Pressure Vacuum Breaker - Field Test

[@billhelmken5483]

Great video. This is much easier to follow and understand when compared to the recertification courses. Thank you.

[@JimmyBackflow]

Thanks for the comment. Hope it helped with your recertification process.

[@AndrewHarmless-wv5or]

I think its interesting how different states/cities require different ways of testing. I have watched several different videos of testing RPZ, DC and PVB and it seems no two are the same. I can test RP's and DC's with my eyes closed the way it is required in my state. PVBs are only allowed for Isolation here they cannot be containment or irrigation. In the past 5 years I have tested two. Getting re-certified again next week so trying to remind myself how to properly test them. We only use one hose to test where I am and we do the air inlet before the check valve. Appreciate the video anyways it is always intriguing to see other ways people test these assemblies and what is allowed. One thing I have noticed is no video ever marks recording the line pressure. I cant imagine my state is the only one that requires recording that but between the 3 assemblies I have never seen a video where someone mentions it. I beleive on the PVB test line pressure is recorded during the test for the check, not the air inlet. If you know the answer to this can you confirm? Thanks again video was fun to watch.

[@JimmyBackflow]

Andrew, thanks for the comment and watching the videos. There should not be a required test procedure because they are all identical. The test form does not indicate what procedure is used, it only asks for the differential pressure and does it meet the standard. All tests are the same; the only difference is the testing sequence. Every “procedure” measures the differential pressure to determine if the check valves are drip tight and if the assembly provides protection; they can be assessed in many ways, but again, the test should demonstrate the protective aspects of the backflow preventer. It is very unusual for a state to require a specific way of testing. I would question that requirement. Most states require the individual to be certified to perform the test. Regarding the line pressure - if you notice, the inlet pressure is noted when backpressure is assessed before testing the DCVA and RPZ. Just a note knowing the line pressure is not necessary when testing backflow preventers since it is a relative test-however, some forms require the recording of line pressure. Your correct line pressure can be recorded when conducting the PSID of the PVB check valve if there is a pressure gauge on the high-pressure hose. If not, use a standard pressure gauge like the one in the videos to measure line pressure.

[@AndrewHarmless-wv5or]

@@JimmyBackflow I agree a testing procedure is a procedure. I have just out of curiosity tested assemblies in some of the other ways I've seen online and have gotten the exact same numbers as the ways my state teaches us to test. When initially getting certified 5 years ago before our practical test witnessed by proctor. I had been watching a lot of videos of testing so I would be fully prepared. I noticed it then the different ways tests would be done. I asked my proctor about it and he informed me "yes there are some 2 hose tests for this and single hose tests for that but only the way you are taught to test here is approved here." I am certified for my entire state, through training and municipal orientations. In the field if a meter is locked the municipality will send out someone from the cross connection department to unlock the meter and they have to witness you testing. They will quickly inform you if you miss a step or are about to. I have asked them as well have they ever seen the other ways assemblies are tested and they've all said yes however it is "not as accurate or approved here". Like I said though I have played around and done the different ways myself with the exact same numbers as our "approved" way. I will ask again this week when I get my re-certification and see what answer I get this time. I will let you know. Thank you for the reply you are very clearly well versed and knowledgeable, the name "Jimmy Backflow" would explain that haha.

[@antireconciler]

This is fascinating, and thank you for the information. What is the context in which i would want to perform a test like this? You explain how to do it but not why wish to perform it. Further, while you explain what to do, my brain is in high gear trying to understand and mentally simulate the physics because otherwise it is impossible for me to learn. For this reason, giving a more mechanical explanation of what you're doing and why would be really helpful. And, as others have commented, silence would be superior to the music, but your talking things through would be superior to silence.

[@JimmyBackflow]

A pressure vacuum breaker is a mechanical backflow prevention device assembly used to prevent non-potable water from entering the potable water system. Since it is a mechanical device subject to failure, it should be tested yearly to determine if it is operating and providing the require public health protection. The pressure vacuum breaker consists of two protection mechanisms; a spring loaded normally closed check valve and a spring loaded normally open air inlet valve. The pressure vacuum breaker is designed to prevent non-potable water from entering the potable water system when there is a backsiphonage occurs in the upstream piping system. During a backsiphonage situation the check valve will close and the air inlet valve will remain closed, if there is pressure in the downstream piping system. If there is no pressure in the downstream piping system the air inlet valve will open. If during a backsiphonage situation the check valve does not close because of an obstruction or the because of a disc or seat problem, the air inlet valve will open. The test consists of evaluation the condition of the check valve and air inlet valve when the pressure vacuum breaker is in a static state. The test consists of measuring the differential pressure across the check valve. This is achieved by measuring the pressure at test cock number one and number two and calculating the difference. (differential pressure) The differential pressure reading should be a minimum of 1 psid to pass the test. The air inlet valve is held closed by supply pressure. To measure the opening point of the air inlet valve, supply pressure water is removed upstream of the air inlet valve by opening the test kit high control valve and observing when the air inlet opens. The air inlet valve should open no less than at 15.7 psia or a minimum of 1 psid to pass the test. There is a video on how the pressure vacuum works. Hope this helps. Sorry you did not like the music --- I like it!

[@antireconciler]

@@JimmyBackflow It was kind of you to reply with so much detail. It's interesting it should be tested annually. I have never heard of this. That sounds like something almost no one would do. Is that a fair assessment or do I just kind of suck as an adult? I don't mind being educated, just, should I have known that? No one taught me this in school. Anyway, I don't like, actively dislike your background music or anything. Just because i have preferences doesn't mean you have to cater to them. You can just ignore what I said about it really.

[@AndrewHarmless-wv5or]

​@@antireconciler It's not something you would learn about in school. There are a few different types of backflow prevention assemblies and backflow prevention methods. If you have irrigation for your lawn you will more than likely have a backflow prevention assembly. However they are not just for irrigation. My state requires every commercial property to have one installed for their domestic water as well. Depending on what water is being used for like a chemical factory or a carwash several of these assemblies are required. They have to be tested in order to know if they are working properly or not. You have to take a class through your city to get certified to test these assemblies. Usually plumbing companies, irrigation companies and fire protection companies will have technicians with these licenses.

[@laurawilliams4034]

is it possible to get the make model and serial number off this particular pvb i believe this is the same as mine and mine is no longer legible thanks

[@JimmyBackflow]

Sorry Laura I no longer have this PVB --- but if you call Water Specialties Co @ 800 336-6530 they will help you with what you need.

[@steelydhancaballero6929]

Although I did not understand everything, I hit the like button...

[@jonnycruze4805]

what to do when you turn it back on and it leaks ?

[@JimmyBackflow]

The pressure vacuum breaker will discharge water out of the air inlet opening because the air inlet valve did not close properly. The air inlet valve is held closed by the inlet water pressure. The inlet valve should be opened quickly to seat the air inlet valve drip tight. Try opening the outlet valve before opening the inlet valve. If the air inlet valve will not seat properly there may be debris from keeping it from closing or the air inlet valve is in need of repair or replacement.

[@shauntampa]

Cut it out and install an rpz.

[@darius3550]

The music is a bit distracting

[@JimmyBackflow]

Guillermo thanks for watching the video and you comment. This video has no text voice over and can be viewed with the sound muted while still understanding the testing concept. The video is promotional and intended to be engaging and entertaining. I use music to keep other from copying the video for unauthorized uses. I also happen to like it, sorry you find it distracting. I receive no fees for this video but do have on-line training at CEUPLAN.com. The on-training is presented in a voice over format with no music and reasonable priced. Give it a try and let me know what you think.

[@darius3550]

Jimmy Backflow this is the most accurate video I have found, now I'm raking a backflow course through the union and it's a bit heptic, a lot of info and little practice, your video is helping me get the hsng out of it, thanks Jimmy!

[@chemistryinstruments7156]

@@JimmyBackflow It's good music, though.

[@shauntampa]

I thought I was on the titanic watching a pvb test

[@TheGardista]

Good job 👍

[@Teaspoon07]

Good steps but was missing one thing it didn’t show the use of a bleed off valve. Should the intake did not open the video didn’t show how to compensate for that.

[@JimmyBackflow]

A bleed off valve is not necessary to perform the test. When testing the differential pressure across the check valve, a bleed off valve is not necessary since the upstream shut-off or inlet valve is open during the check valve test. If the upstream shut-off or inlet valve is not drip tight, the air inlet valve will not open. The air inlet valve opening point may be measured by opening test cock number one sufficiently enough to compensate for the incoming water if the upstream-shut off valve is not drip tight. This should not be considered a pass reportable test since the upstream shut-off valve is leaking. If the upstream-shut off or inlet valve is not holding drip tight it should be repaired or replaced and the assembly should be retested. For a more details regarding testing, CEUPlan.com offers on-line backflow testing training. This training address may of the testing issues and concerns.

[@vickybrunkhardt1075]

Good step by step youtube

[@markacuellar]

Try it WITHOUT the damn music next time!!!

[@JimmyBackflow]

Thanks for viewing the video --- sorry you did not enjoy the music -- you can always turn the music off and still be instructed on how the test is performed. My goal is to educate, engage and entertain. It appears that you were engaged but not entertained -- hope you were educated.

[@akmchefskingdom6607]

Gotdam your music is great.

[@Al-po2oh]

What is the purpose of the distracting music?

[@JimmyBackflow]

For your entertainment and to keep you interested. In addition, it keeps other trainers from steeling my work. I like music. Nonetheless, I hope you learned the art of testing a PVB. Thanks for viewing the video and commenting.

[@HelenaCrawford-q6f]

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[@LipiAktar-n8p]

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[@МстиславЕремеев]

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[@AzherZarach-l9o]

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[@H2OMANLV]

Dude, you need to go back and re-read the USC 10th edition .much incorrect info.

[@JimmyBackflow]

Dude you fail to understand how pressure vacuum breaker works --- just because the steps are not the same it does not mean that the test of the pressure vacuum breaker was not conducted correctly. This is not the USC 10th edition video on how to test a pressure vacuum breaker but it is a video that effectively demonstrates the operational condition of a pressure vacuum breaker. As a tester you should understand how a pressure vacuum breaker functions and what is required to perform test to determine that the pressure vacuum breaker is providing protection. The test of the check valve and air inlet valve are performed the same way as the USC 10th edition but conducted in a different sequence. A well trained tester should be able to see that the process of testing is the same. Test the check valve to determine that is closes drip tight and test the air inlet valve to determine that is opens. The test is conducted during a static state. Understanding how a backflow prevention device functions is critical in the understand of how and why the test are performed. Keep reading to understand what you are required to do to perform the test. Just reading the instruction without understand what is being done does not make for a good tester. Thanks for viewing the videos and you comments. I hope viewing the video caused you to think about what you are actually doing when conducting the tests.

[@JimmyBackflow]

This video shows how to measure the differential pressure across the check valve by my measuring the pressure at test cock number one and test cock number two. The test kit calculates the difference. This procedure is conducted as the PVB is in a pressurized state. Note that the upstream shut-off valve is in an open position. The procedure that you are referring to and most likely taught, measures the pressure at test cock number one while removing the pressure downstream of the check valve. The test kit does not calculate the difference in pressure but measures the pressure at test cock number one. I both cases the pressure reading shall be 1 PSID or greater. Both way are industry acceptable. In both test procedures the air inlet valve opening point is measured by removing the pressure upstream of the air inlet valve and downstream of the check valve, simulating a backsiphonage situation. Hope this helps you better understand the process of conducting the test of a pressure vacuum breaker.

[@watchfirst-p7z]

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