AVB's installation seems inccorect

[coexist]

Dear plumbing experts,

I had a plumber replaced my piping on the outside of the house, with an external faucet and AVB (Atmospheric Vacuum Beaker), and linking the line to my existing sprinkling system (white PVC on picture). What he did does not seem right to me as he only connected one side of the AVB. From my understanding (and how it was before), the output of the AVB was connected to the ingest of the sprinkler line. I have attached a picture to show the setup. To me, the AVB is useless here and will not prevent backflow. So looking to expert opinions. If you think it is wrong, how would you describe it so I can tell him it will not work that way.
Appreciate your help.

Cheers,

 

[frodo]

not only is it installed incorrectly. you can not use that valve on a sprinkler system under upc code

see upc 603.2.2/ table 6-2 note 4 not to be subject to operating pressure for more than 12 hours in a 24 hour period

the valve that needs to be used is a double check backflow preventer. $$$

i would call his office and tell them they have installed a valve that is not code compliant

tell them to install the correct valve.. AT NO ADDITIONAL cost to you.

and when they are thru. you will be expecting the test certification report from a 3rd party.

at THAT time, you will call the state inspector to have a look see


if they give you a hard time. CALL the plumbing inspector for a sprinkler system backflow inspection

the inspector will go ballistic...

 

[coexist]

Thanks Frodo. Much appreciated. As it is today, does that valve actually do anything (even though it is the wrong one)?

 

[frodo]

it is doing nothing.

 

[johnjh2o]

It must be a testable device and hooked up correctly.

 

[coexist]

Thanks guys!
One last question.
My water line feeding this setup is shutoff right now. I want to wait a couple more days because of upcoming freezing temp before opening it.
What will happen in the setup? Will the water flow through the AVB and comes out on the non-connected side? I understand that with an AVB (or PVB), the water flows through it (from bottom to top side), so I am expecting it to spit out the water in my setup.

 

[frodo]

...............................

 

[coexist]

Haha. Pretty explicit. Thanks.
That is what I was thinking. I will tell my plumber to stay right in front of the output while I turn the water back on!

 

[coexist]

I just wanted to let you know that I quickly turn the water on while taking a video and got a big splash (exactly like the drawing Frodo ;-). The water is indeed coming out of the AVB as expected.
So I called my plumber (having a real proof of the bad installation) and despite not really understanding what is going on, he said that he put the same device that was there before (i.e AVB) but that I should normally need a double check valve. This need to be installed at the main water line, which in my case is really hard to do now as in a small wall enclosure.
So my next question before he came on Friday is:
- do you really have to install a double check valve at the main line or can it be installed right before the sprinkler line (but outside)?
- the best way would be to install a pressure vacuum breaker (cheaper than double-check valve and exterior installation possible), but what would be the drawback compare to a double-check valve?
It is crazy to have to double-check the work of a professional!
Thanks.

 

[frodo]

look above at post#5 john is showing you a WATTS backflow preventer

your plumber is full of ****. not only did he NOT install the same thing..IMPOSIBLE

he is telling you a fib..

the backflow preventer CAN go where the line tees off to the sprinkler

 

[coexist]

Thanks Frodo.
Well actually, there was an AVB before, but not installed that way for sure. It was like that when we bought the house and already not the right piece (I did not know until this happened and did more research).

Anyway, my sprinker line is coming after going through my house, hence my question. It is the same line feeding my house first, before my sprinkler (already not to code I guess).

 

[frodo]

you put the dcbp. where ever you tee off of the main line.

at that tee. is where you want the protection

.

 

[coexist]

Thanks. Makes sense. Like the drawings. I am also more visual so they are great!

 

[frodo]

Thanks. Makes sense. Like the drawings. I am also more visual so they are great!

yep...i am more visual than verbal. trying to explain this stuff , sometimes will make you pull your hair out

your plumber did not install the same thing that was there.

he removed a testable backflow preventer,,,as seen in johns post #5
and replaced it with a peventer that is not rated to be used 24/7

it is only to be used undr pressure 12 hours per day.

 

[SHR]

Your "plumber" is either the worst plumber ever, or more likely not a plumber. This is all VERY basic plumbing for a professional.