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RPZs were never that low. Copper became an expensive commodity and device prices jumped up. And there are also the energy costs involved in fabricating brass backflow preventers.
On a side note, why are these things so expensive. While it wasn't the Febco's I was looking at, when I was installing my irrigation system a few years ago, I was looking as Watts equipment at my local Lowe's. I don't recall exact prices, but it seems like a Watts 3/4" Double Check back flow was about $75 and an RPZ was about $85.
RPZs were never that low. Copper became an expensive commodity and device prices jumped up. And there are also the energy costs involved in fabricating brass backflow preventers.
On a side note, why are these things so expensive. While it wasn't the Febco's I was looking at, when I was installing my irrigation system a few years ago, I was looking as Watts equipment at my local Lowe's. I don't recall exact prices, but it seems like a Watts 3/4" Double Check back flow was about $75 and an RPZ was about $85.
I further queried the local companies about high cost of replacing the unit. Turns out the county where I live (St. Louis County) requires that backflow devices be installed by licensed plumbers and that a permit from the county is required to perform the work. Sounds like a scam to me but each of them gave me the same excuse reason.Local companies want ~$625 to provide and install the unit.
If your still needing help, the best thing to do is go down to lowes and by what is called a "Gator Bite" fitting. these are great for homeowner with out a lot of experience with copper. the just push together and your done. They hold great. as far as getting the old one off all you have to do is cut the up right pipe on the discxharge side and spin that peice of copper off, after that hold the male adapter at the house with channel locks and spin the backflow off. That easy