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Leaking Test Cocks and Cracked Canopy
Hi Everyone,
This is my first time using this forum. I went to turn on my system today and the canopy is cracked on my wilkins 720-a and both test cocks are leaking. The unit doesn't seem to be leaking. Does is seam strange that both test cocks would go bad at the same time. I messed with them a bunch but couldn't get them to stop. I don't know too much about sprinkler systems but the cracked canopy and the two leaking TCs might seem connected. The pressure of the system is 78 pounds. I am going to change the TCs and get a pressure reducer soon, but any other ideas would be great .
Thanks,
Bill
If you winterized the device according to mfr instructions, it should be fine today. If you sluffed it off, expect problem$ every year. The black plastic canopy on a 720 PVB is made of polycarbonate, also used for bulletproof windows.
Thanks for the reply. A lawn service professional blew out the system last fall. It is not working correctly today, it might have gotten blown out too late or not been done right. Does both test cocks failing at the same time seem strange? Do you think the cracking canopy and leaking test cocks are symptoms of a bigger trouble in the back flow preventer. I really don't know too much about these systems. Any ideas would help, Thanks, Bill
the only cracked canopy I ever saw on a 720 was because freezing water warped the inner brass cover underneath the canopy - If you replace the testcocks, the device may still be functional, but don't count on it.
Are you turning off the testcocks correctly? You may not just turn them clockwise to close. The screw slots often need to be horizontal to the ground, GENERALLY.
I am sure I got the test cock to close fully. I guess I am going to order some new ones and find out what happens. Bill
Got the system on tonight, just a small leak from the top of the back flow. I am going to rebuild it. Looks like the dripping from the test cocks was residual water from the initial turn on. Thanks for your posts. Bill
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water spitting out from all 4 test cocks when installing Febco 860-100
(May 31st 2009, 9:50am)