Technical > Home Improvement > Questions about backflow preventer re: inground sprinklers

Questions about backflow preventer re: inground sprinklers

One of my fiancee's friends said it would be $1,500 and I found that hard to believe, since a brand new system can be had for around that price. So, a couple of hundred I can deal with right now.

As to #2, that seems to be my opinion too after some basic reading. Just wanted to get some confirmation.

Edit: thanks!

The actual part costs $35, so $1,465 seems a bit steep for labor, even in New York.

You'll need one of these plumbed into the line that feeds the sprinkler system: »www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/sto···00066100

reply to Jeffrey
When I got my sprinklers put in I got it a year after the City required it. It did add a lot to the price a couple of hundred. I think it's a great idea though. You don't want stuff from your lawn intermingling with your potable water.

I would be very surprised if there are still any places in the US were backflow prevention is not required at all. What typically varies is whether or not you need a double check valve or get by with a simple check valve for inground backflow prevention or how high an above ground anti-syphon valve has to be installed (measured above the highest sprinkler head).

Edit: I'm assuming the most expensive backflow prevention device is the double check valve. Automatic sprinkler valves with integrated backflow prevention (anti-syphon valves for above ground installation) can be bought for as little as $20 with better quality devices starting at $50.

--
Got some spare cpu cycles ? Join Team Helix or Team Starfire!

reply to Jeffrey
If the owner doesn't want to put it in now, you (or he) should get an estimate/quote from a company to do it. Don't rely on the say-so of people on the 'Net! Get a written estimate/quote.

The work doesn't need to be done before the closing, especially this time of year when the system may have already been winterized. In that case, the cost would be applied as an adjustment to the cost of the home (there's a place on the HUD form).

Note that if the price is high, he may offer to split the cost with you. This can be a reasonable compromise, so you should consider it, if offered.

reply to Jeffrey
Good information:

»www.irrigationtutorials.com/revi···2700.htm
--
A is A

reply to Jeffrey
Out my way when I had to get a Certificate of Occupancy the first County Inspector would not give me a COO until I installed one.

I was running 2" PVC and pushing 40 -50 gpm to the Greenhouses and a separate line to the Manufactured home from the well head, independent of the Greenhouses. I recall the Valve cost me around $400+, wholesale, and some PVC fittings. So I am sure your cost will be much less. You can also get Plastic ones, like the ones I used at my other house's irrigation system.

Upon reinspection, the New Inspector did not even want to look at the unit and was more interested in my Fruit Trees and just talk. Go figure.

One thing I learned with the Brass ones, they need good insulation around them and yearly tests or they will burst or crack in the wrong place faster than PVC or other pipe.
--

Darn, its gettin that time to go to Wallymart to gits me picture taken agin.

reply to Bobcat
Thanks for the info everyone. Much appreciated. And yes, the system was winterized recently, so any work I will assume will be done in the spring.

I would consider splitting the cost, absolutely. I'm going to bring it up to my attorney on Monday, see what we can work out.

Jeffery - you might find that the backflow device is required by the water company that serves the home instead either state or local law/ordinance.

The company that services my system each year does a backflow certification that goes to the water company to verify the device is installed and working correctly.
--
At Team Discovery we know how to get more outta that danged 'puter of yours!

reply to Jeffrey
Usually the water authority requires it to be installed on the sprinkler system. The water authority will never check though that I recall and rely on the sprinkler company to do a backflow test and sign off on it. I know at my parent's old house the Great Neck Water Authority required it, but I don't recall my folks getting it retrofited onto the sprinkler system, yet the sprinkler company passed the test every spring when they turned the system on. I wouldn't worry about it personally.

reply to Jeffrey
Odd that backflow wasn't installed. A competent installer would have put one in as code typically requires one to prevent standing water from siphoning into your house drinking water. The fact that one wasn't installed raises the question if something else is missing or not working properly due to installation/design shortcuts.

If the sprinkler system is something you will depend on, you might want to hire a factory (Toro/Rainbird/etc) authorized installer to inspect it.

Many cities require a permit to install underground sprinklers. Installation permits can only be filed by a licensed installer. Also, the water utility may require a separate meter as sewage rate billing is usually determined by water consumption. The separate meter allows the utility to bill only for water used for human consumption. Unfortuantely the utility will bill a separate monthly meter charge which will usually eliminate any spinkler gallonage that would have been billed with a single meter.