Broken Backflow Valve/Change Brands?

13 years ago

(sigh) Got up late yesterday morning and buzzed DH who was out in the shop. He asked "did you over water last night?. I didn't. "The south side of the yard is standing in water" :o So I go out there to investigate and sink up past my ankles :o Had DH done this 4 hours earlier, it wouldn't have been near as bad :( We tracked it down to the backflow valve WHICH IS UNDERGROUND! The system was installed 2 years ago this week. I found out 2 WEEKS ago that the backflow valve should have been installed at least 12" ABOVE ground. When our plumber arrived we had the system turned off. After scooping out all the water and mud, he found the problem. There's a ground box that is sitting right on top of the valve as it goes into another plumbing ground box??? Plumber says the weight box, people opening and shutting it (stomping on it) and tractor lawnmowers running over it caused it to finally crack under the pressure.

The brand of the backflow valve is FEBCO Model number is 850 and we have a 1" line. I found the valve on line for $150. Waiting to see what the plumber can get it for.

Is this a good brand (when installed properly)? If it's not is it even possible to change i? Will it match up to the existing equipment? I didn't even have to ask plumber to install it above ground. He said he was going to before I even asked.

Thanks,

Monica

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Comments (4)

lehua49
13 years ago
Monica,

Did the Double check valve itself break or did the lines attached to it break? Aloha
monicakm_gw
Original Author
13 years ago
lehua, I didn't see it but I asked DH and he said it looked like the valve broke.
Can you tell me if this is a budget brand or fine (as long as it's installed properly)?
Thanks
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lehua49
13 years ago
Monica,

You can google it. It is made of bronze and looks like a commercial grade product. I doubt that the valve broke. Most likely the pvc pipes on either side cracked/broke from the weight placed on the valve. The other scenario is that the pipe broke and small rocks washed into the BFP and jammed the valves spring-loaded plates open. A good look at the valve would be warranted. It should not be hard to replace with what ever brand you want. Most are installed above ground in a "goose neck" configuration. Mostly for easy maintenance of the valve(done yearly by a plumber). Valve handles are removed to keep someone(children)from opening or closing the valve. JMHO Aloha
monicakm_gw
Original Author
13 years ago
lehua,
All I can go by is what my plumber told me. He's never led me wrong yet and I would have no idea what I'm looking at. I picked up the parts yesterday. A new valve and materials he needs to bring the valve above ground was $100
Thank you for your advice :)
Monica