SPRINKLER TALK FORUM - You Got Questions, We've Got Answers

PVB inside is a big NO. Here in RI, most cities and towns will even dictate the types of backlfow preventors that can be used, and specific codes to follow for installation. These codes vary from town to town. I would find out what is acceptable in your area by checking with the local building dept. In most cases, a PVB can be an eye sore, so try to install it as low as possible while still maintaining 1 foot above the highest head in the yard and try to install it on the back of a house, or a location covered by landscaping.

Unless there is a compelling reason to do so, and appearance doesn't count, you don't install a pressure vacuum breaker for a lawn sprinkler system indoors. Period.

Quoted from "wickware"

...I even question the need of a PVB in my case...

I ASSUME that by "PVB" you mean ANY form of backflow. When it comes to irrigation, the only case where you don't NEED backflow protection is when the source for irrigation and drinking water are not the same. Otherwise, if there is a physical connection between a drinking water source and irrigation system, some sort of backflow IS NEEDED. I understand it seems impossible for any sort of contamination to make it's way from the lawn back to the drinking water, and it is something that is UNLIKELY to happen... but then again, it is UNLIKELY that you will be in a car accident on your way home. That doesn't preclude the need to use a seatbelt. And if you don't understand how, then you're going to have to just trust me when I say that under the right conditions... it is possible.

Now if by "PVB" you are thinking you can use some alternate form of backflow protection, there are alternatives that can be installed just about anywhere, namely a Double Check Backflow preventer. However, this type of backflow is only sutible if nothing else is being added to the irrigation water (such as fertigation). Additionally, you have to check local plumbing codes to determine if they are even allowed. Some places they are, some places they are not. Double Check backflow preventers are not as safe as PVB. Think of PVB as that seatbelt with a shoulder harness. A double check could then be compared as a seatbelt with only a lap belt (while the RPZ would be the model with air bags with side-impact protection).

Will installing a PVB in a basement or garage possibly cause that much of a mess that it's not worth the idea?? My reason is, outside it will be seen in my front entry vs in the garage on the other side of the wall. I even question the need of a PVB in my case. My water supply source is coming from the top of my hot-water heater 6+ feet, down to 6" above the floor and 20' to the front of my garage, back up 2' to a faucet to soaker hoses outside and potentially 1-2 sprinkler head outside. With the "Brass PVB" line pressurized until I winterize I'm not visualizing a mess. I feel I'll get a little water when I add pressure to the line after the winter. I have not experimented, what am I missing about the mess?

Thanks for your experiences and suggestions.
New Experience!!

Mount it outdoors, and winterize your sprinkler system. You might want to sell your house someday.

Hello been doing a lot of reading or Irgationtutorials and on these posts and both have been great info. But what I'm looking for is some different ideas.

I went away from Siphon Valves and putting the PVB outside as I am keeping anything from being above ground. I have a basement (split level house basement cealing is 4-5 feet above ground) in which there is a drain in the utility room and where I would mount the PVB would be at least 1' above the highest sprinkler. I also live in cold climates and this would prevent me from having to service the PVB.

The of course downside to this is the potential mess in the basement. First question I have is the PVB if it were to spew water would it spew it up and then hit the cap and flow to the ground? Also I have been working on such an idea that could contain any water that it would spew out and channel it towards the drain. Just looking to see if anybody has any ingenious ideas besides mounting it outside lol.