Hi, I'm a first time poster.
I've been doing some research on how to build a PVB assembly. So far, I know the assembly will be out of 1" Type L, hard copper pipe with brass PVB/valves, and will be connected to pvc mainlines.
I've gotten stuck on a few things:
1) Can I use galvanized pipe instead? I only decided on copper b/c galvanized seemed frowned upon on the plumbing forums, but I've also seen professional assemblies built out of galvanized pipe. Also I'm somewhat worried about residential copper theft which is apparently a not uncommon occurrence. I won't be mixing both.
2) My plan will possibly have two types of unions (for servicing reasons): (1) copper-to-copper and (2) copper-to-pvc; I'm thinking brass compression unions for (1), but what's the best practice for (2)? Also, both will probably be buried.
3) Are soldered joints a bad idea for the buried portion of the assembly? If so, what would I use instead?
4) Are copper fittings universal, or dependent on whether I use 'pipe' vs 'tube', Type K vs L? So for ex., if I go to a big box store will I have to worry about whether I picked the right 1" elbow for the copper I'm using?
5) I live in South Texas where hot is an understatement - It was 81 deg. today
. Will that affect the exposed copper or even the water flowing through it?