My Febco 765 setup doesn't have a dedicated blow-out port. Can I connect a compressor to the test cock ports using a 1/4" quick connect fitting and does it matter which one I use, the upper (downstream) or lower (upstream) port so as not to damage the PVB?
6 years late but for anyone still wondering: leave them open to allow any residual water that might freeze to expand via the drains rather than the backflow preventor.
You mention that an isolation valve is needed between the backflow preventer and meter. I have a new install and my builder is telling me that there is no requirement to have an "additional" valve other than the one you shut off in this video (the one just before the backflow preventer). Technically that is between the backflow preventer and meter so doesn't that comply with Texas state law? Or, are you saying that an ADDITIONAL valve is required?
Black outdoor duct tape should have been used on the pipes in this video. Standard duct tape will not hold up to weather conditions and will deteriorate like the tape in this video. Outdoor duct tape is made for such purposes. Also, black duct tape has a much more aesthetically pleasing look.
This was really helpful. But still, I had to figure which of the two larger valves to turn off. The one under the the bell-shaped gizmo was the one you closed. Must be the water supply side...tried that one, and it was! Actually, to be sure, I first closed them both anyway, then opened the two bizarre-looking whatchamacallits with my screwdriver, and ... to verify my theory, opened the valve on the ? sprinkler-system side, and no gushing water! Left that one open then, for whatever benefit that might offer. Refreshed the duct tape some, taped a cardboard box around the entire pipe structure. Should be ok for a night or two, unless it rains.
Do you leave the test ports open after draining?
My Febco 765 setup doesn't have a dedicated blow-out port. Can I connect a compressor to the test cock ports using a 1/4" quick connect fitting and does it matter which one I use, the upper (downstream) or lower (upstream) port so as not to damage the PVB?
Thanks!
Do the valves lock or snap in place ? I turned my off in the fall and now they will not turn on.
Once you open them and let them drain, do you close them?
Delia Rose
did u get an answer
6 years late but for anyone still wondering: leave them open to allow any residual water that might freeze to expand via the drains rather than the backflow preventor.
Leave the valves closed after the freeze.
You mention that an isolation valve is needed between the backflow preventer and meter. I have a new install and my builder is telling me that there is no requirement to have an "additional" valve other than the one you shut off in this video (the one just before the backflow preventer). Technically that is between the backflow preventer and meter so doesn't that comply with Texas state law? Or, are you saying that an ADDITIONAL valve is required?
Black outdoor duct tape should have been used on the pipes in this video. Standard duct tape will not hold up to weather conditions and will deteriorate like the tape in this video. Outdoor duct tape is made for such purposes.
Also, black duct tape has a much more aesthetically pleasing look.
This was really helpful. But still, I had to figure which of the two larger valves to turn off. The one under the the bell-shaped gizmo was the one you closed. Must be the water supply side...tried that one, and it was! Actually, to be sure, I first closed them both anyway, then opened the two bizarre-looking whatchamacallits with my screwdriver, and ... to verify my theory, opened the valve on the ? sprinkler-system side, and no gushing water! Left that one open then, for whatever benefit that might offer. Refreshed the duct tape some, taped a cardboard box around the entire pipe structure. Should be ok for a night or two, unless it rains.
Thanks