldn’t find a replacement rubber spring top. However, upon installing the new one and following directions for the setup to try to get the seal to seat or ride up, I am still having a very very slight leak. Is that normal? It’s not as bad of a leak as the original. Also, I currently have my irrigation water line shut off and only water to the house is on, does that make any difference? I thought these valves were suppose to be setup for irrigation landscaping only but it appears the builder of this home set it up for the entire house?

[@dillonle4034]

What if I used water softener would I need this backflow for my sprinklers?

[@cesarm9816]

Can the home owner change a leaking test point? Thanks

[@tylerkent1498]

My 720 A pressure vacuum breaker broke. Can I replace it with a Cheaper one or do I need the same one?

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

You can replace with any PVB however the 720 is cheaper than the watts 800

[@terrym2007]

What is the purpose of bfp's on water fill for swimming pools?

[@SlimNubster]

Can you put this onto PVC? Or should that big a plastic backflow preventer?

[@glennwalker5985]

I have the 720-A model you're showing. Do you have any videos that show how to install it on my back yard irrigation system, how to turn it on, and how to turn it off?

[@blakeellsworth9867]

Fabulous instructional video!!!

[@yo_ez1590]

Just bought a home the inspector from my city said I needed a vacuum breaker. (I’m guessing inside my water meter) do I need the last one you showed an example of?

[@yo_ez1590]

The 3rd one you showed the bronze

[@rtillerypowersports]

Great explanation sir . Thank you.

[@RicardoMachin-hn4hs]

I noticed that we have an old BFP, should i replace it with a lead free model , if some which one would you recommend ? We current have an Apollo 40205T2, thank you

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

If it's for irrigation only then no. If it's for drinking water, yes. HOWEVER, depending on the age of the property, if there's more valves in the system, like ball valves, gate valves etc.... there's a chance they all have Minimal traces of lead already. Some solders, depending of age have traces of lead so depending in what else is in the plumbing, it may make no difference

[@RicardoMachin-hn4hs]

@@PlumbingPartsPro Thank you !

[@Katdaddy357]

Thank you for posting this video it helped me understand more about BFP's

[@Ulujmf]

I have 2 videos on my channel about problem of the febco water comeing out. When i open the main valve mo leakage. As soon i open the second valve going to the spronkler leaking. It seems that there is a back pressure. However when i open slowly the second valve sometime it is ok. However even when no leakage the sprinkler pressure is low. I must say that just replace the bonnet with a bonnet repair kit.Can you tell me want is the problem? Thanks

[@bluedevil505]

Can I run 2 separate controllers off the large BFP you showed? I got a system with 13 zones and wanna run 4 zones off another controller

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

I do not have a great knowledge of the controls and zoning of the irrigation system. That question would probably be better for a well or irrigation installer not the plumber. Thanks

[@jacksonmurula9380]

I'm a plumber and I'm doing commercial plumbing renovation the own of the building is asking me to install for him backflow preventer like the one you have in the video , I never install any backflow preventer in my life but I think he should call the city to come and install it for him. Iam right Sir to tell him that?

[@thomasb4548]

I'm here at work (refinery) and was in a conversation about getting our backflow preventer inspected. I didn't know what they were talking about so I looked it up and your video explained it perfectly. I stay in the country and have a water well for my water supply. U said I don't need this device on my water system, is that correct?

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

That's correct. It is not needed for well water. Thanks for watching

[@bajajuicy]

@@PlumbingPartsPro I thought you needed it even on a well system, as you don't want backflow going into your house water?

[@CountlessPWNZ]

@@bajajuicy you need it to prevent it but it isn't a legal policy to do so.

[@qv2eny343]

Hey what's up, do you know if a BFP is required for a residential property?

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

It varies per local code however it is usually required for residential irrigation systems that are connected to the local city potable water system.

[@caine-chow]

Whats the difference with the small garden brass ones and the larger one for residential sprinklet?

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

The small brass ones are designed to connect to each individual hose faucet, this style is designed to handle an irrigation system with several heads and if there is a backflow it will vent out if the top and prevent chemicals used in the lawn to contaminate the drinking water

[@caine-chow]

@@PlumbingPartsPro I'm using the small brass one, but it seems to reduce pressure in my system, is this typical?

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

@@caine-chow most PBV backflows like pictured and rpz valves will reduce pressure through the valve.

[@caine-chow]

@@PlumbingPartsPro do you know how I can maintain the same pressure? the sprinklers now won't pop up.

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

@@caine-chow that sounds like a incoming pressure issue. Put a pressure gauge on the incoming side to check the pressure. Most city pressures should be 40-60 psi. Most bfp will give a 5-10 psi drop. Which usually is still enough to pop up heads

[@theatricalsportsfilms136]

Great video! Very easy to understand the concept of a backflow preventer

[@OriCastell]

Do we need to do anything to winterize it? Ours bursted last year during the freeze. Is there anything we can do to prevent this?

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

Winterizing is a good idea, it all depends on the original install. We typically have a valve in line, usually in a valve box on the supply side of the bfp. Then if there are threaded unions, you can disconnect and take the entire unit off and place in a shed or garage until spring. If there are NO unions to remove the unit, shut off the valve, and open the petcocks on the side with a flat screwdriver. This will allow water to escape if it does freeze and not expand and bust the brass

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

Worst case scenario, buy some heat tape and wrap the valve on cold nights to prevent freezing. See link. amzn.to/3JmFDY7

[@marcoestrada854]

learned something new thank you

[@meganharris6318]

Question for you! I already have one of these installed on our water supply in the backyard and it goes to our pool....is there a way to use this as well for sprinklers or do I need a second PVB...or is my idea impossible?

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

Unfortunately, you should have 1 per fixture

[@britonio2660]

THANK YOU SIR!

[@jeffdivens3413]

If I had to do one for a restaurant on all the water equipment like the soda machines I wouldn't use that big device would i

[@conqwiztadore2213]

You can't use anything with copper content on SODA MACHINES! not even Brass, it has to be stainless or plastic. co2+water+copper= deadly combo

[@b4ucmego]

Do I need to bleed out my BFP and how do I do that?

[@thaliadeyanira]

To register water going through the meter, the back flow should be on or off?

[@EllieKettel]

Is a residential backfill preventer still necessary if your irrigation system is connected to reclaimed water?

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

No as long as it's not on a local city water service

[@henisr.530]

What if I have reclaim water?

[@SombraLocs]

Can you use those test ports as water spigots? Like in a building that doesn't have a water spigot on the outside, can I hook up a water hose to it?

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

No you can not

[@SombraLocs]

@@PlumbingPartsPro What would happen if you do? I did it today, the building didn't have a water spigot to wash the coils on the rooftop units so I hooked up a black iron nipple with a hose adapter and used it.

[@florencio9993]

Good afternoon sir is it required to have a backflow preventer on a comercial dishwasher? It would be very helpful if you can answer that question for me thank you so much for your time

[@herbalifehispano]

this is great thanks, what kind would i use for a commercial Ice maker?

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

Use a watts N9

[@mayravaldes8382]

Thank you. So what can I do about my sewer that backs up at least once a month. I notice that we cannot flush too much toilet paper. Is there anything that you recommend i do?

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

There's not alot u can do without getting a good sewer cleaning by a plumbing company with a good quality cable. And that's only if the sewer line is not terracotta and infested with roots. Not a handyman that rents a machine somewhere but good equipment. After a clearing use the root killer quarterly

[@marvmccormick7849]

Yes install a backflow preventer. That'll fix everything.

[@samuraisaint2360]

Thank you

[@shawn1869]

Hello, I have a choice on purchasing a new house in which one property requires a backflow preventer and another one doesn't need one. My question is what home should I purchase? I have no idea what would be the better decision. Can anyone help answer this please. The house is a new build and looking at the site plans, some homes require one and some dont. Thank you!!

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

If it were me, I would choose the home you love the most regardless if it has a BFP or not. It sounds like one of two possibilities. The one with a BFP has an irrigation system hooked up to the local city water system to provide a great looking lawn. You will have to have the BFP tested on an annual basis but is usually not a big cost to do so. The 2nd home either does NOT have irrigation OR it does and is hooked up to a well. Irrigation systems that use well water typically will turn your sidewalks and home a rusty color due to the iron in the well water. I hope this helps

[@aprileversole9848]

Is it supposed to leak water?

[@mikemanfull7469]

Do you recommend these if your system runs off of a well water system and not a city system?

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

No it's not necessary if you use well water. This only ly protects contaminants from getting into city water system.

[@danielyoung1707]

Can you explain why a bfp is required on city water and not on well water? Thanks

[@Sixta16]

I have a feeling you mix vacuum breakers with backflow preventers. They are not the same thing.

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

You are right, they are not the same thing. Why do you think I have mixed them up.

[@dsperb7696]

Good video. Is the first type of small vacuum breaker sufficient for using on a small residential irrigation drip & pop-up sprayer system that's connected through a timer on a hose spigot? Or would we need to install one of those bigger ones?

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

If its installed onto a spigot the smaller one would probably work. It's not the typical recommended way. Also if there are any inspections, it would probably fail.

[@dsperb7696]

@@PlumbingPartsPro Thanks! Do you know if the concern related to performance/effectiveness of the irrigation (pressure, flow, etc.) or just related to safety (risk of backflow device not working or failing)?

[@dan4091]

@@dsperb7696 The concern is building codes and approved equipment

[@DefundTheFringes]

Only for city water means the heck with rural groundwater quality?

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

No that's just the typical guidelines set by the plumbing code. Also the rural ground water goes through a pump with a check valve which would prevent anything entering back into the ground.

[@DonCanty]

Why don't I need a backflow preventer for my well water irrigation system ?

[@kordelheide]

Is the last back flow preventer you showed on this video, the one you described as often used in lawn irrigation systems, called a vented, multi-port bfp? My local code calls for such a device but when I googled that name there were no devices named exactly that. Thanks.

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

amzn.to/2BOVgdb This is whats typically used for a lawn. Yes it is vented out of the top under the black cap.

[@seananderson7916]

Where should I place my back flow preventer? Where should I tie it into my main?

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

Yes, insert a tee into the main to supply water to the backflow preventer. Make sure the bottom of the BFP is installed 12" above the ground. Run the outlet line to your sprinkler system.

[@conqwiztadore2213]

Backflow preventers are designed to protect the public water main from contamination by industrial/commercial business and from home owners.

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

That is correct

[@mayravaldes8382]

Does this work for sewer back up?

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

No, this for water only. For sewer lines you would use a back water valve on pop off valve

[@godierastyle]

What's the name of each

[@sonnaps5465]

If you have a well that does both your drinking water and irrigation, you really should still have one, no? Same idea, don't want chemicals leeching back into the house.. Could you explain how to test the back flow preventer?

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

You don't need a backflow if it's in a well. It's only if it's on city water. Testing has to be done by a trained authorized tester and the paper work sent to the local city cross connection dept on an annual basis

[@lloyd1821]

Water heater backflow cold line to tank is hot how is that I'm on a job i have no answer

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

Sounds like a possible cross connection. This could be caused several ways. The most common I see in residential is people setting their shower Temps to where the like it and putting a valve at the shower head so when they use it next time it will be pre set. This causes hot and cold water to mix throughout the water system which could lead to warm or hot water everywhere even toilets. Check possible cross connections

[@lloyd1821]

@@PlumbingPartsProok. I will do that. would that be behind the drywall

[@lloyd1821]

It all started as just low hot water pressure I thought just check the tank for debris and flush if needed it's turned into a rubix cube for me

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

@@lloyd1821 check the single lever shower Cartridge sounds like possible problem

[@lloyd1821]

@@PlumbingPartsPro ok thank you

[@marianobruno7491]

Thanks f or the video!

[@ronrhodes4521]

Thank you for the video! One quick follow-up question: I need to replace my BFP and it is the Zurn Wilkins 720-A that you show in the video. However, Amazon sells different sizes from .5 inch to 1.5 inch. How do I tell which one I have? There are no model numbers on my existing BFP, unfortunately, and the threaded pipes look to me to be 1 3/8 inch, so not sure what to buy

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

It's Most likely 1inch

[@jesusfreak777100]

PVB should not be under influence of backpressure, not designed for that type of backflow condition. Think you mean backsiphone should city pressure drop below atmospheric pressure.

[@marvmccormick7849]

Like they are getting our drinking water from the ground and thats the same ground that our septic drainfields go to so dont you think its allready got chemicals and wierd stuff in it? Just more expenses in an allready squeezing the water out of a turnip cost of living.

[@youtubeisbroken241]

My valve appears to leak 24/7. This is obviously not normal. Does anyone know the cause of this? How to fix it? My relief valve is built basically like the big one he had on the table. It doesn’t supply my entire home. It only supplies the sprinkler system. The sprinklers work fine

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

So it sounds like it needs to be rebuilt. Do you Winterize the system? If not, Could it have frozen and cracked? You can email me the model number and size, usually 3/4 or 1 inch for irrigation. Also send a picture. I can help u the best I can

[@youtubeisbroken241]

Plumbing Parts Pro I live in Florida. Coldest day last year was in the upper 40s. I don’t think it froze. For part number. Won’t know till tomorrow when I tackle it. It’s wrapped up in insulation. But after watching some of your videos and a few other channels, I think I can tackle this project. Thanks for the quick response. Will post my findings tomorrow. I have learned it’s defiantly something on the supply side of the valve.

[@youtubeisbroken241]

Plumbing Parts Pro it’s a PR-501 I originally took the top cover off and cleaned and inspected, reassembled. No joy. It was still leaking. I took the entire valve off and took it to my garage. I found a small calcium deposit on the seal of the intake side of the valve. I picked it out and reassembled. No leak! I have videos and pictures of the process. If you’d like them, I’d be happy to email them to you. You can use them for your channel if you’d like.

[@chitoamado]

Mine is doing the same thing but mine did Crack over the freeze we had in Texas. Should I replace the whole thing?

[@henrytang7010]

For wells, You don't need one?

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

No, it's designed to prevent chemicals, etc... from getting back into the potable drinking water

[@cariocadenyc]

Why not use on a well? I would think you would want to protect the well water.

[@ramrise]

The title says "How does it work" and the video shows why it works. Two different things.

[@clydecox327]

He did tell you how it works. Weren't you paying attention?

[@bonsummers2657]

name the different BFP's per their type

[@bolweval]

why don't the water companies build them into their water meters?

[@morningcoffeeOW]

today i installed a 2 inch backflow for commercial and don't know what it's for. that's why im here (yes i installed it correctly).

[@kennyferrell2532]

Not a very detailed description of how these work. What is the function of each of the parts? I expected more detail....

[@gowenrv3762]

Thank you for NOT using "Shorts" video for this video. "Shorts are hard to see & hard to interact with. I will not watch a "shorts" video. Most people that I converse with, will not watch shorts. KZbin forces this stuff onto people. So.. Thank you for not uploading to it.

[@brendenbanks9293]

So many videos on youtube about back-flow on sprinkler systems..l. check your local code... Just about all of them only require backflow preventing on irrigation system when they are integrated with fertilizer system. in that case it makes sense but otherwise this is a waste of your money especially if you're hiring one of these guys to come install it for you.

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

One of What Guys?

[@daviddavies3523]

You're explanation is incorrect. A vacuum breaker does NOT protect against back pressure, only siphonage.

[@macspresso]

"if its a well you really don't need it" - maybe not mandated by code but who would knowingly allow the contamination of ground water!? Who knows how many of your neighbors are drinking that water. Shouldn't we install BFP anyway?

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

That's correct. Not required on well water only water provided by the local city water depts

[@00calimon]

This seemed like more of a ‘why’ than ‘how’

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

Thank you for watching

[@scottzeitlin7477]

You don’t know what you’re talking about. You can only test in RPZ or a DCV . You cannot check to see if a Vacuum breaker valve works or not. There is no test for.

[@PlumbingPartsPro]

That is incorrect. The PBV valves ARE testable and Required in most states.