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

It has been highly recommended to me that I upgrade my antiquated backflow prevention device to a modern PVB. I am not inclined to do any plumbing on my own, so I will need to call my local pro (unless someone can recommend a reliable one in northern NJ). At the very least I would like to know what specifically I should have installed and if there is anything particular during the installation process that I should be aware to ensure the job is done right.

Below are pics of the inside and outside of my water supply. Thanks in advance.

Quoted from "Wet_Boots"

What's kind of amusing is that there is as much weight of brass in the bits of fakery as there is in a real PVB.

Don't know what you mean by that. Without resorting to metaphors, could you describe to me the technical problem with my imitation of a PVB. I want to understand how and why this is a problem and how it wasn't considered a problem when originally installed.

Quoted from "Wet_Boots"

Are you on flat ground? If there is any slope, is it downhill away from the house?

Most of my property pitches gently away from the house. No abrupt changes in elevation anywhere. It would appear that the imitation PVB is elevated higher than any point on my property but I don't know how to tell that for 100% certain. I could always make a quick video and post the link if you think that would be helpful.

Quoted from "Wet_Boots"

Are all of the sprinklers popup sprays or rotors, installed with their tops even with the grade?

Most are popup rotors, two are popup sprays. Don't know how to determine if they are even with grade. Are you talking relative to the ground they are buried in, or relative to a certain reference point.

Quoted from "Wet_Boots"

The idea here is that the plumbing correction is installed at the proper elevation. No fudging allowed.

Completely agree, unless of course that means ripping apart my front walkway.

So I still do not understand what needs to be done here (other than the fact that I need a real AVB). What I need is a visual. Does an AVB need to be installed indoors? if not, does the "fakery" need to be simply swapped out with an AVB? I am really getting frustrated here because its obvious you know your stuff and you are not painting a clear enough picture for a simpleton like myself, other than referring to my current configuration as a "fakery"......

If I call my local pro I need to tell them what I want done or else they won't know (or will they?) Being that they winterize my system every year and replace sprinkler heads on occasion wouldn't they have pointed out the "fakery" and recommended a modern solution? If I can't trust a professional company, who can I trust?