I have a rain bird and wilkins backflow - installed by the homes previous owner, and this spring the backflow ruptured and I need to replace it. The problem is that it was installed using an older version that looked like this -
http://diybackflow.com/products/269-wilkins-720-1.aspx and is installed quite close to an exterior wall on the back and a bay window on the other side. With the older version where the ball cocks and blow out valves and test cock valves were all facing front and correct. All I can seem to find in a Wilkins 720 A 1" are similar to
http://www.zurn.com/Pages/ProductDetails.aspx?NodeKey=414061 which means I would have to rotate in 180 degrees to install, which would put the ball cocks, test cocks and blow out valves against the wall and bay window wall...with less than 1/2" of clearance I will never be able to turn the test cock valve or attach my air compressor to blow the lines out.
Does anyone have a suggestion? And FWIW, I called and asked DIYBackflow if the unit they were selling was identical to the one pictured (i.e. the one I need) and the assured me it was...then sent me the new version that will not work.
I am quite frustrated. Aside from changing the installation and running the water pipes further from the house (hassle, expensive) are there any other simple solutions or suggestions? An alternate unit that would thread on to my PVC as easily as the Wilkins would have? Some engineering solution I am not thinking of?
Thanks in advance for any suggestions and advice.
Drew