1 inch copper union

Mikegp12 · Oct 20, 2013

I am planning on installing unions on the water supply line of my backflow prevention valve so I can remove it during the winter to protect it from harsh winter temps and copper/brass thieves . My concern is that the pipe coming from the basement is only 5 inches long. Is that long enough to install a 1 inch union ? I know that I will have to cut out enough pipe out to make room to sweat on the union fittings. I will attach photo.
Also, Home Depot and Lowes doesn't sell 1 inch unions. My local plumbing supply gets $20 per union. Is that a fair price?

IFIXH20 · Oct 21, 2013

If you are good at soldering you should have plenty of room for 1'' unions.

phishfood · Oct 23, 2013

What will protect the water main supply against backflow during the winter months when the backflow preventor is removed?

Mikegp12 · Oct 23, 2013

phishfood,

This device only prevents the irrigation system from backflow. In Missouri we are required to have these in the lawn irrigation systems , not the house water system.

All manufactures recommend removal of the backflow device in cold winter areas. They also say in the manuals to never blow through the backflow, although every sprinkler company I know of blows through the backflow when winterizing the system. I have had to replace the seals, springs, diaphram , and o-rings twice in the last 5 years and suspect this was caused by the compressed air.

Now I am looking for fittings that would screw on the 1 inch union (male end) and connect to the air compressor hose for blow out.

IFIXH20 · Oct 24, 2013

Mike, Buy another union just like you have, but get one with threads. With the threaded union you can attach a air compressor NPT coupler or plug. It may be hard to find a 1'' NPT coupler or plug but you can use a reducer bushing. Solder the sweat unions on the piping, then attach the threaded union male/female end to the solder male/female end and blow away. BTW what part of MO ?