Replacing Pipes and Water Heater - your thoughts required...

[Lord Jim]

Sorry you had to go through so much with this Joe...

Sounds like a tankless task....

[Joe Guy]

Right about now would be a good time for you to pipe down....

[Gob]

Joe, take a hint!!

[oldr_n_wsr]

'backflow prevention valve'

Any new plumbing installed around here has to have this item. The way it was explained to me is that it is there to prevent any contamination from back flowing into the town water. When there is a drop in pressure, anything hooked up to your supply (garden hose especially) can flow into the system. If you are applying fertilizer or insecticide or filling your pool, there is a chance those chemicals can go back into the town water supply if there is a reverse pressure situation.

While rare and usually localized (aka not systemwide) reverse pressure situations occur and are usually attributed to a hydrant being opened (hot time in the summer time) and when there is a fire and the engine trucks start pumping water out of the system.

ETA
I do think that the problem could be resolved if they built in a backflow prevention valve into the water meter they (the water authority) install in every house. Every ten years or so the local water authority changes the meter in my house so there is a perfect time and at no cost to each and every home owner and very little, if any, piping changes. Of course that would make sense so i have no hope of it's implementation.

[Crackpot]

I think what Joe is getting at is that they were completely different systems. they generally need to be connected for there to be a backflow

[Rick]

Did they just install a check valve or a whole RPZ (reduced pressure zone)?

If it just required a check valve that is a spring loaded flap that only (supposedly) allows one direction of flow. If it is an RPZ they are supposed to be tested twice a year to insure funtionality.

[Jarlaxle]

I knew there was a reason I liked my well!

(The fact I am physically incapable of drinking municipal water is one reason.)

[Rick]

The fact I am physically incapable of drinking municipal water is one reason

Do what?

[Lord Jim]

Did they just install a check valve or a whole RPZ (reduced pressure zone)?

If it just required a check valve that is a spring loaded flap that only (supposedly) allows one direction of flow. If it is an RPZ they are supposed to be tested twice a year to insure funtionality.

That's "handyman talk"...

I'm sorry, but that sounds like "Cricket talk" to me...

That just doesn't work for me...

I'm the guy who decided he could fix a leaky faucet himself and wound up with a $300 plumbing job...

I'm the guy who tried to hang a painting on the wall and wound up getting stitches in the emergency room after he hit his own thumb...

I am the human manifestation of Dagwood Bumstead trying to be "Harry The Happy Homeowner" ending in a sad, epic fail...

I have some talents and abilities, but being "handy" ain't one of them...

But I have enormous respect for those who are...

[Joe Guy]

Did they just install a check valve or a whole RPZ (reduced pressure zone)?

If it just required a check valve that is a spring loaded flap that only (supposedly) allows one direction of flow. If it is an RPZ they are supposed to be tested twice a year to insure funtionality.

They installed a Wilkins 350XL lead free double check valve. It has to be inspected once per year and I have pay an inspector to test it.

And all they're going to do is say my well water didn't go where it's impossible for it to go.

[Rick]

Model 350XL
LEAD-FREE*
Double Check Valve Assembly (1-1/4”- 2”)
*This product contains a weighted average lead content less than 0.25% for wetted surfaces, and is no-lead law compliant.
*Certified to NSF/ANSI 61-G
INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION: Installation of Backflow Preventers must be performed by qualified, licensed
personnel. The installer should be sure the proper device has been selected for the particular installation. Faulty installation could result in an improperly functioning device.
WILKINS Model 350XL Double Check Valve assemblies are for use on potable water
lines where a health hazard does not exist in the event of a backflow situation.
Damage to the device could result wherever water hammer and/or water thermal expansion could create excessive line pressure. Where this could occur, shock arresters, check
valves and/or pressure relief valves should be installed downstream of the device.
If installation is in a pit or vault, the Backflow Preventer must never be submerged in
water because this could cause a cross-connection. Make sure that the pit or vault always
remains dry by providing ample drainage.
1.
Before installing a Model 350XL Backflow Preventer, flush the line thoroughly to
remove all debris, chips and other foreign matter. If required, a strainer should be
placed upstream of the Backflow Preventer. CAUTION: Do not use a strainer in
seldom used emergency waterlines such as fire lines.
2.
Provide adequate space around the installed unit so that the test cocks will
be
accessible for testing and servicing.
3.
Install valve at least 12 inches above surrounding flood level.

I love this carp they make you install these to prevent back flow and then the instructions all but tell you it won't.

The reason for preventing back flow is due to the possibility of cross contamination, plumbing codes are the suck. Should have challenged it according to the clean water act they can't pull yer meter unless you don't pay yer bill or they can prove you are an eminent health hazard. I find it hard to believe that having a well is prima facie.

But that's just me, and I've not been able to pull a meter with wastewater in the meter box

[Lord Jim]

]They installed a Wilkins 350XL lead free double check valve.

Ahh...

Sounds like KGB code...

[Gob]

Sounds like "newspeak". Double plus good.

[Big RR]

I love this

WILKINS Model 350XL Double Check Valve assemblies are for use on potable water
lines where a health hazard does not exist in the event of a backflow situation.

The supposed hazard (however unlikely/impossible) to potable water the reason the city is demanding it be installed; perhaps this valve is not in compliance? Sounds to me like the law was enacted to give plumbers more business.

[Rick]

[Jarlaxle]

The fact I am physically incapable of drinking municipal water is one reason

Do what?

After 20+ years of well water, the overpowering chlorine taste of municipal water actually triggers my gag reflex.

[Rick]

If the taste in the muncipal water is such that they have to use that much Chlorine then yer prolly drinking pure crap.

I doubt you get yer water from a different aquifer, although yers might be shallower (an alluvial well), even worse...