SPRINKLER TALK FORUM - You Got Questions, We've Got Answers

If the Washington State building code requires that you don't use a DCVA, I think that seals it. One way to resolve the apparent conflict is to consider sites that have no buildings, like an athletic field. It could also be that there is grandfathering of the old plumbing. I would always recommend toxic-rated backflow preventers, just to be on the safe side.

Here you go. Washington State Building Code. This is given as adopted in 2006 and put into effect in 2007.

603.4.6 Protection from Lawn Sprinklers and
Irrigation Systems.

603.4.6.1 Potable water supplies to systems
having no pumps or connections for pumping
equipment, and no chemical injection or
provisions for chemical injection, shall be
protected from backflow by one of the
following devices:

(1) Atmospheric vacuum breaker

(2) Pressure vacuum breaker

(3) Spill-resistant pressure vacuum breaker

(4) Reduced-pressure backflow preventer

603.4.6.2 Where sprinkler and irrigation
systems have pumps, connections for pumping
equipment, or auxiliary air tanks, or are
otherwise capable of creating back-pressure, the
potable water supply shall be protected by
the following type of device if the backflow
device is located upstream from the source
of back-pressure:

(1) Reduced-pressure backflow preventer

603.4.6.3 Where systems have a backflow
device installed downstream from a potable
water supply pump or a potable water supply
pump connection, the device shall be one of
the following:

(1) Atmospheric vacuum breaker

(2) Pressure vacuum breaker



(3) Spill-resistant pressure vacuum breaker

(4) Reduced-pressure backflow preventer

603.4.6.4 Where systems include a chemical
injector or any provisions for chemical injection,
the potable water supply shall be protected
by the following:

(1) Reduced-pressure backflow preventer

Received a reply from a very pleasant woman in the Washington Department
of HealthOffice
of Drinking Water, Water Quality Section.

I don't get the CD. Not qualified as I don't work in the state.

However, she did provide this information.

"The
assemblies aren’t posted on our website, due to the agreement we have with
USC. However, purveyors that do work in WA that don’t have the list, may
call us and we can refer to the list to verify if assemblies are
approved. Here in WA, purveyors may call me at (360) 236-3042 for
questions regarding whether assemblies are approved or not for use in WA state;
for questions of a technical nature regarding the assemblies, they may contact
our CCC Program Manager, Terri Notestine at (360) 236-3133.

I can tell you that there are PVBs that are approved on the list and the brands
are Ames, Apollo/Conbraco, Febco, Flomatic, Watts and Wilkins. If I have
model #, size, and orientation, I can tell you for certain if a particular
assembly is on the list."


Best I can do

If a PVB will fit, then allow me to recommend a Wilkins 720, as it's construction seems to prevent the sort of failures you can see from parts getting jammed.

I have a 4 zone system, zone 4 continually runs. If I manually run anyother zone 4 still runs (both zones run at the same time) I replaced the zone valves and solenoids new and still have the problem. The pump continually runs with zone 4 stuck on, the only way Ican shut the system off is with switch for the pump. QAny help on this problem will b greately appreciated.

Try disconnecting the number 4 wire from the controller while 4 is stuck on. Does it shut off? If so you have a controller issue or the wire's in the master valve/ pump slot.

If the valve stays on I'd look for a wiring issue. Go out to the valve and see if it's getting power when it's not supposed to.

Did you install the valve backwards?

Debris in the valve?

Solenoid open?

Disconnected wire from # 4, valve still open.Valve in right direction. Switched solenoids between zone #3 and #4. Zone #3 still works and zone still is open. Is it possible there is a problem with the pump pressure switch?

The system was up and running fine. Zone #2 stopped working, so I cleaned the valve and reassemled it, still not working so I replaced # 2 valve with a new valve. Meanwhile I lost the pump prime, after repriming the pump zone #4 would not close.I replaced zone #4 valve and still have the problem.The pump will not shutoff unless I turn the power to the pump off. I completely disconnect the control and the valve is still open. Zones 1,2and 3 work when set manually from the controler, valve 4 also runs with 1,2 and 3.