I live in Los Angeles CA, and last October I hired a professional to install drip and sprinkler irrigation for my backyard. There were existing anti-siphon valves, but he removed all of those and installed inline Rain Bird valves in a valve box below grade. The whole system is new, new piping, controller, etc.

Well I'm now trying to design a drip/sprinkler system for my front yard so I've started to read all the tutorials I can find. What I have found is that this guy did not install any backflow device on my system.

From what I can tell, the main line from the water meter comes from the street to the front of there house. There he tapped into that line with 3/4" PVC and that runs straight underground to the valves. That's it. There is no PVB or some other means to prevent backflow.

Am I crazy here? Everything I read said this is required by all the city codes. What's worse, my backyard is actually somewhat elevated from where PVC taps into my main water so I'm pretty sure there's potential for backflow no?

Anyways, it looks like I'm going to have to install one and I'm debating on whether I should be installing a pressure vacuum-breaker type or go for the reduced pressure backflow assembly? The only reason I'm debating it is the huge cost difference between these two. I have a ~4ft elevated terrace level in my backyard which doesn't have any irrigation yet, but I do want to potentially run something there in the future. I don't know if I should get the PVB given that I can't really raise it high enough to be above that level. Maybe if I expand in the future I'd have to install a second PVB up there on that level?

 

...and what did the so-called professional have to say about this?

 

Nothing I haven't spoken to him. He did the job in October. At that time I knew absolutely zero about irrigation and what is proper vs what isn't.

The past month when I decided to install a new system I started reading guides from Rain Bird, Toro, etc. and that's when I found out.

 

Call your water purveyor, California has some of the most stringent backflow regs in the Country. See if they have a "Cross-Connection Control Specialist." You don't want to throw in anything until you find out the regs in your area. As far as I'm concerned, a Contractor that ignores a would-be health hazard, should have his license pulled, if he even has one! :hammerhead:

 

Majority of the guys i see doing home depot quality work are not c-27 contractors. Backflows, a c-27 needs to be a certified tester and will have their name of company, license number# and certification number listed on a metal tag attached to any approved backflow device. Where this will not apply if a.s.v. are used, however on an inspection, you better be 12 " above your highest output source.

http://www.cslb.ca.gov/

you can file a complaint there, but unless they get nailed by one of the stings, it's rare a non contractor will get busted unless they screw over a lot of people.

In CA, a contractor license number never starts with 0, will not contain any alpha digits and only will be 6 digits. the above link will allow you to do a search via business name also to see if they're legal. I beleive L.A. County has a special division for such things like this where you can file a complaint. I know San FRancisco does, but they're so overwhelmed, only the real bad fly by nighters get busted.

Good Luck
John

 

forget the back flow- did he use PVC or poly!?!?!

 

Thanks for the help guys. I don't think I'm going to immediately report this guy, at least it's not my top priority. I want to get my system configured to work safely to protect the water supply first, then maybe try to contact this guy or the city. I doubt any of the agencies will do much since LA is a huge market and I'm sure they're swamped.

I've been reading whatever I can find for Los Angeles cross connection guidelines. Given my elevation changes I think I'll be installing a reduced pressure backflow assembly. I just need to make sure I'm not neglecting anything before I go through with the install.

 

I've been reading whatever I can find for Los Angeles cross connection guidelines. Given my elevation changes I think I'll be installing a reduced pressure backflow assembly. I just need to make sure I'm not neglecting anything before I go through with the install.

You can't go wrong with an RP, just make sure it's tested upon installation and once a year thereafter. :clapping: There are install regs you should follow and I'd be pouring a pad with a lockable enclosure to prevent theft.

 

Read the codes and get back to us, oh Mayor of Cactus Hug. Your old stomping grounds changed their rules a long time ago, even if the guys entrusted to enforce the rules acted like they never got the memo. :waving:

 

Your old stomping grounds changed their rules a long time ago, even if the guys entrusted to enforce the rules acted like they never got the memo. :waving:

You may be right, it's been a few years. The OP would still be advised to check with his purveyor. :headphones:

 

I'm more in favor of PVBs, based upon the ho-hum enforcement of inspections, not to mention the upkeep of one RPZ will cost more than that of two PVBs.

 

that DCVA acceptance might be "creative enforcement" - but there is a practical aspect to that sort of thing, especially when there isn't the extra supply pressure to support retrofitting with RPZs

 

I hate RPZ's , but they do have their place.

 

In talking my cross-connection buddy up in WA today, he said the State is getting more and more pushy about properties that are hooked to city water and have a well also. It becomes a "Whole Premises Isolation" and a RPZ is demanded at roadside, or the well can be abandoned (pricey, also).

 

We had a well that was not needed, and my well buddy applied for abandonment. The day we were to do it, I could not believe how many "unmarked cars" showed up.

 

Yeah but at least they didn't search me and my truck for contraband.

You mean you dont just cut the casing off below grade cap it and walk away?

Nope.

 

They are pretty serious about multiple source/POC backflow prevention here. Rain water capture, wells, etc. all warrant protection of the municipal supply as well as the other sources.