[mcw615]

A customer has a Watts 009 backflow preventer. When I turned on the system (hasn't been done this year) after water filled all the pipes, it started to shoot a little stream out of what I believe is called the water outlet/relief?? *center bottom thing on this picture below.

http://www.watts.com/prod_images/hi-res/default.asp?imgId=895

I undid the 4 bolts and took out the center thing, and the o-rings and things are not torn. Any suggestions on how to fix this. I don't have much experience in repairing B.F.P.

Thanks

 

[M L Thomas]

Any suggestions on how to fix this.

Replace it with a FEBCO 825.

We do not repair Watts 009's. We will only replace them due to the difficulties with getting them to stop dripping from the relief valve. If a customer wants one repaired we advise them to contact their plumber as our plumber will no longer try to repair them either. Half the repairs would start dripping again after 1-2 weeks.

They seem to hold up better when they are:
A: Under constant pressure year round
B: Inside

In 23 years we only ever installed 1 009, and had to eat the cost of replacing it after it needing repairs the first 2 years it was up. In our area all contractors have quit using them due to problems and are installing either FEBCO 825's or Wilkins 975's.

 

[Wet_Boots]

I've had generally good luck with Febco 825's, even though I could stand to do without having to disassemble the thing come winterizing time.

 

[mcw615]

so are you saying you have had this problem before and just started to replace the whole unit??

 

[Wet_Boots]

I have one site with an 009 that drips every springtime, when the system is opened, and the dripping stops within a week or two. Definite freeze victim. Cheapskate owner is happy with the temporary drip.

 

[mcw615]

this is not a drip... the two valves are positioned at the top so it's a constant stream that shoots out about 3-5 feet

 

[Wet_Boots]

Water exiting from the top is another matter. Not related to the relief valve.

 

[mcw615]

In the picture, it shows the two valves positioned on the right side with the hole on the bottom.. the way the system is set up at the customers, the two valves are at the top and the hole is to the right therefore it shoots out further vs. 12" from the ground.

It seems there is not enough pressure in the spring to keep it shut.. but I have no idea

 

[Wet_Boots]

I would only mount an 009 as in the photo. Testcocks pointing straight up. Figure that it is freeze-damaged, and work from there. RPZ parts are expensive, and Watts are maybe the most expensive of all.

 

[M L Thomas]

I've had generally good luck with Febco 825's, even though I could stand to do without having to disassemble the thing come winterizing time.

Why do you disassemble them?

 

[Wet_Boots]

I follow the mfr instructions for maintaining the 825's. Water will remain in the relief assembly and in the second check valve. Dissassembly is the one certain way to get every last drop of water out. Besides, it is a chance to find a sticky poppet. And they do get sticky over time.

 

[80824]

If it was a double check it wouldn't be leaking

For that matter, we have the same policy with the double check Watts 709 DC-140.
The replacements parts are extremely expensive, as well as the checks are hard to gain access too. We usually just replace them with a new assembly.

Though we do offer the chance to repair them if they like

 

[M L Thomas]

Wet Boots - Are you winterizing these systems with compressed air then? Just blow thru the device & exercise both ball valves and all 4 test cocks. We do not disassemble them unless there is a problem.

 

[Wet_Boots]

You will not free up sticky poppets with an air compressor. And you will not completely empty the relief section. Look at a Conbraco RPZ, with upward-oriented check valves and a testcock on the relief assembly. That's what the 825 would need to not have any water remaining.

Also, I do some last-minute winterizings with a truck-mounted dinky compressor, and I wouldn't even try blowing through an 825 with the little wheezer.

 

[M L Thomas]

We blow thru 1,000 every fall and do not have to unstick many if any RV poppets in spring.

I reckon we are lucky.

 

[Wet_Boots]

Since no one was testing the Febco devices, stuck poppets weren't obvious to me until I had a broken DCVA that was physically cracked from internal forces and a stuck poppet. Since then, it becomes an inconvenience to follow mfr instructions on the 825's, but it does allow me to observe when the internal parts begin to bind.

 

[M L Thomas]

There's the difference - Our devices are almost all tested annually.

 

[Wet_Boots]

I'm not sure the broken DCVA would have tested bad the year prior to its destructive failure. No problems with seats or discs. Just the poppet binding in its guide.

I expect water quality (hardness) could play a role in the Febco failures.

 

[HokieAg07]

Remove POS Watts and install a quality Febco 825Y or a Wilkins 975XL......

That is SOP for me and my guys, they are not worth the time to try to repair...

 

[Wet_Boots]

I guess the real question is what is involved in the repairs. Myself, I don't trust a body casting once there's been a freeze. Could be the 009 has a replaceable relief-valve seat that can crack.